Physical Science Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Marcus Pate
Contact Information:
Phone: 252-321-3232 Ext: 7479
GoogleVoice: (252) 493-6308
Email: [email protected]
Website: marcuspate.weebly.com
Course Description:
This Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue the investigation of the concepts that guide inquiry in the practice of science begun in earlier grades. The Physical Science course will provide a rich knowledge base as a foundation for the continued study of science. The investigations will be approached in a qualitative manner in keeping with the mathematical skills of the students. The curriculum will integrate the following topics from both chemistry and physics: structure of atoms, structure, and properties of matter, motions and forces, and conservation of energy, matter, and charge. Other specific topics include: mechanics, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism, wave motion and the wave nature of sound and light.
Attendance:
All students are expected to conform to the attendance rules as stated in the South Central High School Student Handbook.
Materials:
For this course each student will need the following:
· 3-ring binder for notes (1 1/2 inch)
· 14 tab dividers
· notebook paper
· black pens
· pencils
· colored pencils
· notecards
· graph paper
Grading Criteria:
Students will receive documentation of their progress in the course periodically throughout the semester. Students will receive progress reports every three weeks, and report cards every six weeks. Grades will be calculated based on the following criteria:
· 60% Major Grades
· 25% Minor Grades
- 15% Other Grades
Assignments
Tests- Tests will be given as we conclude each unit. Tests will be mostly free-response and multiple choice.
Lab Notebook Checks – At the beginning of each unit students will receive a list of the items we will complete throughout the unit. These will be the items that I will be looking for when I collect lab notebooks for grading. Grading will take place at the conclusion of each unit (on test day).
Labs- Each student will participate in labs as a group but will be required to turn in their own individual lab write-ups for an individual grade.
Other Assignments- From time to time we will have short quizzes on ideas that are very important to make sure you are following along with me. Also, I may collect and grade class work as needed to make sure you are on task.
Classwork/Homework- All classwork must be turned in on the day it is due. If you are absent and miss a classwork/homework assignment it is your responsibly to ask the teacher for your make-up work and complete it within a three-day window of your return to school. Late homework is not accepted. If you were absent on the day a homework assignment is due, you must turn it in upon your return to school. All notes, handouts, homework and labs are to be kept in the 3-ring notebook.
Projects: You will be assigned at least one project per six weeks. Projects assigned will be based on the topics covered during the six weeks. Projects are to be complete by the assigned due date.
Final Exam- Each student will take a state mandated exam during the designated exam period for our class which will count as 25% of your final grade for the course.
Miscellaneous
Participation- Students are responsible for participation in all class activities, discussions, and assignments.
Folders- You will each have a folder in my classroom. We will use the folders to keep up with your tests. Test will be returned to you so that you can see them and then they will be placed in your folder.
Late Work & Absences- You should always strive to turn in your work on time! Late work is NOT accepted. If you are absent, you are responsible for getting any missed labs or worksheet solutions from your lab group. If you are absent for a school related function then you are responsible for making arrangements to receive and complete your work ahead of time!
Academic Integrity- Cheating will not be tolerated on any level in this course. If you are caught cheating you will receive a zero and your parents will be notified. Cheating via storing information in your calculator will result in a loss of calculator privileges for the rest of the semester. Basically, cheating is the one thing you really do not want to do in my class so please do not even think about it!
Website/Class Technology- We will use various forms of technology to enhance instruction in this course. Our class website will be your home base to find out what is going on in class each day, to find assignments, announcements, and other information. Other technology will be used including GoogleVoice, Remind101, etc.
Contact Information:
Phone: 252-321-3232 Ext: 7479
GoogleVoice: (252) 493-6308
Email: [email protected]
Website: marcuspate.weebly.com
Course Description:
This Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue the investigation of the concepts that guide inquiry in the practice of science begun in earlier grades. The Physical Science course will provide a rich knowledge base as a foundation for the continued study of science. The investigations will be approached in a qualitative manner in keeping with the mathematical skills of the students. The curriculum will integrate the following topics from both chemistry and physics: structure of atoms, structure, and properties of matter, motions and forces, and conservation of energy, matter, and charge. Other specific topics include: mechanics, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism, wave motion and the wave nature of sound and light.
Attendance:
All students are expected to conform to the attendance rules as stated in the South Central High School Student Handbook.
Materials:
For this course each student will need the following:
· 3-ring binder for notes (1 1/2 inch)
· 14 tab dividers
· notebook paper
· black pens
· pencils
· colored pencils
· notecards
· graph paper
Grading Criteria:
Students will receive documentation of their progress in the course periodically throughout the semester. Students will receive progress reports every three weeks, and report cards every six weeks. Grades will be calculated based on the following criteria:
· 60% Major Grades
· 25% Minor Grades
- 15% Other Grades
Assignments
Tests- Tests will be given as we conclude each unit. Tests will be mostly free-response and multiple choice.
Lab Notebook Checks – At the beginning of each unit students will receive a list of the items we will complete throughout the unit. These will be the items that I will be looking for when I collect lab notebooks for grading. Grading will take place at the conclusion of each unit (on test day).
Labs- Each student will participate in labs as a group but will be required to turn in their own individual lab write-ups for an individual grade.
Other Assignments- From time to time we will have short quizzes on ideas that are very important to make sure you are following along with me. Also, I may collect and grade class work as needed to make sure you are on task.
Classwork/Homework- All classwork must be turned in on the day it is due. If you are absent and miss a classwork/homework assignment it is your responsibly to ask the teacher for your make-up work and complete it within a three-day window of your return to school. Late homework is not accepted. If you were absent on the day a homework assignment is due, you must turn it in upon your return to school. All notes, handouts, homework and labs are to be kept in the 3-ring notebook.
Projects: You will be assigned at least one project per six weeks. Projects assigned will be based on the topics covered during the six weeks. Projects are to be complete by the assigned due date.
Final Exam- Each student will take a state mandated exam during the designated exam period for our class which will count as 25% of your final grade for the course.
Miscellaneous
Participation- Students are responsible for participation in all class activities, discussions, and assignments.
Folders- You will each have a folder in my classroom. We will use the folders to keep up with your tests. Test will be returned to you so that you can see them and then they will be placed in your folder.
Late Work & Absences- You should always strive to turn in your work on time! Late work is NOT accepted. If you are absent, you are responsible for getting any missed labs or worksheet solutions from your lab group. If you are absent for a school related function then you are responsible for making arrangements to receive and complete your work ahead of time!
Academic Integrity- Cheating will not be tolerated on any level in this course. If you are caught cheating you will receive a zero and your parents will be notified. Cheating via storing information in your calculator will result in a loss of calculator privileges for the rest of the semester. Basically, cheating is the one thing you really do not want to do in my class so please do not even think about it!
Website/Class Technology- We will use various forms of technology to enhance instruction in this course. Our class website will be your home base to find out what is going on in class each day, to find assignments, announcements, and other information. Other technology will be used including GoogleVoice, Remind101, etc.