Physical Science (6–8)
Thursdays — Period 1 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Room 7
Class Overview
This Physical Science class is designed to prepare middle school students for success in high school science through engaging and foundational topics in chemistry and physics.
Throughout the year, students will explore concepts such as the structure of matter, chemical reactions, motion, forces, energy, waves, and simple machines. These topics help students build a strong understanding of how the physical world works and provide an excellent foundation for future high school science courses.
Learning will go beyond the textbook. Students will participate in experiments and demonstrations completed both in class and occasionally at home, along with activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
While there will be occasional quizzes and tests to help students practice important academic skills for high school, they will be used in moderation. Test preparation will often take place through fun, group-style trivia games to reduce stress and build confidence. I truly believe the best way to learn science is through observation, discussion, experimentation, and hands-on discovery.
Above all, my hope is that students grow not only in their scientific understanding, but also develop a deep curiosity for God’s creation and His intentional design in the world around them.
Coursework + Coursework at Home (Homework)
At Ethos Academy, we offer core classes through a hybrid learning model, which means students will complete coursework at home in addition to in-class instruction. This work helps reinforce concepts learned during class and supports student success throughout the course.
Coursework will primarily be completed in the Physical Science Student Notebook, which serves as the student’s workbook, guided notes, and lab journal.
At-home coursework may include:
• Reading assigned sections from the textbook
• Completing guided notes or review questions in the student notebook
• Studying vocabulary and key concepts
• Preparing for occasional quizzes or tests
• Completing portions of experiments or lab reflections
Students are encouraged to complete assignments thoughtfully and come prepared to participate in class discussions and activities.
Understanding the Curriculum
Our textbook is written to move from big-picture ideas into more detailed explanations, helping prepare students for the way science is taught in high school and beyond.
At times, students may find that some of the details feel challenging—and that is completely normal. Struggling with new material is often part of meaningful learning.
The Physical Science Student Notebook is designed to support students by helping them:
• Focus on the main ideas
• Understand key concepts
• Organize their thinking
• Record lab observations and results
Students are encouraged to do their best, stay curious, and not become discouraged if they do not understand every detail right away.
Classroom Supplies
Please have the following items available for class use:
• Composition notebook (for labs and homework notes)
• Loose-leaf notebook paper in a 3-ring binder
• Mechanical pencils with extra lead
• Colored pencils
• Post-it notes
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
Required Curriculum
1.) Apologia — Exploring Creation with Physical Science (4th Edition) Student Textbook
2.) Apologia — Exploring Creation with Physical Science (4th Edition) Student Notebook
The Student Textbook will be used for reading assignments and class discussions, while the Student Notebook provides guided note-taking pages, vocabulary practice, review questions, and space for recording lab experiments and observations.
Students should bring both the textbook and student notebook to class each week.
Optional: An audiobook version of the textbook is also available and may be a helpful addition for some learners who benefit from listening while following along with the text.
Payment Information
This one-hour course tuition is $240 per semester.
This class is designed as a full-year course covering the entire 32-week Ethos Academy school year.
There is also a $20 materials fee per semester to help cover the cost of lab supplies, experiments, copies, and classroom materials used throughout the course.
The materials fee is collected during the registration period and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please note that this course is not a reimbursable class.
⚠️ Charter Funding Notice: This class includes religious content and is not eligible for charter funding/reimbursement.
Parent Partnership, Student Expectations & Classroom Culture
Middle school is an important season for students to grow in responsibility, organization, and independence, and this class is designed to support that growth. At the same time, strong parent partnership remains essential.
Parent Partnership
Parents play a vital role in encouraging and supporting their middle schoolers as they learn to manage assignments and develop strong study habits. Your encouragement, structure at home, and positive communication about learning make a meaningful difference in your student’s success.
Parents are always welcome to contact me with any questions, concerns, or clarification needed throughout the year.
Student Responsibility
To get the most out of our class time together, students are expected to take ownership of their learning by:
• Writing down all assigned coursework during class
• Completing assigned coursework at home in a timely and thoughtful manner
• Checking our online classroom portal regularly to confirm what is expected to be completed at home
There is never a reason for a student to be unsure of what has been assigned. Between in-class directions, written notes, and online updates, expectations will always be clearly communicated.
Learning to track assignments and follow through is an important life skill, and I am excited to help students build that confidence this year.
Classroom Culture & Expectations
I strive to create a positive, fun, and engaging learning atmosphere in our classroom. At the same time, a strong learning environment requires students to be respectful of one another and focused during instruction.
This means that when I am speaking or giving directions, students are expected to listen attentively, avoid side conversations, and stay on task.
Social time is valued and will be integrated into activities, but it should never take away from learning time.
By working together to keep our classroom focused, respectful, and encouraging, we create a space where every student can learn well, feel supported, and truly enjoy the process.
Contact Information
I am excited to partner with you on your child’s learning journey and am committed to supporting both you and your student throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out anytime via text, phone call, or email with any questions, comments, or concerns.
It is a privilege to walk alongside your family in both learning and growth, and I pray that this year is filled with curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for God’s design in creation.
I look forward to working together to help your student thrive.
Mrs. Nichole Thomas
📞 (925) 784-6783
✉️ [email protected]