Physical Science, 4th Edition
Lesson Plan Overview
Day(s) / Topic / Pages / Support Materials / Bible Integration**Unit 1: Foundations
Chapter 1: Finding Your Way in God’s World
1 / 1A Lose Your Place, Lose Your Life / 4–8 / Help students understand the analogy of a map and science.
Expose students to the Creation-Fall-Redemption model of a Christian worldview. Get them to contrast that with a secular worldview.
2 / Laboratory Exercise 1-1: Laboratory Safety
3 / Laboratory Exercise 1-2: Scientific Reports*
4 / Laboratory Exercise 1-3: Observation and Classification
5 / 1B Science: The Map in Hand / 9–14 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Dispel student misconceptions about what science is and what it is not.
Inspire them to focus on using science correctly as a tool.
6 / 1C Doing Science: The Map in Use / 15–19 / ,Motivate your students to consider God’s calling to be a Christian scientist by highlighting what scientists do.
1D Charting Your Course / 20–25 / Inspire students to view the act of science as ways to love God and love our neighbors.
7 / Chapter 1 Review or Laboratory Exercise 1-4: Inquiring into Scientific Modeling
8 / Chapter 1 Test
Chapter 2: Matter
9–10 / 2A The Particle Model of Matter / 26–34 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about police officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty.
Expose students to examples of how our worldview can influence our point of view on science.
11 / 2B Classification of Matter / 35–41 / Show how man is imitating God when he classifies things and how this is part of the Creation Mandate.
12 / 2C Changes in Matter / 42–45 / Help students reconcile in their minds how God has established the laws of nature but he still does miracles.
Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing the chemical properties of Kevlar vests.
13 / Laboratory Exercise 2-1: Chemical and Physical Changes*
14 / 2D Changes of State / 46–53 / As a matter of interest, mention how creation scientists suspect the Garden of Eden was watered.
15 / Chapter 2 Review
16 / Chapter 2 Test
Chapter 3: Measurements
17 / 3A Scientific Measurements / 54–63 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about settling boundary disputes without physical landmarks.
Show students how measurements can help us fulfill the Creation Mandate.
As a matter of interest, help students understand how the Bible uses many different cubits.
18–19 / 3B Accuracy and Precision in Measuring / 64–70 / Get students to care about accuracy! God’s people, of all people, should be careful to minimize error in measurements.
Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing GPS and measurements.
20 / 3C Calculations with Measurements / 71–72
21 / 3D Measurement of Matter / 73–81 / Discuss with your students why Christians have an ethical responsibility to measure accurately.
22 / Laboratory Exercise 3-1: Measuring*
23 / Laboratory Exercise 3-2: Density* or Chapter 3 Review
24 / Chapter 3 Test
Unit 2: Mechanics
Chapter 4: Mechanics: Kinematics
25 / 4A Introduction to Mechanics / 82–90 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about safely transporting children in cars.
Discuss reference frames and time within the context of the Bible’s truths.
26–27 / 4B Kinematics: Describing Motion / 91–101 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing the development of child crash test dummies.
28 / Chapter 4 Review / Laboratory Exercise 4-1: Yellow Light: Stop or Go?
29 / Chapter 4 Test
Chapter 5: Mechanics: Dynamics
30 / 5A Forces / 102–108 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about developing cities vertically.
31 / 5B Newton’s Laws of Motion / 109–114
32–33 / 5C Gravity and Free Fall / 115–120
34 / Laboratory Exercise 5-1: Center of Gravity*
35 / 5D Momentum / 121–127 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing elevators and how they enable modern cities to develop.
36 / Chapter 5 Review
37 / Chapter 5 Test
Chapter 6: Energy
38 / 6A The Nature of Energy / 128–132 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about the urban heat island effect.
39 / 6B Classification of Energy / 133–139
40 / 6C Energy Conservation / 140–147 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how to reduce the urban heat island effect and to conserve energy in order to be better stewards of God’s creation.
41 / Laboratory Exercise 6-1: Stopping Distances and Kinetic Energy
42 / Chapter 6 Review
43 / Chapter 6 Test
Chapter 7: Work and Simple Machines
44–45 / 7A Work and Mechanical Advantage / 148–155 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about timekeeping, especially when the railroad began to transform people’s lives.
Explore how some of our best machines are imitations of God’s creation.
Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how the Great Clock of Westminster works and helps people.
46 / 7B Levers and the Law of Moments / 156–160 / Help students see how science and logic, though they are useful, cannot ultimately reveal the nature of reality.
Prod students to give examples of levers in God’s Creation.
47 / Laboratory Exercise 7-1: First-Class Levers*
48 / 7C Wheels, Gears, and Pulleys / 161–165 / Laboratory Exercise 7-2: Second- and Third-Class Levers* / Prod students to give examples of wheels in God’s Creation.
49 / 7D Inclined Planes, Wedges, and Screws / 166–171 / Prod students to give examples of inclined planes in God’s Creation.
50 / Laboratory Exercise 7-3: Inclined Planes* or Chapter 7 Review
51 / Chapter 7 Test
Chapter 8: Fluid Mechanics
52–53 / 8A Properties of Fluids / 172–181 / Teacher Demonstration 8-1T: Pressure / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and the lives that were lost.
Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how scientists are working to use fluid pressure to develop a tsunami warning system. Also be sure to mention Tilly Smith, a 10 year old who helped save lives on a beach in Thailand.
54 / Laboratory Exercise 8-2: Buoyancy*
55 / 8B Hydraulics and Fluid Flow / 182–187 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD
56 / 8C Gas Laws / 188–197
57 / Laboratory Exercise 8-3: Charles's Law/Finding Absolute Zero*
58 / Laboratory Exercise 8-4: Boyle's Law or Chapter 8 Review
59 / Chapter 8 Test
Chapter 9: Thermodynamics
60 / 9A Thermal Energy / 198–204 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about exploring renewable energy resources.
When discussing the caloric theory and its problems, ask students the question, “Is faulty science sometimes a result of human depravity rather than human limitation?”
Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing sterling engines as a method of renewable energy generation.
61–62 / 9B Temperature / 205–209
63–64 / 9C Heat (9.10–9.12) / 210–216
65 / Teacher Demonstration 9-1T: Temperature, Heat, and Thermal Energy
66 / 9C Heat (9.13–9.14) / 216–221 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Some students have genuine questions about how entropy could have existed in God’s original perfect world. Help them reconcile these ideas in their minds.
67 / Laboratory Exercise 9-2: Specific Heat*
68 / Chapter 9 Review
69 / Chapter 9 Test
Unit 3: Electromagnetism
Chapter 10: Electricity
70 / 10A Static Electricity and Electric Fields / 222–230 / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about how people in the Middle Ages viewed God and his judgment by lightning.
71 / Laboratory Exercise 10-1: Static Electricity*
72 / 10B Detecting, Transferring, and Storing Charges / 231–235 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing the invention of the lightning rod.
73–74 / 10C Electrical Current and Ohm’s Law / 236–242 / Ask your students, “How has life changed for people since the invention of electricity? Is this a blessing or a curse?”
75 / 10D Electrical Circuits and Safety / 243–249 / Motivate students to see inventions in electrical safety as a way to love their neighbor.
76 / Laboratory Exercise 10-2”: Circuits*
77 / Chapter 10 Review
78 / Chapter 10 Test
Chapter 11: Magnetism
79 / 11A Magnetism and Magnets / 250–258 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about traffic and pollution in big cities.
80 / Laboratory Exercise 11-1: Magnetic Fields and Bar Magnets*
81–82 / 11B Electromagnetism / 259–264
83 / Laboratory Exercise 11-2: Electromagnets*
84 / 11C Using Electromagnetism / 265–273 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing maglev trains and how they can help society.
85 / Chapter 11 Review
86 / Chapter 11 Test
Unit 4: Periodic Phenomena
Chapter 12: Periodic Motion and Waves
87 / 12A Periodic Motion / 278–283 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about very accurately measuring time.
88 / 12B Pendulums / 284–287 / Trigger student thought by asking the question, “How does periodic motion reveal that God values beauty? Think of musical instruments.”
89–90 / 12C Waves / 288–299 / Teacher Demonstration 12-2T: Wave Phenomena / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how atomic clocks use periodic motion.
91 / Teacher Demonstration 12-1T: Waves
92 / Chapter 12 Review
93 / Chapter 12 Test
Chapter 13: Sound
94–95 / 13A The Science of Sound / 300–309 / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about helping buildings survive earthquakes.
96 / Teacher Demonstration 13-1T: Properties of Sound
97 / 13B The Human Voice and Hearing / 310–313 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD
98–99 / 13C Applications of Sound / 314–325 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how people can use knowledge of geologic sounds to retrofit buildings to withstand earthquakes.
100 / Chapter 13 Review
101 / Chapter 13 Test
Chapter 14: Electromagnetic Energy
102 / 14A Electromagnetic Waves / 326–333 / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about saving people’s lives through cancer treatment.
103 / Laboratory Exercise 14-1: Frequency and Energy in the EM Spectrum
104–105 / 14B Electromagnetic Spectrum / 334–342 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how radiotherapy is used to treat cancer.
106 / 14C Radio-Frequency Technology / 343–351 / Stimulate student discussion about RFID technology and the mark of the Beast mentioned in Revelation.
107 / Chapter 14 Review
108 / Chapter 14 Test
Chapter 15: Light and Optics
109–110 / 15A Visible Light and Its Sources / 352–360 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about reducing the need for major exploratory surgeries.
Trigger student discussion by asking the question, “How can a young-earth creationist explain the distance of some of the galaxies?
111 / 15B The Nature of Color / 361–363
112 / 15C Reflection and Mirrors / 364–367
113 / Laboratory Exercise 15-1: Virtual Images*
114–115 / 15D Refraction and Lenses / 368–377 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing the use of fiber optics in endoscopies.
116 / Laboratory Exercise 15-2: Lenses*
117 / Chapter 15 Review
118 / Chapter 15 Test
Unit 5: The Structure of Matter
Chapter 16: The Atom
119–120 / 16A The Atomic Model / 378–388 / Teacher Demonstration 16-1T: Flame Tests / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about saving people from deaths and injuries in house fires.
Ask students, “From a biblical worldview, what is the ultimate fate of the matter on the earth today?”
121–122 / 16B The Orderly Atom / 389–396 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD
123–124 / 16C The Nuclear Atom / 397–407 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing how smoke detectors use radioactive decay.
Help students unravel the assumptions behind radioactive dating methods.
125 / Laboratory Exercise 16-2: Radioactive Decay*
126 / Chapter 16 Review
127 / Chapter 16 Test
Chapter 17: Elements and the Periodic Table
128 / 17A A Brief History of the Elements / 408–414 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about pollution from automobiles.
129 / 17B The Periodic Table / 415–421 / Laboratory Exercise 17-1: Elements / Reinforce with students how classifying is an important facet of dominion.
130–131 / 17C Classes of Elements / 422–430 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing fuel cell technology in automobiles.
132 / Laboratory Exercise 17-2: Metals and Nonmetals*
133 / 17D Periodic Trends / 431–435
134 / Chapter 17 Review
135 / Chapter 17 Test
Unit 6: Introduction to Chemistry
Chapter 18: Bonding and Compounds
136 / 18A Principles of Bonding / 436–443 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about relieving people’s pain.
137–138 / 18B Covalent Bonds / 444–451 / Laboratory Exercise 18-2: Compounds / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussinghow covalent compounds can relieve pain.
139 / 18C Ionic Bonds / 452–455
140 / 18D Metallic Bonds / 456–461
141 / Laboratory Exercise 18-1: Identifying Bond Types*
142 / Chapter 18 Review
143 / Chapter 18 Test
Chapter 19: Chemical Reactions
144–145 / 19A Compounds and Chemical Formulas / 462–471 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Kick off the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about knocking in gasoline car engines.
Don’t let naming compounds be a useless exercise! Help students find meaning in this work by discussing how naming compounds is important for dominion.
146 / 19B Chemical Changes / 472–476
147 / 19C Types of Chemical Reactions / 477–483 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing chemicals called anti-knocking agents in gasoline.
148 / Teacher Demonstration 19-1T: Chemical Reactions
149 / Chapter 19 Review
150 / Chapter 19 Test
Chapter 20: Mixtures and Solutions
151 / 20A Heterogeneous Mixtures / 484–489 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Begin the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about the worldwide need for fresh water.
Stimulate student discussion by asking, “Can an evolutionist make valuable scientific discoveries?”
152–153 / 20B Homogeneous Mixtures: Solutions / 490–499
154 / Laboratory Exercise 20-1: Mixtures*
155 / 20C Solution Concentration / 500–509 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing desalination as part of the solution to worldwide water needs.
156 / Laboratory Exercise 20-2: Phase Changes in Solutions*
157 / Chapter 20 Review
158 / Chapter 20 Test
Chapter 21: Acids, Bases, and Salts
159–160 / 21A Acids and Bases / 510–519 / See Physical Science Support Materials CD / Open the chapter by discussing the dominion science problem about indigestion.
161 / 21B Salts / 520–522 / Tie in the opening dominion science problem here by discussing antacids.
162 / 21C Acidity and Alkalinity / 523–531
163 / Laboratory Exercise 21-1: pH of Common Solutions*
164 / Chapter 21 Review
165 / Chapter 21 Test
* This investigation is included on the Physical Science Lab DVD.
** Some of the Bible Integration topics are covered in the Teacher’s Edition margin notes and are not directly covered in the student text.