Discover the fundamentals (and fun!) of physics in this interactive, project-based class for middle grade students.
| Age Range | 10-13 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Class dates | January 12 – April 20, 2023 (No Class March 2) |
| Class Size | 6-12 Learners |
| Day & Time | Thursdays 3:00-4:00 pm EST |
Pricing Information
| Fundamentals of Physics | $275 per student |
Physics begins with our everyday life, describing the matter, forces, and energy of ordinary experiences. In our everyday actions, such as walking, driving a car, or using a phone, physics is at work. Physics is interesting to us because we are curious about how the world works.
Fundamentals of Physics is a cooperative, activity-based class, with both in-class activities and a project or “challenge” to complete each week outside of class. Readings, videos, and review materials will also be provided for use outside of class. A material list will be given before the beginning of class, and materials will be easily accessible and affordable. Some materials may need to be purchased online.
Topics:
Kinetic and Potential Energy
The Law of Conservation of Energy
Newton’s Laws
Force, motion, velocity, acceleration
Gravity
Friction
Simple Machines
Magnetism
Electricity
Electromagnetism
All student work is given specific, individualized feedback by the instructor. Lessons and activities meet important Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for middle grades.
Please contact Alison Blanco at MsAlison.SEA@gmail.com with any questions about this course.
Live Classes
Classes will meet via Zoom on Thursdays at 3:00 pm EST. The class will meet for approximately one hour.
Time Commitment
Approximately 1-2 hours of work outside of live class times.
Schedule
Every Thursday from January 12 – April 20, 2023 (No Class March 2)
Skills Needed
- Fundamentals of Physics is geared toward grades 5-8, so all participants should be able to read, write, and complete assignments at this level. There will be some basic math skills needed, but calculators are acceptable.
- Students in this class should be able to work cooperatively during class times with other students.
Skills Gained
- Students in this class will obtain a deeper understanding of the physical world.
- Students will build confidence, use scientific thinking to come up with unique ideas, and gain speaking skills while share projects with peers in a low-pressure setting.
To participate in this class, learners will need the following:
- Internet access
- Zoom (free account)
- A computer with microphone and camera for in-class participation
- Google account (free)
Other supplies:
- Legos, K’Nex (basic building blocks with wheels) or other building set
- Balloons, bottles, old CD, and other household item
- A strong magnet, iron nail, paper clips
Wires, small light bulbs, D batteries (a detailed list will be provided before class)
*There will be specific materials listed for each week’s activities posted at least two weeks before the class starts.
Alison Blanco, M.S.
Alison Blanco is an environmental scientist and a science educator. She has an M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida. Alison has a passion for all things related to science and nature.
Alison has taught in various forms for the past 20 years. She began as a public school teacher, and now teaches at homeschool co-ops, where she focuses on hands-on learning, and on online platforms, in which she seeks to engage students through active participation. She also has four children of her own, all of whom are homeschooled.
Do you want a year of high-quality science at a discount for your late elementary through middle school aged students?
SEA Online Classes’ Science teachers, Blair Lee and Alison Blanco, have teamed up to help you out. Here’s how it works. Choose one of their three Fall courses and pair it with one of their three Spring courses. When you do, you will get a refund of $25 for each course. That is $50 total in refunds. You can choose courses from either of the two teachers, or just one teacher for the entire year. To get the refunds, you will need to purchase the second course within 48 hours of the purchase of the first course.
The courses run from 14 to 16 weeks. They meet important Next Gen Science Standards. All course materials are included with the classes.
The Course Options for the Fall Semester Are:
- Microbiology with Blair Lee 14-weeks
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with Alison Blanco 14-weeks
- Kitchen Chemistry with Blair Lee 14-weeks
The Course Options for the Spring Semester Are:
- Marine Science with Blair Lee 16-weeks
- Fundamentals of Physics with Alison Blanco 14-weeks
- Applied Conservation Biology with Blair Lee 16-weeks
The table below shows courses that would pair well with each other for a full year focused on similar areas of science. But, any pairing of a Fall and Spring course gets the discount.
| Fall Courses | Spring Courses |
| Microbiology | Marine Science |
| Kitchen Chemistry | Fundamentals of Physics |
| Wildlife Ecology and Conservation | Applied Conservation Biology |
Blair and Alison have worked together to ensure the course material is not redundant to another course. Your learner will be covering unique material from one semester to the next.
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Blair at blair@seaonlineclasses.com and Alison at MsAlison.SEA@gmail.com
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Alison Blanco is a great teacher who teaches a great course. Big History is a vast subject that covers at a perfect depth the history of the universe and human race, and the highly organized teacher that is Mrs. Blanco is the perfect guide on such a journey. Cooper S.
Alison Blanco is a great teacher who teaches a great course
Teacher: Alison Blanco
My daughter has studied science with Alison for over six years and has loved it! Alison is a natural. She takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks. Last year I was so thrilled with the Big History Project curriculum and the way in which Alison taught the class. She made it fun and interesting for the students. Each week she had breakout sessions so the kids could develop their teamwork and cooperation skills while learning Big History in a unique way. Sandra J.
Alison takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks
Teacher: Alison Blanco
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way, while also making it fun and interesting. Over the year we learned about many different scientists, human evolution, what the world was like thousands of years ago and many more things, all of which Ms. Alison taught in an interactive and entertaining way that made it enjoyable and memorable. M.J.K.
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way
Teacher: Alison Blanco