Physical Science!

Mr. Mclain/Mr. Keller Physical Science/Spring 2007
Room H107 Phone: 770-521-7600
E-mail: mclain@fultonschools.org
keller@fulton.k12.ga.us

Textbook: Holt Science Spectrum Holt, Rinehart & Winston (2001)
(replacement cost $51.00)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The HS Physical Science curriculum continues students’ investigations of the physical sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County Systemwide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed as an introductory overview of the major concepts in chemistry and physics to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in physical science. The course includes more abstract concepts such as structure of atoms, motion and forces, conservation of matter and energy, action-reaction principle, and the behavior of waves. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.

The End of Course Test (EOCT), May 2 – 4, will act as the final exam. The EOCT WILL BE CUMMULATIVE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR, covering the major concepts of units 1 through 6. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE EOCT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.

OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS: At the end of this course students should be able to:
Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
Explain the current understanding of the structure of the atom and compare ionic with covalent bonds.
Use information, calculations, and predications to explain the nature, properties, classification, and conservation of matter.
Explain the nature and process involved in radioactive changes.
Explain the trends in the Periodic table and use the knowledge to predict the properties of representative elements.
Compare and contrast the phases of matter as a result of atomic and molecular motion.
Describe the nature of solutions and the factors that affect the solubility of substances.
Explain the transformation and flow of energy in deferent medium relative to the heat capacity of different substances.
Use calculations to determine the relationships between forces, mass, and motion.
Explain the properties of waves and recognize that all waves transfer energy.
Explain the nature and production of static electricity and electric currents based on electron movements.
Describe the relationships between electricity and magnetism and explain their applications.

FORMAT: The course is divided into units and topics for the spring semester which are in compliance with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and will cover chapters 8-14 of the textbook.

Georgia Performance Standards

The following Georgia Performance Standards will be covered this spring semester. A detailed description of each Standard may be read on the Georgia Department of Education website (www.doe.ga.us).

SPS7: Students will relate transformation and flow of energy within a system
SPS8: Students will determine relationships between force, mass, and motion
SPS9: Students will investigate the properties of waves
SPS10: Students will investigate the properties of electricity and magnetism

Units and Topics

Unit 3: Motion, Force, Work, and Simple Machines
Chapters 8 – Motion and Forces (SPS 8)
9 – Work and Energy (SPS 8)
Unit 4: Energy
Chapters 9 – Work and Energy (SPS 7)
10 – Heat and Temperature (SPS 7)
Unit 5: Waves and Optics
Chapters 11 – Waves (SPS 9)
12 – Sound and Light (SPS 9)
Unit 6: Electricity and Magnetism
Chapters 13 – Electricity (SPS 10)
14 – Magnetism (SPS 10)

GRADE DETERMINATION

The Fulton County Grading Scale will be used for all graded assignments
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C Below 70 = F

Calculation of Final Semester Average will be as follows:
Tests, Performance Assessments= 40% Quizzes=10% Homework = 10% Laboratory Work = 15% Participation/Classwork= 10% EOCT/Final = 15%

Tests and Quizzes: Written tests and quizzes include information from class notes, the textbook, handouts, lab activities, and demonstrations. Adequate notice of tests will be given and you will be expected to take a test even if you are absent the previous day.
Test make up times must be arranged with the teacher.

Laboratory Activities: Labs are an important part of the curriculum. EACH person in the lab group is responsible for participating in the lab in class and completing the lab questions and/or write-up on his/her own paper. Labs not collected by your teacher should be placed in your notebook. Labs will be graded for accuracy and/or completion. Lab make-ups will be scheduled on an as required basis.

Participation: Attendance, attentiveness, being prepared with the proper materials and appropriate behavior during class activities are factors in participation. Notebooks will be check for organization and sponge activities.

Homework: This grade includes class work and homework assignments. Homework is checked at the beginning of class. NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR HOMEWORK THAT HAS BEEN MISPLACED, LEFT IN YOUR LOCKER OR AT HOME, ETC. Homework is checked for accuracy and/or completion.

Make-up Work: After any absence it is the total responsibility of the student to find out immediately on their return what make-up work is required, when it is due, and how it should be accomplished.

Notebook: You are required to keep a notebook. A three ring binder is best of either red or white. Everything we do in Physical Science should be in your notebook (notes, worksheets, labs, class work, homework, quizzes, information sheets, and the syllabus) in an organized fashion. I will check occasionally in class to see if you have your notebook and I will take sections of it up occasionally to grade for completeness.

RECOVERY POLICY: FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY:
(High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.

Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.

2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.

There is no planned extra credit in this class and your lowest test grade is not dropped at the end of the semester. It is therefore very important that assigned work is completed and turned in on time. Be prepared and seek help early.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CLASS BEHAVIOR RULES

HONOR CODE POLICY: Any act of cheating “either by giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a graded experience” will be considered a violation. I will complete an Honor Violation Form which will be filed in the office and “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically, memberships in honor clubs (NHS and Beta)”. You will receive a grade of ‘0’ on the assignment or test, and I will call your parents to inform them of the violation. Please refer to your handbook for additional information.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF ETHICS: According to the Fulton County School policy, “students shall not alter nor attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes but is not limited to:
1. Changing desktop settings or control panels on computers.
2. Removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware.
3. Modifying computer software.
4. Damaging computer disks, CD ROMS or other media.

Also, students must not access any program or website, unless specifically authorized to do so by the teacher. Always ask before you log on the internet, or access any program on the computer. Students are not allowed to check their e-mail.

EXTRA HELP: Physical Science is a demanding academic subject. If you are having difficulty you are encouraged to make arrangements with me for extra help before or after school. In addition, Homework Hotline operates from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at 404/843-7700. It is a free service and the teacher there can usually assist you with your homework.

ATTENDANCE: It is essential that you attend class and complete the assignments. There is no guarantee that unauthorized late assignments will be accepted and they will certainly receive a discounted grade. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignment.

NIGHTLY STUDY: Information is presented in class every day. Therefore, it is expected that you review each day’s work at night so that any difficulties can be resolved during class the following day.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIORS

1. All student handbook rules apply in this class.
2. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
3. COME TO CLASS PREPARED! Bring your homework, your notebook, writing instrument, paper, calculator, and any other supplies you need for the day. Have your homework out on your desk at the beginning of the period.
4. No use of cell phones or musical/video devices.
5. Be respectful to your teacher, classmates and visitors.
6. Alert, aware behavior is appropriate.
7. Lab safety rules apply in this class.

Failure to follow these rules will result in a teacher conference with the student for the first offense, then a private detention will be assigned (30 minutes of on task time before or after school). The third offense will result in a call home and another detention, and if these are not successful, you will be referred to an administrator.
ANY BEHAVIOR WHICH ENDANGERS YOU OR ANOTHER STUDENT IN THE CLASSROOM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL TO AN ADMINISTRATOR.
















Student’s name: _________________________

Period: _________________________

Please sign and date below indicating that you have reviewed the Physical Science syllabus.

Student:


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Parent:


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Parents: Chattahoochee has a program called Parent Connect that allows you to view your child’s academic progress and attendance over the internet. Register for Parent Connect through the front office.

The best way to get a hold of me is by email. If you have an email address that you are willing to share, please include it below.


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Thank you.
W.Mclain
L. Keller
Science