In this year-long class, we will learn how to use the language of science to explain the exciting world around us! We will start the course by learning how scientists use the scientific method to answer questions about everything from the theory of gravity to how flies can walk on the ceiling! When we are comfortable with the language and process of science, we will discuss matter, what it’s made of, and the awesome changes it can undergo. All of the matter on earth can be characterized down to the level of an atom! That sounds complicated but after we get a better understanding of subatomic particles, elements and the periodic table you will have a new perspective of the world around you! After we understand matter, we will explore motion, force, work and energy! We will finish the course by exploring phenomena that we cannot touch like sound, light, electricity, and magnetism! This course will use CK-12 Physical Science for Middle School, which can be accessed for free online.
Instructor: Andrew Gipson
Instructor Bio: Dr. Andrew Gipson is a biochemist and instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. His love of science grew from spending time as a child in zoos and aquariums, hiking with his dad, and exploring pond scum under a microscope. He has been tutoring chemistry, biology, algebra, and other subjects since high school, and enjoys volunteering with the reptiles and touch tank critters at the Sciencenter. Outside of teaching science, he enjoys playing music and birdwatching.
Required Materials: pencil; notebook and folder or looseleaf notebook
