1. Physical Science Teaching Notes
Leigh Crosson
2011

2. “Big Ideas” in Physical Science – Overview
Properties of Matter Changes in Matter Forms of Energy Energy Transfers Force and Motion

3. Properties of Matter
All objects and substances in the world are made of matter. Matter has two fundamental properties: matter takes up space and matter has mass.
Objects and substances can be classified by their physical and chemical properties.
Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an object. Weight, on the other hand, is the measure of force of attraction (gravitational force) between an object and Earth.

4. Changes in Matter Matter can undergo a variety of changes.
Matter can be changed physically or chemically.

5. Forms of Energy
A. Energy is involved in all physical processes and is a unifying concept in many areas of science.
B. Energy exists in many forms and has the ability to do work or cause a change.

6. Energy Transfer and Transformations
A. Waves involve a transfer of energy without a transfer of matter.
B. Water and sound waves transfer energy through a material.
C. Light waves can travel through a vacuum and through matter.

7. Motion of Objects
A. Motion is a key characteristic of all matter that can be observed, described, and measured.
B. The motion of objects can be changed by forces.

8. Forces and Changes in Motion
A. It takes energy to change the motion of objects.
B. Energy change is understood in terms of forces--pushes or pulls.
Some forces act through physical contact, while others act at a distance.

9. Investigations vs. Experiments
An investigation is a procedure that is carried out to gather data about an object or event.
An experiment is a procedure you carry out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis.

10. Scientific Experiment

11. Session 2 - Matter Matter - takes up space and has mass
Measuring Matter
States of Matter
Changes in Matter

12. Measuring Matter Mass - the amount of matter in an object (balance)
Volume - amount of space an object takes up
Density - measure of mass per unit of volume (M/V)

14. Changes in Matter
Physical Changes - usually a change of shape, size, or state. No new matter, no new properties.
Chemical Changes - New properties, often a change in color or temperature. Often produces a new gas or solid.

15. Session 3 - Energy Energy - The ability to cause a change
Forms of Energy
Transformation and Changes
Energy, Force, and Motion

16. Forms of Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy

17. Potential Energy - Stored Energy
Chemical Energy
Elastic Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential Energy

18. Chemical Energy The nutrients in the banana are
chemicals which are stored
In the food.
The chemicals in the battery that powers
the clock are an example of stored energy

19. Elastic Potential Energy
The arrow has potential energy
due to the elastic nature of the bow.

20. Gravitational Potential Energy
The coaster car has potential
energy due to its height above the ground.

21. Kinetic Energy - The Energy of Motion
Electrical Energy
Light Energy
Heat Energy
Sound Energy
Motion Energy

22. Transfer of Energy Energy cannot be created nor destroyed.
Energy can change from one form to another.
The source of all energy on earth is the sun.

23. Examples of Energy Transfers
Electrical to sound and light
Electrical to heat
Elecrical to mechanical
Solar to electrical

24. Session 4 – Forces and Motion
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Newton’s Laws of Motion

25. Forces Force - a push or a pull Balanced vs. Unbalanced forces
Ever present forces - gravity, friction, magnetism
Applied forces

26. Balanced Forces - The forces are equal and opposite in direction
Balanced Forces - The forces are equal and opposite in direction. There is no motion.

27. Unbalanced Forces - Causes Motion

28. Motion - The result of Unbalanced Forces
Newton’s 1st Law - Law of Inertia
Newton’s 2nd Law - Law of Momentum
Newton’s 3rd Law - Law of Action / Reaction

30. Newton’s Second Law of Motion
An object with more mass will require more force to begin its motion and/or to stop the motion.

31. Newton’s Third Law of Motion
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

32. Resources The Handy Science Answer Book Physics for Children
The Science Yellow Pages for Students and Teachers
Clipart.com