Course Materials

The primary text (spine) for this physical science course is the well-respected Science Explorer: Physical Science from Prentice Hall. This informative text is written in a friendly, accessible tone, and enhanced with colorful photographs and illustrations.

(Note: Click the link to the left to check availability of used copies of this title at Amazon.com. To purchase a new copy, visit the Prentice Hall Web Site

The Way Science Works by Jayne Parsons is used as a secondary spine and offers additional perspective on the topics covered. This gorgeous book from DK Children helps bring the physical sciences to life for your student.

The Periodic Table: Elements With Style by Adrian Dingle introduces sixty four of the elements as quirky, personable cartoon characters. As each element tells its story students learn important information about that element's vital statistics, discovery, and place within the periodic table of elements. This delightful resource helps breath life into the periodic table.

Physics: Why Matter Matters by Dan Green helps bring complex physics concepts to life by personifying them as fun cartoon characters who explain the concepts in a friendly, understandable manner.

The Mystery of the Periodic Table by Benjamin Wiker helps students understand the history and development of physical science through the centuries and introduces them to some of the fascinating people who have contributed to the body of scientific knowledge.

Isaac Newton: Giants of Science by Kathleen Krull tells the intriguing story of one of the greatest contributors to the physical sciences. It's written in a conversational style that will appeal to middle school aged students. [Note: This book does contain a brief mention of there being speculation regarding Newton's sexual orientation. We believe that it is handled tastefully and in a manner that is age-appropriate for middle school aged students. However, if the subject of homosexuality is one you prefer to avoid entirely, you may wish to substitute a different biography of Newton.]

Who Was Thomas Alva Edison? by Margaret Frith is a fun and easy-to-read biography of the famous inventor and scientist who made so many breakthroughs in light, sound, and other areas of the physical sciences.

Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity by Robert Cwiklik introduces students to the life and work of one of the greatest thinkers in modern history. Albert Einstein transformed scientific understanding of matter and energy from atoms to galaxies.

Elements of Science from Thames and Kosmos is a kit that contains nearly all the materials needed for intriguing and informative hands-on experiences highlighting the topics being studied in the course. With the addition of a few common household items you'll have everything you need; no more hunting around for hard-to-get materials, or trying to find acceptable substitutes for expensive laboratory equipment. For a complete list of additional household materials needed for the course please see the Master Materials List in the Sample Pages section of this web site.

[Note: The most difficult item to find will likely be the two flat 4.5 volt batteries that are used for several activities in the Elements of Science kit. These can sometimes be found at sporting goods stores, but you may need to order them online. Alternately, you can use two battery holders that hold three AA or AAA batteries, which can be purchased at most electronics stores.]