In view of the scope and
sequence of this course, the following student learning outcomes have been identified.
These outcomes will be assessed during in-class discussion and on examinations.
Numbers in parentheses identify competencies established by the State
Department of Public Instruction for Middle Grades Education majors.
Students shall:
A. Understand the relationships between
matter, energy, and motion. 1. List the International System units of measure for length, mass,
volume, time, and force; and apply the basic metric system prefixes to these
measurements. 2. Define mechanics, vector and scalar quantities, speed,
velocity, acceleration, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, power, and
momentum; and calculate any of these when given sufficient data. 3. State Newton's three laws of motion and use each to analyze the
implications for objects at rest or in motion. (Physics 31) 4. Discuss the differences between nuclear fusion and nuclear
fission reactions, and characterize each as to changes in mass, atomic
structure, and radiation. (Physics 29) 5. List and describe the properties of waves and waveforms and
compare and contrast electromagnetic radiation with sound. (Physics 33) 6. Explain and interpret heat, temperature,
specific heat, heat capacity, entropy, plasma, latent heat of fusion, latent
heat of vaporization, and the laws of thermodynamics. (Physics 29) 7. Differentiate between conductors and
insulators, super conductor and semiconductor, AC and DC current, series and
parallel circuits, a motor and a generator, and other technological devices.
(Physics 30, 32, 34)
B. Understand the macro- and microscopic composition of matter.
1. Describe the general structure of an atom
and distinguish between the electromagnetic, gravitational, and nuclear forces
that bind the atom together. (Chemistry 13, 14)
2. Identify the relationships between atomic
structure, atomic mass, atomic number, periodic ordering, and chemical bonding.
(Chemistry 15)
3. Define compounds, mixtures, molecules,
ions, solutions, colloids, and exothermic, endothermic, activation energy,
equilibrium, and electrochemistry. (Chemistry 17, 18)
4. Define organic chemistry and relate its
nomenclature and structure to the various classes of organic compounds such as
aliphatic, aromatic, and the major biochemical compounds.
5. Utilize chemical symbols to construct, balance, and read chemical equations.