Hi, I'm Ms. Chaffin. I am so excited to join the KHS team this year. I'm a Magic Valley native and love calling this area home. I am passionate about singing, sleeping, and science! I have a BS in Earth Science Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a MA in Earth Science Education from Western Governors' University. I am a mother to five incredible children and spend every spare minute I have with them. My other hobbies include; sewing, photography, and rock hunting. I look forward to working with the students here at Kimberly High School.
Physical Science
Step into the world of physical science, where curiosity meets discovery! Get ready to explore the fundamental forces shaping our universe and unlock the mysteries of matter. Welcome aboard—your journey through the building blocks of the physical world starts here!
Physical science is a foundational course designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Semester 1 will target elemental chemistry, and Semester 2 will cover introductory physics. Some of these concepts include:
1. Scientific Method and Inquiry:
- Students learn how to ask questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, collect data, and analyze results.
- Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. Matter and Its Properties:
- Understanding the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and changes between them (melting, freezing, condensation, evaporation).
- Exploration of atomic structure, elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- Introduction to the periodic table and the properties of different elements.
3. Chemistry Basics:
- Chemical reactions and equations.
- Concepts of acids and bases and pH.
- Introduction to chemical bonding and reaction types.
4. Energy:
- Different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.).
- The law of conservation of energy and energy transformations.
- Introduction to basic principles of thermodynamics.
5. Waves and Sound:
- Properties of waves (wavelength, frequency, amplitude).
- Sound waves and their behavior.
- Basic concepts of light and optics, including reflection, refraction, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
6. Electricity and Magnetism:
- Basic principles of electric circuits, current, voltage, and resistance.
- Simple circuit design and analysis.
- Fundamentals of magnetism and electromagnetic forces.
7. Forces and Motion:
- Basic concepts of force, mass, and acceleration.
- Newton’s Laws of Motion and their applications.
- Simple machines and how they make work easier.
8. Applications and Real-World Connections:
- How physical science concepts apply to everyday life and technology.
- Real-world problems and solutions related to physical science, such as energy conservation and material properties.