Course Syllabus
Syllabus for Physical Science
Course Description
The Physical Science curriculum will integrate the following topics from both physics and chemistry: structure of atoms, structure and properties of matter, motion and forces, conservation of energy, matter, and charge.
PREREQUISITE: Completed or taking Math I
Course Materials
Required Materials: notebook, folder, pencil, pen, calculator
Instructional Philosophy
Students taking physical science can expect an engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning experience. Relevant examples from the scientific community will be incorporated into lessons and activities. Students will be prepared to enter and become a part of a rapidly changing world as scientific advances are altering the way we live.
Course Standards
The Essential Standards as published by the NC Department of Public Instruction are available at
https://files.nc.gov/dpi/documents/curriculum/science/scos/support-tools/new- standards/science/physical.pdf
Major Course Projects and Assignments
Assignments are to be completed by the assigned time on the due date. I do not accept late work! No exceptions.
You will make arrangements for missed work according to the school policy. I accept little responsibility for work that you have missed, since it is your responsibility to get your assignments and make sure they are turned back in to me in a timely manner.
Assessment and Grading Plan
A variety of assignments contribute to the final six weeks grade in this course. The final letter grade is assigned according to UCPS grading policy. (A= 100-90%, B= 89-80%, C= 79-70%, D= 69-60%, F=59% or below.)
My grading policy is a percentage system. Each assignment will be scored out of 100%. Grades: Classwork/homework 30%, Tests 30%, Quizzes 20%, Projects 20%.
Homework and class work will be graded for accuracy. Quizzes will take place periodically to assess understanding and will be announced. Tests will be scheduled at the end of every unit.
Make sure that you show all your work for every problem, including the formulas used, given information, and units. Partial credit may be awarded if your work shows that you were on the right track but ended up with the wrong answer.
The semester grade will be calculated as follows: 25% Fist grading period, 25% Second grading period, 25% Third grading period, 25% Final Exam..
Students will be able to exempt the Physical Science Final Exam if they meet the following criteria: a 90 average and 2 or less unexcused absences or an 80 average and 1 or less unexcused absences.
Behavior
Classroom Expectations: (In addition to the UCPS and CATA rules)
- Come to class
- Always follow
- Show respect for yourself, other students, and the
- No cell phones out or visible.
- No hats
Consequences for inappropriate behavior:
- Warning
- Repeated warnings will result in referral to administrator OR direct referral if necessary according to Student handbook
Virtual Student Expectations
Virtual students, either Plan B or D, are expected to participate in online instructional activities for 90 minutes each day (Monday –Thursday) during their assigned class period. Attendance will be taken each day during the designated class period. Friday expectations for instruction and attendance will be communicated to students each week and students are expected to fulfill those requirements on time.
Students must have access to a computer and high speed internet. Students are to contact the school if they need assistance. It is expected that your camera and microphone be in working order at all times.
Students can apply for a hot spot for access to high speed internet.
Students are expected to participate in online instruction and interact with the teacher and students when asked to do so during a class period.
Students are expected to turn in assignments on or before their due dates.
Students are expected to complete assignments, quizzes, and tests independently and without the use of unapproved support.
Online Learning Platform
Canvas: All assignments will be submitted on our "learning platform," Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected. If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. The Canvas Learning Platform logs every student log-in on Canvas which provides teachers with a list of when students log-in to Canvas using their user id.
Canvas is used to grade assignments as well, however, the grades in Canvas, while accurate to that assignment, are NOT the teacher’s gradebook. The teacher’s gradebook includes categories of assignments that may be weighted differently and may include grades for assignments that did not use the Canvas Learning Platform. Therefore, students and parents should always check their child’s true average on the Parent Portal on Powerschool.
Outside Help
You are encouraged to seek help early and often if you are struggling in this course. I am available through email and feel free to complete this Google form with your questions: https://forms.gle/dZXqA46HnFGU35A89
Contact:
Rhonda Brown, M.Ed