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Christine Rains

Christine Rains, co-owner and instructor of Quest in Science, is an experienced teacher who brings science to life for her students and creates a fun classroom atmosphere by promoting questions and discussion. Christine earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Scripps College in Claremont, CA and a master’s degree in Geophysics from California State University, Northridge. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from CSUN. She has been teaching elementary through college for many years, and currently teaches physics and astronomy at several local community colleges. She also spent several years working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, on the REASON instrument on the Europa Clipper spacecraft that is heading to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. She has been working with Quest in Science since the early 2000’s teaching hands-on science to elementary school children throughout Los Angeles and became co-owner in 2011. In 2018, she welcomed her good friend and colleague Debbie Walker onto the Quest team as co-owner. At Quest in Science, we are passionate about providing quality science education to young learners. Quest in Science lessons encourage students to observe, measure, collect and analyze data, make hypotheses, and draw conclusions. Hands-on science to us means teaching based on activities that engage a student’s mind and hands to make science fun, interesting, exciting, and challenging. Christine Rains is excited to bring Quest in Science to the students and families of HuckleBerry Center for Creative Studies and looks forward to a great year!

Introduction to the Physical Sciences & Labs (8th grade)

Physical science is the combination of two science fields, chemistry and physics.  This complete course is designed to fit the 8th grade physical science standards (NGSS MS-PS 1-4) and will span three quarters.


This physical science course is an exciting examination of matter and energy.  Matter is that which makes up most of the world around us, and energy is what enables everything around us to move and work.  Students will begin with an exploration of the basic principles of scientific discovery, using these skills to investigate matter and its properties, then move on to the building blocks of our universe.  Students will learn about atoms, their structures, and how they form elements and molecules.  They will examine the chemical properties of elements and how they react and change.  Students will then study the physical properties of atoms and the forces that affect them before expanding into the forces that shape our world.  Each day, our busy scientists will perform experiments and make observations.  They will maintain a record of our adventures through fun worksheets and develop their passion for the study of science.  Some topics studied this year will be:

  • Proper science tools, methods, and measures

  • Atoms and atomic theories

  • The periodic table

  • Elements, compounds, and mixtures

  • Physical and chemical properties

  • Chemical formulas and bonding

  • Motion

  • Waves, magnetism, and electricity

Prerequisites: Basic grade school math is recommended, and a few mathematical concepts will be re-enforced and used (graphing and slope).  Students should be able to write at least a 5-paragraph essay and read at a 7th grade level.

All workbooks and lab materials will be provided.  Physical Science is fun, exciting, and so important to understand in our scientific world of today and tomorrow.


Unit 1: Scientific Method
● Scientific Units
● Scientific Method
● How to Write a Lab Report

Unit 2: Matter
● Matter
● States and Properties of Solids, Liquids, Gasses

Unit 3: Atomic Structure and Bonds
● Elements and The Periodic Table
● Atoms and Bonding
● Acids, Bases, and Solutions.

Unit 4: Motion
● Properties of Motion
● Real World Motion Application

Unit 5: Force
● Properties of Force
● Forces of Gravity

Unit 6: Energy
● Properties of Energy
● Thermal Energy

Unit 7: Waves
● Sound Waves
● Electromagnetic Waves

Unit 8: Electricity
● Properties of Electricity
● Conducts of Electricity

Unit 9: Magnetism
● How Magnets works
● Properties of Magnetic force

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