Apologia and WA: Physical Science Forces

After the kids create a concept map I check it and ask them to explain their reasoning.  I review terms, formulas, and units orally with the kids frequently, such as asking for the unit for velocity or acceleration.   Usually, I would do a series of fun labs or activities before tackling problem sets.  This material is Physics and hard!  The formulas, symbols, and ideas slip out of their minds like sieves.  So, I promise the activities after some problem sets.  We allow notes and calculators; I bring out a set and allow the kids to use cell phone calculators, too.  Now is the time to explain that p is the symbol for momentum and that a Newton is a unit of force.  My kids are plowing through this Physical Science Forces and Motion Worksheet.  I use similar problem sets as quizzes, too.  The problems take time to calculate, review, and correct.  The kids work at different speeds.  As the kids finish, I circle incorrect problems to recalculate, including the correct units.  This process allows me to work individually and monitor progress.  Typically, a strong student will finish quickly and then help another class mate who is struggling.   Now, the kids can do a bunch of fun activities.