Course Syllabus

Physical Science Course Expectations and Syllabus

Welcome to Physical Science! Physical Science is the study of matter & energy, and includes some topics from both chemistry and physics. Topics of study will include the structure & properties of matter, the periodic table, chemical reactions, motion, energy, electricity & magnetism, and waves. I look forward to working with you to ensure your success.

Contact Information

• E-mail (preferred): hhafer@wcpss.net
• Phone: (919) 662-2379

Materials Needed

• notebook or binder with paper
• writing utensils (pens, pencils)
• scientific or graphing calculator

Class Expectations

• Be physically present in the classroom when the bell rings. (Your body must be in the classroom, not just your belongings.) I will enforce the GMHS Start on Time Policy.
• Treat all others with kindness and respect, as you would like to be treated.
• Cell phones and other electronics should be silenced and put away during class. (This includes earbuds.) 
• Cell phones may not be charged using the lab outlets. Cell phones can be knocked off the lab tables, or there may be chemicals spilled, and I don't want your phone to be damaged.
• NO food, candy, or drinks (except water bottles with lids) are allowed.
• NO cosmetics, including lotions and body sprays, should be used in my classroom.
• All GMHS policies will be enforced.

Consequences for Infractions of Classroom Policies*

• 1st Offense: Verbal Warning & Student Conference
• 2nd Offense: Student Conference & Parent Contact
• 3rd Offense: Administrative Referral

Extreme disruptions may result in immediate administrative referral.

Assignments & Grading

• NC Grading Scale:
  • A: 90-100%
  • B: 80-89%
  • C: 70-79%
  • D: 60-69%
  • F: below 60%
• Assignments will be classified into the following categories:
  • Assessments (Tests & Projects): 40%
  • Labs and Activities: 30%
  • Classwork (Problem Sets and Quizzes): 30%
• Extra Credit: Limited extra credit may be offered during the semester, but you should not rely on extra credit to get the grade you want. Extra credit will not be provided “on demand,” so take advantage of it when it is offered!
• Final course grades will be determined as follows:
  • Semester 1 – 40%
  • Semester 2 – 40%
  • Final Exam – 20%
• Assignment Submission:
  • • Assignments will be submitted online in Canvas, unless otherwise indicated. Assignments will always be due at 11:59 PM on the indicated date.
    • Hard copies of many assignments will be provided. Digital copies are always available online in Canvas.
• Remediation and Retesting:
  •  Students who do not perform well on a test will be assigned a remediation opportunity in Edgenuity.
• Quarterly Assessments:
  • A comprehensive test will be given at the end of each quarter. It will include all content discussed during the quarter, and it will be counted as an additional test grade. 

• Late Work Grading Policy: 
  
  • I will follow the GMHS Grading Plan in grading late work.

Expected Scope & Sequence

The following table indicates the units of study and the approximate time to be spent in each unit.

Extra Help/Tutoring Hours

If you need extra help, I am available on Tuesdays until 3:30, or by appointment.

Integrity

GMHS teachers, students and administrators value academic integrity. As part of a collaborated effort between teachers, students, parents, and administrators, there is a clearly defined academic integrity policy. As part of this policy, teachers and students will follow a code of conduct which deals with issues such as cheating and plagiarism.

Students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Study and work in an honest and respectable manner.
• Complete and submit your own work. Do not copy someone else’s work in class or outside of class.
• You are encouraged to work with others only under approved circumstances.
• Cite all sources.
• Quizzes and tests are completed without outside help of any kind.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used during class.