Course Syllabus

Physical Science Syllabus

 

Welcome to Physical Science!  We are very excited to have you in our classes this year and look forward to getting to know each of you.  This course is meant to provide a general overview of chemistry and physics topics. If you have any difficulty throughout the year, please know that we are here to help you succeed!  If you need extra help, you are welcome to attend our office hours which will be posted in the classroom.  Please remember, we are here to help you.  If the posted office hours do not work for your schedule, please email the teacher to set up an appointment.  Let’s make this a great semester!   

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COURSE

This course will cover the basic concepts and skills of chemistry and physics through lessons and demonstrations as well as learning activities and lab experiments. Chemistry topics in the first quarter include properties of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonding and chemical reactions, acids and bases, solutions, and nuclear chemistry. Physics topics in the second quarter include motion, forces, energy, electricity, and magnetism. Some math (algebra) is required, but instruction and assistance will be provided. Emphasis will be placed on how science relates to real world problems. Throughout the year, students will revisit the nature of science, or how scientific knowledge is acquired. 

 

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS

To be prepared for class students should bring the following each day.

• One spiral bound or composition notebook specifically dedicated for Physical Science to take notes.
• A pencil and eraser.
• The school issued Chromebook and charger. Be sure to charge your Chromebook each evening and restart for updates each weekend.

           

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Grading:

You will be assessed each quarter according to the following percentages:

Major Assignments: 60%

Minor Assignments: 40%

 

You can expect 4 major assignment grades each quarter, which include tests, labs, and projects.  Tests are a double weighted major assignment. Labs & projects will carry the normal weight.

 

Quizzes and homework/classwork will count as minor assignments. You can expect one quiz each week. In accordance with WCPSS policy, Homework will count less than 10% of your final grade.

 

Your semester grade will be calculated according to the following percentages:

Quarter 1:  40%                 Quarter 2:  40%                 Final Exam:  20% 

 

Assignments:

Since chemistry and physics can be challenging subjects, it is important that you practice concepts and calculations independently. What makes sense when we explain it may not make sense when you try it on your own. Some assignments will be graded for completion and some assignments will be graded for correctness. Students who do their assignments consistently get higher grades on assessments.  

 

Test and Quizzes:                                                           

Quizzes will be administered throughout each unit to gauge understanding and progress.  A unit test will be administered for each unit. These tests will include content covered in class and labs as well as assigned homework problems and readings. Students can utilize test recovery to receive up to a 70% if needed.  

 

Laboratory:

To participate in labs, students must dress appropriately & follow lab safety at all times, as detailed in class. Safety contracts must be signed by student & guardian prior to the first announced lab.

 

Late Work:

In accordance with school policy, late work that is between 1 day and 5 days late will be marked down 20%. Late work will not be accepted more than 5 days late. We will follow the WCPSS Make-Up Work Board Policy for excused absences (see below). It is your responsibility to communicate with your teacher and to meet the adjusted deadline. For unexcused absences, students are expected to complete and turn in missing work upon their return to school.

 

WCPSS Make-Up Work Board Policy:

Make up work for excused absences of one (1) to three (3) days, the student will have one day for each day absent. For absences exceeding three (3) days, the student may have two (2) days for each day absent to make up work. Special consideration will be given in the case of extended absences due to injury or chronic illness.

 

Classroom Behavior:

You are expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner.  You must come to class with the expectation that you will work rigorously and solidly during the entire class period.  We expect the following:

1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be respectful.
4. Adhere to all classroom and school rules and procedures.

 

Phone Policy:

Phones are not permitted in class. If a phone is out, it may be confiscated. The only exception to this is if the phone is being used as a medical device. If a parent or guardian needs to reach a student during the school day, it is best to call the front office, Main Office: 919-554-6303.