Unit 5 - Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Now that we have learned about the basic composition and properties of matter, we are going to take a closer look at the fundamental particles that make up all matter -- atoms. We will first examine the subatomic particles that make up atoms and briefly review the history of the model of the atom. Next, we will compare and contrast the structure of neutral atoms, ions, and isotopes. Throughout the unit we will utilize and learn the usefulness of a fundamental tool of chemistry -- the periodic table -- and how it can be used to predict the structure as well as the physical and chemical properties of elements.

Instruction will be a mix of direct instruction supplemented by short video lessons, power point presentations, worksheets and a class activity. A GOOD COPY OF A PERIODIC TABLE IS REQUIRED. Click here to see a good periodic table. It is in color. Print a copy and keep it handy.

SPS2: Students will investigate the current understanding of the atom.

SPS4: Students will investigate the arrangement of the Periodic Table to
a. Determine the trends of the following:

• number of valence electrons
• types of ions formed by representative elements
• location of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids

SPS4b. Use the Periodic Table to predict the above properties for representative elements.

Assignment 1: Mini-lecture. The Periodic Table and the Structure of Atoms. Take notes, then complete the exercises on the Atoms and the Periodic Table worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet).

Click here for the power point version of the mini-lecture.

The following videos will help you review what you learned.





Assignment 2: Project -- Periodic Table Basics. This is a class activity. You will work together in small groups of 3-4 students to make a poster and then answer questions about the Periodic Table. Follow the instructions on the handout (provided).

Assignment 4: Mini-lecture -- Metals, Non-metals, Metelloids and Noble Gases. Take notes and participate in class discussion.


Assignment 5: Mini-lecture -- Neutral Atoms, Ions, and Isotopes. Take notes. Participate in class discussion.

Assignment 6: Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds and the Periodic Table. -- mini-lecture. Take notes. Participate in class discussion.

Review what you learned about chemical bonds by watching these short videos:






Practice quiz: (handout)

Quiz: Atoms and the Periodic Table. Quiz requires being able to use the Periodic Table to answer questions about the structure of the atom, valence electrons, and the formation of neutral atoms, ions, and isotopes. It will also include predicting the chemical properties an atom, including what type of bonds it can form, based on its position in the Periodic Table.

Unit 3 - More about Matter

We were introduced to matter in Unit 2 where we learned of the various states of matter and some the physical changes that they undergo. In this unit we continue our study by focusing on additional physical properties of matter as well as some chemical properties of matter. We will learn to classify matter as either a pure substance or a mixture and be able to distinguish a physical change in matter from a chemical change. Finally, we will study the physical and chemical properties of a form of matter called a solution, concentrating and two solutions in particular-- acids and bases.

Lessons will be a combination of power point presentations, video lessons, and mini-lectures, accompanied by appropriate worksheets. After you complete each assignments, take some time to review what you have learned, especially the information on the worksheets.

SPS2: Students will explore the nature of matter, its classifications, and its systems for naming types of matter.

Assignment 1: Power Point -- What is Matter. Take notes. (click here to access power point)

Assignment 2: Now with help of your notes and your textbook (glossary), complete the definitions of the terms in Part 1 of the Properties of Matter worksheet. (click here to see worksheet)

Assignment 3: Video: Watch the following short video below summarizing "Physical vs. Chemical Properties of Matter." Complete Part 2 of the Properties of Matter worksheet as you go.



Assignment 4: Video: watch the video below on the "Physical vs. Chemical Changes in Matter." Complete part 3 of the Properties of Matter worksheet as you watch the video.



Lab: Physical vs. Chemical Change. We will do this demonstration as a class. Be prepared to discuss what you observed during the lab.

Unit Quiz: (paper) Properties of Matter, covers all that we have learned in this unit including how to recognized both physical and chemical properties of matter, the difference between physical and chemical change. Be able to calculate density.

End-of-Course Extra Credit

Now that we are at the end of the course, we just finished our unit on electricity. If, for some reason, you are not satisfied with your class grade, here is an extra credit project that can add points to you final class grade. Build a lemon battery. It will take a little time and money (you have to buy the lemons etc.), but it will be worth it. Follow the instructions in the video below.
Build your battery, show that it works, add 5 points to your final class grade.



To buy a low-voltage LED, try Farm Electric Inc. at 1045 Baxter Street. phone # 706-543-5280.

Week 8 - Electricity and Magnetism

Earlier we studied the structure of the atom and discovered that all atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons. In this unit we will study an interesting property of electrons -- they can flow from one atom to another. We call this flow electricity. We will explore the of electricity and its inseparable connection with another property of matter - magnetism.

Instruction will be a mix of mini-lectures with "show and tells," and video lessons coupled with class discussion and two lab activities.

Specific lessons:

Assignment 1: To introduce the topic of electricity, we will view the short video below entitled "Electricity." Use the information from the video to help define any applicable vocabulary terms you see listed in the Electricity and Magnetism - vocabulary worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet)



Assignment 2: Ohm's Law - mini lecture. Take notes. Continue to complete appropriate definitions to your vocabulary worksheet. Be prepared to discuss what you have learned.

If you miss the mini-lecture, watch the following video version of the lecture entitled "Ohm's Law."



Assignment 3: Series vs. Parallel Circuits -- mini lecture. Take notes and draw any diagrams. Continue to add appropriate definitions to your vocabulary worksheet.

Review what you learned by watching the video version of the lecture on series and parallel circuits.



Lab Activity: Circuits. Materials to build circuits will be provided.

Assignment 4: Direct Current vs. Alternating Current - mini lecture. Take notes. Be prepared to discuss what you have learned. Continue to add the appropriate definitions to your vocabulary worksheet.

Lab Activity: Build a Battery. Battery kits and instructions will be provided.

Quiz: This will be an "open book" quiz. You may use any notes you have taken as well as anything written on your Electricity and Magnetism - vocabulary worksheet. Click here to view a copy of the quiz.

Assignment 5: Magnetism -- min lecture. Take notes. Be prepared to discuss what you have learned.

Watch the following short video on electro-magnetism.



Assignment 6: Electromagnetic Induction - mini lecture. Take notes.

Watch the following video on electromagnetic induction.



Assignment 7: Motors and Generators -- mini lecture. Take notes, then watch video (below) by the same title.

Review by watching the following video on motors and generators.



Quiz: Unit quiz on everything you learned about electricity and magnetism. Review by studying you vocabulary and watching the short video that accompanies each lesson. Quiz will cover static electricity vs. current, direct current vs. alternating current, Ohm's Law including problems, Magnets, Electromagnetic Induction and how electromagnetic induction is used to create motors and generators.

Unit 10 - Work, Power, and Simple Machines

In this unit we are going to continue our study of the motion of objects by learning how machines help us move objects. In the process we will learn what is meant by "work" and how machines make doing work easier.

Most of our instruction will be video lessons and worksheets, supplemented by direct instruction and class discussion.

SPS8e: Calculate amounts of work and mechanical advantage using simple machines.

Specific assignments:

Assignment 1: (Class Activity) Watch two short videos on "Simple Machines". Take notes, and answer the questions on the Simple Machines worksheet which includes copies of the questions to the Video Quiz given at the end of each of the videos. (Click here to see worksheet)





Assignment 2: Mechanical Advantage -- mini lecture. Take notes and then complete the appropriate problems on the Work, Power, and Simple Machines worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet)

Watch this video on how to see how to calculate the Mechanical Advantage of a pulley.



Click here to view power point presentation that summarizes how to calculate the Mechanical Advantage (MA) of simple machines.

Assignment 3: Work, Power, and Efficiency - mini lecture. Take notes and complete appropriate problems in the Work, Power, and Simple Machines worksheet.

Here is a good description of what we mean by "WORK." Watch this video. Write down the formula for work.



Click here to view power point version of the mini-lecture explaining how to calculate Work, Power and the Efficiency of a machine. Take notes and complete the problems in the worksheet that apply.

Quiz: Work. Power, and Simple Machines. Quiz will include some calculations. Formulas will be provided.

Unit 11 -- Energy Transformations and Heat

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be transferred and transformed from one form to another. In this unit we will take a close look at those energy transformations and transfers. To begin we will identify the various kinds of energy transformations that can occur in the real world. Next we will focus specifically on one form of energy -- thermal energy and how it relates to temperature and heat. In the process we will be given a brief explanation of how thermal energy and temperature relate to molecular motion. Then we will examine how thermal energy can be transferred as heat from one place to another through processes we call conduction, convection, and radiation. finally, we will learn about heat capacity and how to calculate the "heat capacity" of a substance using its mass, temperature and a property called "specific heat."

Instruction will primarily be on this blog. The Blog lessons will be supplemented with some direct instruction and reinforced by worksheets, class discussion, and, where ever appropriate, some practice problems.

SPS7: Students will relate transformations and flow of energy within a system.
a. Identify energy transformations within a system
b. Investigate molecular motion as it relates to thermal energy changes in terms of conduction, convection, and radiation.
c. determine the heat capacity of a substance using mass, specific heat, and temperature.
d. explain the flow of energy in phase changes through the use of a phase diagram.

Assignment 1: Energy and Energy Transformation - mini lecture. Click here to view the power point version of the lecture. Afterwords, complete the practice problems on the Energy Transformation worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet)

Click here to recap the Law of Conservation of Energy and Energy Transformations.

Assignment 2: Energy Transformation Project. Click here to for directions.

Assignment 3: Thermal Energy, Temperature, and Heat - mini lecture. Take notes and complete appropriate sections of the Thermal Energy worksheet as you go. (Click here to see worksheet) Click here to view the power point version of the lecture.

Click here to review the definition of TEMPERATURE.
Click here to review the definition of HEAT.

Assignment 4: Heat Transfer -- mini lecture. Take notes and answer appropriate problems in the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Click here for a video version of the lecture on Heat Transfer.

Then watch and take notes on the following video entitled "Heat Transfer."



Assignment 5: Conductors vs. Insulators -- mini lecture. Take notes and answer appropriate problems on the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Click here for a power point version of the lecture.
Click here to see a demonstration of conductors vs. insulators.

Assignment 6: Specific Heat Capacity-- mini-lecture. Take notes. Participate in class discussion. Complete applicable problems on the Thermal Energy worksheet.

Review what you learned about specific heat capacity by watching the following video entitled "Specific Heat Capacity."



Test: Energy transformations, heat and temperature. (covers what we learned about heat, temperature, energy transformations, heat transfer, specific heat, and phase diagrams. Some calculation will be required. Formulas will be provided.)

Unit 9 - Motion of Objects

All matter is acted upon by a variety of forces. Motion results when the forces acting upon an object are unbalanced. In this unit we will examine how all objects in the universe move and obey Newton's Laws of Motion and respond to the universal forces of friction and gravity.

Instruction will be a combination of direct instruction and video lessons supplemented with appropriate worksheets.

SPS8: Students will determine relationships among, force, mass, and motion.
a. Calculate velocity and acceleration.
b. Apply Newton's three laws to everyday situations by explaining the following:

• Inertia
• Relationships between force, mass, and acceleration
• Equal and opposite forces

c. Relate falling objects to gravitational force.
d. Explain the difference between mass and weight.

Specific Assignments:

Assignment 1: Watch the video below entitled "Newton's Laws of Motion" which explains the difference between speed, velocity, acceleration and momentum and how they relate to Newton's Laws of Motion. Complete the worksheet entitled "The Motion of Objects" as you go. Pay particular attention to formulas. (Click here to see worksheet)



Assignment 2: Apply what you have learned about the motion of objects so far to complete the following worksheets. The first is entitled Speed, Velocity, Acceleration and Momentum and the second is What Law is it? (Click here to see worksheet on Speed... and click here to see worksheet on Newton's Laws.)

Assignment 3: All about Gravity -- mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion.

Click here to view video version of the mini-lecture

Assignment 4: PE (potential energy) v.s. KE (kinetic energy) -- mini - lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion. Then complete worksheet on PE, KE, and Gravity.

Click here to recap what we learned about PE (Potential Energy)
Click here to review what we learned about KE (Kinetic Energy).

Quiz: Motion of Objects. Will include pertinent vocabulary, knowledge of Newton's Laws of Motion, gravity, and how motion and gravity help define PE (potential energy) and KE (kinetic energy). Formulas will be provided. Simple calculations will be required.