+ Science

(four 45-minute periods per week)

PACE: Physical and Chemical Explorations is a course designed to introduce students to the exciting world of chemistry, physics, and robotics, both at the lab bench and in the world around them. This discovery-based course focuses on physical science topics, such as motion and forces, density and buoyancy, physical and chemical changes, and matter and atomic theory. The course emphasizes experimental and engineering design and challenges students to think deeply about the kinds of questions that can be answered experimentally. Like scientists, students are problem solvers, designing their own experiments to answer questions. For example: How does changing the size of a balloon affect the distance a balloon car can travel? Students work collaboratively to collect and analyze data in order to draw conclusions based on their qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Students learn how to use a variety of measurement tools, as well as how to apply the rules of significant digits in reporting and calculating with measurements. Students analyze and interpret data, make various types of graphs, and complete a variety of creative projects. The students also learn how to communicate their ideas effectively in different formats. They develop skills in crafting data-driven arguments both in writing (analytical lab reports) and in oral, multimedia presentations (scientific symposia).