Course Description:
This course will provide an overall view of current theories and practices in physical science. Learning will be hands-on and relevant to student’s daily experiences. Major areas of study include an introduction to Physical Science, States of Matter, Elements, Motion, Forces, Work, Energy, Sound and The Electromagnetic Spectrum.
Course Outline:
Qtr #1: Introduction to Physical Science
The Metric System Review
The Scientific Method
States of Matter
Elements and the Periodic Table
Motion
Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
Qtr #2: Forces
Friction
Gravity
Newton's First and Second Laws
Newton's Third Law
Forces in Fluids
Qtr #3: Energy and Work
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Thermal Energy
Work and Power
Simple Machines
Qtr #4: Sound and Light
Characteristics of Waves
Sound
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light
Text and Notebook:
Each student will be given a numbered text at the start of the school year.
It is expected that the student return the same textbook at the conclusion of
the year in good condition. In addition to the text, it is required that each
student maintain a three-ring notebook to be used for science only. There will
be many handouts that the student will be held responsible for keeping track
of. Notebooks will also be checked periodically throughout the year.
Grading:
The marking period grades in Physical Science will be measured by the point
system. The total points earned by the student will be divided by the total
number of points possible to determine his/her grade. For example, if there
is a total of 1000 possible points at the end of the quarter and a student has
acquired 850 points, his or her grade will be an 85%. There will often be rubrics
for labs, projects, and other activities that will make it easy for the student
to know exactly what is expected. Listed below are some common point values
for assignments so that you can get a sense for what each is worth.
Homework - 10 points
Class/Lab Participation - 10 points
Quizzes - 50 points
Tests - 100 points
Projects- 50- 200 points (depending on the
amount of work required)
* I am available for extra help during the enrichment period and most days before and after school. Please do not hesitate to seek my assistance, though advance notice is preferred.
Homework:
Expect to have some sort of homework assignment for every class. Assignments
will be checked for completion at the beginning of each class. Students may
receive a maximum of 10 points for thorough completion of assignment and 0 points
for missing assignments. Late homework assignments will receive a maximum of
5 points if turned into me before the end of the unit. No late assignments will
be accepted after the final assessment for that unit.
Daily Classroom Expectations:
All students have the right to learn and I have the right to teach.
Maintain a safe learning environment for everyone- this includes lab safety!
RESPECT people, property, and ideas
Come to class prepared and on time.
You MUST bring the following items to class everyday:
- Your covered text book
- Your three-ring binder with blank paper
- Your assignment book
- A writing utensil
Attendance:
Both attendance and punctuality are a reflection of your performance in this
class. I will follow school policy for all excused and unexcused absences as
well as tardies.
You are responsible for getting all missed information and homework when you are not in class. I will not chase you down to make up work. If you miss a quiz or test you have up to one week to make it up, after which it becomes a zero.
Final Thought:
Experience has shown that science frequently develops most fruitfully once we
learn to examine the things that seem the simplest, instead of those that seem
the most mysterious. (Marvin Minsky)