Welcome to Physical Science at Northeast High School!
Goals:
In this course will investigate physical sciencethe study of matter and energy. This course will build upon the students observational and prior knowledge of basic chemical and physical properties in order to better understand and appreciate the natural laws by which our physical world operates.
In this course we will continue to build and develop our knowledge and skills as scientists and problem solvers. Students will hone their skills by: Making sense of real world observations and problems and preserving in solving them. Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others Using technology and tools strategically Attending to precision Looking for and making use of structure.
Throughout this course students will: o Develop the process skills necessary to do scientific inquiry and apply these skills as they conduct scientific investigations o Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of scientific tools. o Effectively use mathematics as a language for analyzing physical science principals and as tools for solving problems in physical space. o Become familiar with laboratory equipment, techniques and procedures, as well as gathering and interpreting data. The above outcomes will be achieved through the study of topic such as: o Scientific Knowledge and the Scientific Method o Matter o Atoms, Elements, and Chemical Bonding o Forces and Motion o Work, Power and Energy o Electricity and Magnetism o Waves o Earth Science o Environmental Science o Space Science
Grading Policy:
Grading in this course will be based on a points system. The points you earn, divided by the total number of points available will be your decimal grade (Multiply by 100 to get the percentage). Any grade ending in __.5 or above will round up. Physical Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Types of Grades (Individual assignments will have different point values) Learning and Practice: Improve your Scientific Knowledge and Study Skills Class Participation In our class, you will work both independently and with your classmates. Class participation comes in many forms, including asking questions, group discussions, board demonstrations, presenting projects, etc. Do not worry though, participation points are NOT handed out arbitrarily at the end of the marking period. You will always know when an activity is counting towards your participation grade. Homework Homework will be assigned regularly to give students practice with the topics covered in class. Most homework assignments will be graded for effort and completion, though some may be occasionally graded for correctness. Unless otherwise specified, homework assignments should be a students individual work.
Assessment: Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding Quizzes: As we finish small sections of this course, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned though short, in-class quizzes. These may be multiple choice, free response, or open-ended question. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Unit Exams/Projects Throughout the year there will opportunities to demonstrate understanding of the course outcomes. Some of these exams may look like traditional tests, while others may take the form of small projects.
Retakes and Late Work Policy:
Please complete all your work by the due dates that are assigned. If you do not complete a homework assignment by the assigned date, your grade will be impacted; please do not let this happen! One class period late: 20% penalty Two to five class periods late (one week): 50% penalty More than one week late: No credit
Although students are expected to take all quizzes and exams on their assigned due dates, sometimes tests just dont go as planned! I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to show me your absolute best work, so you will have the opportunity to show me your absolute best work, so you will have the opportunity to improve your grade through retakes and corrections, as follows: Announced Quizzes and Tests (Excluding Benchmarks): Some specific tasks (but not all) on announced quizzes and tests may be eligible for retakes. Students may retake these anytime until the next announced quiz or test. To be eligible for a retake, a student must submit to me a correction sheet for their original exam (more information on this will be provided). Unannounced (Pop) Quizzes: These assessments cannot be retaken.
Physical Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Retakes will not be identical to original assessments. Question content and format may be different, but the same skills will be tested. Retakes cannot take place during our class period; you will need to schedule time with me during another part of the school day or after school to come for your retake (locations to be announced).
Absence Policy:
Students are expected to be in class every day, but I understand that sometimes life gets in the way! You will be responsible for all missed work.
If you have an excused absence for a class period, you will have the number of days you missed, plus one extra day, to hand in any assigned homework/catch up on any missing classwork. After than the work will be considered late per the late work policy Ex. 1: If you miss class on Tuesday and return on Wednesday, any missing work is due at the beginning of class on Friday (two class periods later). Ex. 2: If you miss class on Monday and Tuesday and return on Wednesday, any missing work is due at the beginning of class on the following Monday (three class periods later).
Work missed due to an unexcused absence will receive a zero. No grace period is given for turning in work late due to an unexcused absence.
Technology Policy:
All electronic devices (including phone and headphones) should not be used for personal reasons in our class. I may occasionally ask you to use your phone or other devices for in-class purposes.
If I see you using an electronic device, I will take it and keep it UNTIL THE END OF CLASS. I will put it in a safe place and you will know where it is. Please note that Im not going to use it and I dont want it, so if I see you using it and I ask for it, just hand it over. Its only for 54 minutes at max! If use of an electron device becomes a consistent issue, other steps may be taken.
Class Expectations: Our class expectations are based around NEHSs rules of conduct, but we will also talk together in the first days of our class to establish some norms for how class will operate. Here are my expectations for our class: Be on time and prepared for class Come prepared to learn something new each day Respect the our class as a place of learning Respect yourself and your peers Be persistent. Ask questions and dont be afraid to make mistakes!
Physical Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Materials:
Please come prepared for our class with the following materials:
Essential: Pen or Pencil Loose-Leaf Paper or Notebook Three-Ring Binder dedicated to our class Textbooks Our textbook (Holt Physical Science) is available to students via students. Students can elect to not receive a hard- copy of the textbook by having a parent or guardian sign a textbook waiver.
Course Website:
Our course will have its own website, where I will upload each days notes, assignments, and any files that pertain to our class. Tentatively, this website will be
www.mrcressnehs.weebly.com
More details about this will be presented in the near future.
Please note that specific aspects of the syllabus might change during the school year. If this is the case, you will be notified.
If there are any questions please do not hesitate to ask, either in person or by email. I am looking forward to an exciting year of physical science together.
Please Sign Below and Return.
We have read the above syllabus for Physical Science and we understand what is expected of the student in this course.