The Summit Physical Science program introduces students to many aspects of the physical world, focusing first on chemistry and then on physics. The course provides an overview of the physical world and gives students tools and concepts to think clearly about matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, motion, force, momentum, work and machines, energy, waves, electricity, light, and other aspects of chemistry and physics. Among other subjects, students study the structure of atoms; the elements and the Periodic Table; chemical reactions; forces, including gravitational, motion, acceleration, and mass; and energy, including light, thermal, electricity, and magnetism.

Science 4 E1  brings science alive by providing students a combination of virtual lab investigations (with options for hands-on learning), interactive lessons, and an array of e-books that capture students’ attention and grow their interest in science. Students engage in science and engineering practices as they explore topics such as weather, climate, earth’s place in the universe, organisms, ecosystems, waves, information transfer, motion, and forces. Throughout the course, students conduct investigations using digital tools and simulations. Some labs also include alternative investigations that use household materials.

This course calls for the following household materials, though they are optional, since digital versions of most labs are available. Other times, students will design their own investigation and choose their own household materials:

· Science Notebook (required)*

· pencil or pen (required)

· crayons or markers (optional)

· notebook paper (optional)

· pot (optional)

· pot holders (optional)

· ice cubes (optional)

· stove (optional)

· string or twine (optional)

· instrument, string (optional)

· water (optional)

· large plastic tub or bathroom sink (optional)

· plastic object or toy that floats, like a rubber ducky

· 1 rock or stone (1inch in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (2 inches in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (3 inches in size) (optional)

· large plastic tubs or containers (optional)

· clear glass (optional)

· plastic cup (optional)

· flashlight (optional)

· piece of wood or wooden surface (optional)

· mirror (optional)

· prism (optional)

· tap water (optional)

· magnifying glasses (optional)

· drinking glasses (optional)

· can, aluminum (optional)

· hand drum or appropriate substitute (optional)

· tape (optional)

· coin (optional)

· scissors (optional)

· stopwatch (optional)

· meterstick (optional)

· ball (optional)

· bat, or other long-handled implement (optional)

*Students may also keep a digital Science Notebook.

Students develop scientific reasoning and perform hands on experiments in Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences. They construct an electromagnet, identify minerals according to their properties, use chromatography to separate liquids, and assemble food webs.

This Earth Science course builds on the natural curiosity of students. By connecting them to the beauty of geological history, the amazing landforms around the globe, the nature of the sea and air, and the newest discoveries about our universe, it gives students an opportunity to relate to their everyday world.

This Life Science course invites students to investigate the world of living things by reading, observing, and experimenting with aspects of life on earth. Students explore an amazing variety of organisms, the complex workings of the cell, the relationship between living things and their environments, and discoveries in the world of modern genetics. Practical, hands-on lesson activities help students discover how scientists investigate the living world.