Benjamin E. Mays High School Science Department Physical Science Course Syllabus

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1 Benjamin E. Mays High School Science Department Physical Science Course Syllabus Instructor Academy Tutorial Days Mrs. S. D. H. Belcher B.E.A. Mondays 3:45-4:45 p.m. Course Name: Physical Science Main Office: Textbook: Glencoe Physical Science Cost: $67.50 Science Dept. Chairperson: Mrs. S. Belcher Science Academy Administrator: Mrs. S. Gay Parent Conferences: Wednesdays (According to SLC) in Café 3:30-4:30 p.m. Academy Business & Entrepreneurship DAHL Eagle Academy Mass Communications Wednesdays 1 st & 3rd 2 nd & 4 th 1 st & 3rd 2 nd & 4th Course Description 1 st Semester The students will explore various topics that include but are not limited motion and forces, work and energy, heat and temperature, waves, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and special topics. Students will be required to solve a variety of equations; therefore, their algebra and computational skills are necessary to be successful. Course Description 2 nd Semester The students will explore various topics that include but are not limited to scientific method, data analysis, properties of matter and its changes, the structure of the atom and early atomic theories, subatomic particles, the Periodic Table and periodic trends, ionic, metallic and covalent bonding, molecular structure and shape, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and nuclear changes. Students will be required to solve a variety of equations; therefore, their algebra and computational skills are necessary to be successful. End of Course Test (EOCT) The EOCT is designed to improve student achievement by assessing student performance on the curriculum standards specific to Physical Science. The EOCT is a comprehensive exam that constitutes 20% of a student s final grade. The Four Domains identified for the Physical Science EOCT are: Chemistry: Atomic and Nuclear Theory and the Periodic Table Chemistry: Chemical Reactions and Properties of Matter Physics: Energy, Force, and Motion Physics: Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism We encourage students to visit the following websites for E.O.C.T. Practice and reinforcement: (User name and password will be shared in class) testing-eoct-physical science Materials * Pens & pencils * Three prong binder w/pockets (for daily notes) * Folder Dividers/Colored construction paper * Bound Lab/Journal notebook * Jump drive * a scientific calculator * Supplies necessary to complete a science fair project 1

2 Classroom Behavior/Class Attire All Students are required to conform to the Atlanta Public Schools and Mays High School guidelines for discipline and Dress Code. Students will be asked to wear goggles and lab aprons or other necessary garments during laboratory experiments in order to meet safety requirements. Shirts must be tucked in, and pants must be worn around the waist. The following activities are unacceptable forms of behavior for the class and will not be tolerated: (Refer to A.P.S. and B.E. Mays Student Handbook) * Playing Cards, Craps (Rolling dice), Flipping Coins, all Gambling activities * Sleeping * Braiding/Combing Hair (any form of grooming) * Private Conversation unrelated to the subject matter * Gum Chewing, Eating, or Drinking without permission * Fighting or any form of antagonizing behavior * Amorous or Flirtatious behavior Safety Safety in the laboratory is our foremost requirement. Chemicals and equipment can be very dangerous if handled incorrectly. All students will be required to wear protective equipment at all times while handling chemicals. Students must pass a laboratory safety test before they can participate in laboratory experiments. Horseplay will not be tolerated during laboratory experiments. Hall Passes Hall passes will be issued for emergency situations only!! Students are expected to use the restroom before coming to class. Tardiness To be late to class is unacceptable behavior. As such, any assignments missed due to an unexcused tardy will result in a zero. Absences (Board Policy Code JB Article , e1-2, f) Students will have three (3) days to make up any missed assignments due to an excused absence. In the event of an excused absence, the student is responsible for obtaining any missed assignments. A grade of zero will be assessed for assignments missed due to unexcused absences (i.e. class cutting). Grading Policy for the Atlanta Public School System: A. Passing: The minimum passing score of all grade levels is 70 percent. B. Numerical Grades: Numerical grades will be recorded and maintained for all courses in which credit is given. C. Grading Policy for Atlanta Public Schools: A. Minimum passing grade is 70% B. Numerical Grades: A numerical grade must be recorded and maintained for all courses in which credit is given. C. Grading Scale: A Excellent Achievement B Above Average Achievement C Average Achievement F 0 69 Failure to Achieve D. Mid-Semester Grade: The student s mid-semester grade will provide information about the student s performance at the midway point of the semester. At mid-semester, the grade issued is merely a progress report. These grades will not appear on the student s permanent record. 2

3 E. Deficiency Notices: A deficiency notice will be issued when the student s grade falls below a C average. Deficiency notices are issued twice a semester for students having difficulty with their course work: (1) at the midpoint of the first half of the semester and (2) at the midpoint of the second half of the semester. Deficiencies will be given on the following dates during the school year: Deficiency Date Report Card 9/9/ /7/ /18/2013 1/13/2014 2/10/2014 3/24/2014 4/21/2014 6/2/2014 Physical Science E.O.C.T. T.B.A. F. Computation of Grades: Grades will be computed as follows: Category 1st Semester 2nd Semester Exams (5-Week, MidTerm, 15-Week, Final) 20% 20% Classwork/Participation/Labs 20% 15% Projects (Product Assessments, Science Fair, Portfolio) 20% 10% Quizzes 15% 15% Homework 15% 10% Sponges/Exit Tickets 10% 10% EOCT (T.B.A.-May 2014) N/A 20% G. Laboratory Reports Because science is based on inquiry and directed discovery, several experiments will be required throughout each unit. These lab reports will be the evidence of discovery and learning, therefore, lab reports will be worth 20% of the final grade. Every student is required to complete all lab reports, consequently; it is imperative that the students attend class regularly. If the student is not present the day of a lab, it is the student s responsibility to make up the experiment outside of class time. All lab reports should include: * Introduction including research and a brief discussion of the topic * Hypothesis scientifically sound and adequately justified * Materials including all instruments and resources * Experimental Design & Procedure including an accurate list of tasks performed * Data must contain data tables, charts, pictures, diagrams as well as detailed observations. * Conclusion/Analysis & Discussion including graphs and analysis of results H. Tests & Quizzes Tests will be given at the end of a completed unit and may be cumulative or cover information presented within that unit. Quizzes will be given every week in addition to any pop quizzes given at the teacher s discretion. Students will have a major unit exam every 5 weeks; to include the midterm exam and final exam. The End of Course tests will be administered on specific dates according to APS and state policy. I. Product Based Assessments Students will be required to complete several different projects throughout the school year that will demonstrate their understanding of specific content. They may take the form of PowerPoint presentation, model construction, brochure design or any other means of assessment that will allow you to demonstrate your complete understanding of the material given. 3

4 J. Science Journal: In the study of science, it is important to keep track of all the information gathered before the scientist can proceed. Keeping this in mind, each student will be required to keep all sponges, objectives, notes, vocabulary and handouts in a folder. Dividers should be labeled and used to separate each section of the folder. Journals will be checked periodically throughout each semester.. K. Science Fair Projects During the fall all students will be required to perform and present a science project. Many students in the past have found this experience to be a wonderful opportunity to use their creative ideas in the area of science. Unfortunately, some other students have found that their participation in the science fair was tedious because they had waited until the last minute to begin. There may be select instances where students may work in groups of 2 only however this must be approved ahead of time. 4

5 Georgia Performance Standards: Physical Science Co-Requisite- Characteristics of Science Habits of Mind SCSh1. Students will evaluate the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science. SCSh2. Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations. SCSh3. Students will identify and investigate problems scientifically. SCSh4. Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating scientific equipment and materials. SCSh5. Students will demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable scientific explanations. SCSh6. Students will communicate scientific investigations and information clearly. The Nature of Science SCSh7. Students will analyze how scientific knowledge is developed. SCSh8. Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry. SCSh9. Students will enhance reading in all curriculum areas. Co-Requisite- Content SPS1. Students will investigate our current understanding of the atom. SPS2. Students will explore the nature of matter, its classifications, and the system for naming types of matter. SPS3. Students will distinguish the characteristics and components of radioactivity. SPS4. Students will investigate the arrangement of the Periodic Table. SPS5. Students will compare and contrast the phases of matter as they relate to atomic and molecular motion. SPS6. Students will investigate the properties of solutions. SPS7. Students will relate transformations and flow of energy within a system. SPS8. Students will determine relationships among force, mass, and motion. SPS9. Students will investigate the properties of waves. SPS10. Students will investigate the properties of electricity and magnetism. ACADEMIC HONESTY Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism occurs when a student uses or purchases ghost-written papers or products. It also occurs when a student utilizes ideas or information obtained from another person without giving credit to that person. If plagiarism or another act of academic dishonesty occurs, it will be dealt with in accordance with the academic misconduct policy as stated in the Atlanta Public Schools Handbook and the Benjamin E. Mays High School Handbook. Unit resources Some Advice on How to Write a Technical Report Technical Writing 5

6 Benjamin E. Mays High School Physical Science Course Syllabus & Laboratory Safety Acknowledgement I look forward to a very productive semester with my students. I encourage you and your students to be very proactive with all assignments. I look forward to communicating with parents and students on a regular basis. Have a great semester! Laboratory Safety Expectations 1. Safety Glasses & other protective clothing must be worn at all times during laboratory experiments. 2. No open-toe shoes permitted in the laboratory 3. No eating, drinking, or gum chewing allowed during laboratory experiments 4. Never smell or taste any laboratory chemicals. 5. Report all spills immediately to the teacher. 6. Use precautions and safety equipment when working with open flames. I have read the outline for this Chemistry class and I acknowledge my understanding of my responsibilities and expectations by signing below. X B.E.A. Student Signature Date Academy Student s Address: (PLEASE PRINT) I have read the outline for my child s science class and I understand that my signature indicates that I understand and will hold my child accountable to the standards aforementioned. X Parent / Guardian Signature Date Parent s Contact/Emergency Number: Parent s Address: (PLEASE PRINT) 6