Here is a free 4-weeks physical science unit study that covers 4 of the main branches of physical science and covers a wide variety of ages. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.
Physical science is an exciting field of study that explores the fundamental properties of matter and energy and their interactions.
It is an important part of your child’s science education.
It encompasses various branches and covers topics like physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth science (including geology and meteorology).
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And other subtopics are considered physical science like energy, forces, motion, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, and the study of matter.
One of the best overall resources for our bookshelf is The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia as it is a great reference for a wide variety of science topics.
For our 4-weeks physical science unit I am going to give you fun resources as well as plenty of hands-on activities for each of the 4 main branches of physical science.
BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS
First, look at these books to pair with the topics in physical science.
10 Books About Physical Science
Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.
Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.
In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories
Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.
Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.
Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.
Book about electricity for children.
Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.
Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.
Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.
Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work
Then we’re moving on to the 4 main areas.
First, start with chemistry.
CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1
Chemistry is about the science of matter.
Too, chemistry deals with the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions.
Then look at these hands-on ideas.
ASTRONOMY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2
Next, astronomy focuses on celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
- Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
- Space Science Experiment ~ Exploring one of Jupiter’s Moons
- Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
- How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
- How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
- Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets
- About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study
- Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages
- Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock
- 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
- 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids
EARTH PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3
Earth science investigates the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
- Landslide Science Experiment to Teach Fast Earth Changes
- Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas
- 10 Hands On Earthquake Activities | How To Make A Model Seismometer
- Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages
- Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
- Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt & Printable
- Physical Science For Kindergarten: Free States Of Matter Pages
- How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
- 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
- EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit
- Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
- 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
- Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment
PHYSICS PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4
Then, physics studies the fundamental laws and properties of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.
And physics is the study of motion, energy, and forces, Too, it helps us understand how and why things move or stay still.
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And then look at these other best homeschool unit studies.
MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES
- How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
- Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
- Homeschool Unit Study Egg to Sea Turtle Lesson Plans & Lapbook
- 5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops
- Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
- Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
- Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
- Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
- Printable Strawberries Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
- Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
- Easy Seeds and Gardening Unit Study for Kids (Middle – Upper Elementary)
- Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
- Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook