Physical Science

Properties of Matter

PS-1 Differentiate between weight and mass, recognizing that weight is the amount of gravitational pull on an object.

PS-2 Differentiate between volume and mass. Define density.

PS-3 Recognize that the measurement of volume and mass requires understanding of the sensitivity of measurement tools (e.g., rulers, graduated cylinders, balances) and knowledge and appropriate use of significant digits.

PS-4 Explain and give examples of how mass is conserved in a closed system.

Elements, Compunds, and Mixtures

PS-5 Recognize that there are more than 100 elements that combine in a multitude of ways to produce compounds that make up all of the living and nonliving things that we encounter.

PS-6 Differentiate between an atom (the smallest unit of an element that maintains the characteristics of that element) and a molecule (the smallest unit of a compound that maintains the characteristics of that compound).

PS-7 Give basic examples of elements and compounds.

PS-8 Differentiate between mixtures and pure substances.

PS-9 Recognize that a substance (element or compound) has a melting point and a boiling point, both of which are independent of the amount of the sample.

PS-10 Differentiate between physical changes and chemical changes.

Motion of Objects

PS-11 Explain and give examples of how the motion of an object can be described by its position, direction of motion, and speed.

PS-12 Graph and interpret distance vs. time graphs for constant speed.

Forms of Energy

PS-13 Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.

Heat Energy

PS-14 Recognize that heat is a form of energy and that temperature change results from adding or taking away heat from a system.

PS-15 Explain the effect of heat on particle motion through a description of what happens to particles during a change in phase.

PS-16 Give examples of how heat moves in predictable ways, moving from warmer objects to cooler ones until they reach equilibrium.