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 5 brings science alive by providing students a combination of virtual lab investigations (with options for hand-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 matter, organisms, ecosystems, the earth’s systems, and the earth’s place in the universe. 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 all labs are available:

• Science Notebook (required)
• pencil or pen (required)
• 4 tablespoons salt (optional)
• 2 tablespoons baking soda (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional)
• water (optional)
• spoon (optional)
• 6 plastic cups (optional)
• 1/4 cup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (optional)
• vinegar (optional)
• marker or pen (optional)
• 1-2 ice cubes (optional)
• black paper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon powdered drink mix or sugar (optional)
• butter knife (optional)
• 2 shallow bowls (optional)
• 1 package celery stalk, lettuce or bok choy
• 1 cup soil (optional)
• 5-6 drops food coloring (optional)
• 3 plastic plates (optional)
• 1 balloon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (optional)
• notebook paper (optional)

 

*Students may also keep a digital Science Notebook.

Students perform experiments, develop scientific reasoning, and recognize science in the world around them. They build a model of a watershed, test how cell membranes function, track a hurricane, and analyze the effects gravity.

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.