PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Syllabus and Course Requirements

This is State mandated End of Course Exam (EOC) Class!  The EOC exam is a cumulative test covering all topics of the school year.  The exam is always the second week of May.  We are all in it together!

I.  Overview

Physical Science is a course that explores the relationship between matter and energy.  Students will investigate forces and motion, the chemical and physical properties of matter, the ways in which matter and energy interact within the natural world and the forms and properties of energy.  Physical Science will provide the knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision making about matters of scientific and technological concern, as well as, provide a basic foundation for advanced studies in chemistry and physics and personal career choices.  The curriculum for this class can be found at:

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/standards/sci/phys_sci.shtml

II. Course of Study (Text – Holt: Science Spectrum)

            Subject                                                            Chapters

First Nine Weeks

                        Force and Motion                                 1, 10, 11, 12

Second Nine Weeks

                        Structure and properties of matter         2, 3, 4, 5

Third Nine Weeks

                        Interactions of matter                            6, 7, 8, 9

Fourth Nine Weeks

                        Energy                                                  13, 14, 15, 16, 17

III. Make up Work Policy

You have as many days as you miss to make up the assignments (example: miss two days of school, assignments/tests missed during that time will be due the second day after you return).   This is school policy. Coach Price is available for test/quiz make-ups from 7:30-8:00 most every morning or after school from 2:30-3:30.  However, missed labs, quizzes, or tests are to be scheduled for morning makeup a day in advance.  Also, due to athletics, afternoon make-ups may not be available during basketball season. 

IV. Notebook Requirements

A separate three ring notebook is required for this class.  Make sure your name and class period are on the front of your notebook and don’t lose it!

            1.  Keep your assignment sheet in your notebook and record all of your assignments each day.  Coach Price will be using mygradebook.com online in recording your grades.  Periodically check and let Coach Price know of any grade-related errors so they can be adjusted.

            2.  Do not throw away any work until instructed by Coach Price to do so!

            3.  The final exams come from old tests, quizzes, and various other assignments.  It is expected that you keep up with all of your assignments so that this may serve as a source of study for exams.  This is also a good way in studying for the End of Course exam.

Your notebook should include the following:

Class Notes, Handouts, Worksheets, Labs and Equation Sheets

• All class notes should be dated and in order (by chapter section, oldest to newest material).  Make sure your FULL NAME and CLASS PERIOD are recorded on all of your work so you can get credit for it when it is turned in for grading.

• All labs will be graded and returned to you and should be kept in your notebook.  Name, date, and class period information should be on all assignments that you turn in.

V.  Grading Scale

The following values are the minimum points for each type of assignment.  Higher point values may be assigned to special tasks which you will be informed of throughout the school year.

            Assignment                                                     Estimated Point Values

            Tests                                                                70-100

            Quizzes                                                             10-30

            Homework                                                        10-25

            Lab Exercises                                                   20-50

            Notebook Check (once every 9 weeks)              100

            Nine Weeks Project                                          150-200

            Daily Participation                                             10

*** Bonus points may be available on some assignments (always optional). ***

Extra credit will only be available on a few optional activities, so keep up with all assignments.

Grading Procedures for Final Averages

First Semester: Nine Weeks Grades are 20% each (80%), Final First Semester (20%)

Second Semester: Nine Weeks Grades are 20% each (80%), End of Course State Exam

 (15%), Final Second Semester (5%)

VI.  Student Companion Textbook Website = www.prenhall.com/stiling

Coach Price’s School Website:

http://www.etsu.edu/coe/uschool/facstaff/pricer/coach Price Home.htm

Check grades online: www.mygradebook.com – more information to follow!

VII.  Guidelines for the Classroom

1.  Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.

2.  Obey all school rules stated in the Student Handbook

3.  Be prepared to begin class on time with all required materials (pen/pencil, textbook,

            notebook with paper)

4.  Hall pass usage is for personal emergencies only.  Those students who abuse this

     policy will lose permission of the hall pass. 

Note:  Sloppy, unreadable, or half completed work will NOT be accepted and will be handed back to the student to redo.  If your handwriting is unreadable, type your assignments.