COURSE OVERVIEW
Part II of II: The second semester of our study of Physical Science. The focus of this semester is Introductory Physics and a research paper using Exploring Creation with Physical Science (3rd Edition).
For students that are not planning on completing experiments and lab reports, coursework is added from Creator and Creation. Creating a science fair project with Janice VanCleave's A+ Science Fair Projects is also offered as an alternative to the research paper. Carefully read the course notes before ordering your books and materials to determine which version of this course your student will be pursuing: With Lab, Without Lab Option 1, or Without Lab Option 2.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Basic information about the books and materials for this course follows; see your Academic Packet or STAA Study Guide for full ordering details and commentary about each resource.
A portion of every purchase made on Amazon after following the links here goes to help support St. Thomas Aquinas Academy's work. Thank you so very much for thinking of STAA when placing your book and general Amazon orders.
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STAA Study Guide: Physical Science IB and IIB
Single-subject booklet that includes the study guides for two semesters of science.
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Exploring Creation with Physical Science 3rd Edition Set
This is a bundle of "Exploring Creation with Physical Science Textbook 3e" (ISBN: 9781946506511) and "Exploring Creation with Physical Science Solutions 3e and Test Manual 3e" (ISBN: 9781946506528). Be sure that all books are the THIRD EDITION if you purchase the parts of this bundle separately. The THIRD EDITION is not compatible with previous editions.
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Colored Pencils (Prismacolor 24 Color Pencil Set recommended)
Art and science assignments often call for colored pencils. Students will need at least the colors of the rainbow, black, gray, and white. Any brand or pack of colored pencils will do. Pencil texture, number of colors, and price make the Prismacolor set of pencils our favorite.
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Plastic Folder/Report Cover with prongs for 3-hole punched paper
Available at any office supply store. The Amazon link here is to provide an image of the type of folder to look for. Only one folder is needed for the semester.
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Available as a download from the STAA Student Zone. Log in with your username and password to look for it in the APPENDIX OF FORMS.
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There are online resources such as weekly reading quizzes, special downloads, advisor support through the Q & A forum, occasional slide shows or videos, and more for this course. To activate your student's online access, 1) submit the Course Registration form after your annual planning appointment, 2) register for the live class, or 3) register for the "Independent Study with Online Support Option." After completing one of the registration options, students (and teaching-parents) may use their usernames and passwords to sign into the member site. The STAA Student Zone is available each school year from August 1 to July 15.
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OPTIONAL RESOURCE
Creator and Creation, 3rd Edition
Nihil Obstat; 119 pages; 4 part discussion; annotated bibliography, appendix (includes John Paul II on evolution), index. From the publisher's website: "This book allows another choice to the Creationism-Darwinism dilemma. The Catholic Church has wisely refrained from endorsing any particular scientific theory about these matters, but She does teach the unity of truth, and that is the emphasis here. This book carries a Nihil Obstate and an Imprimatur which means it has nothing contrary to Catholic teaching." St. Thomas Aquinas Academy uses this title and Christopher Baglow's "Faith, Science, and Reason" in multiple high school science courses.
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OPTIONAL RESOURCE
Janice VanCleave's A+ Science Fair Projects
This easy-to-follow guide gives an informative introduction to the science fair process for middle and high school students. It also includes thirty-five complete starter projects on various topics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. 160 pages.
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OPTIONAL RESOURCE
Spring Live Class: Physical Science IIB
Small-group, advisor-led live online class for students in Grades 8 through 12 that meets every other academic week of the second semester. Advisor grading of assignments is also available for students registered for this live class.
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