PHYSICAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS
v Physical Science is a freshman science class which is required for graduation. Two general areas will be included within the class: physics, which studies different forms of energy and their relationships to each other, and chemistry, which studies the general properties of matter which makes up the world we live in and how different forms of matter may interact with one another. Lab work will stress safe and proper techniques, critical thinking, observation, and data collection and analysis.
v Novel Reading: Read one book of 100 pages or more at high school level. This should be a nonfiction book related to science. It should not be a biography, autobiography, or textbook. On or before March 6th, you need to see me individually to discuss the book you have read. You must bring the book and a brief (1/2 – 1 page) summary with you. Please be sure to include the title of the book, the author, and the copyright date. Your novel grade will be averaged into your daily grade points with a weight of one letter grade. Please try to avoid reading the same book as your classmates.
An additional free-choice novel may be applied to your daily grade during the other three quarters at half the weight of the third quarter physical science novel. Please bring me the signed slip from a member of the novel committee to claim your extra credit.
v Grades will be figured on a total point basis, with the points converted to a percentage/letter grade. The grading scale in the current student handbook will be followed. Daily grades will include a weekly class participation grade.
Nine weeks grades will be based on this basis:
Daily work - 40%
Quizzes - 10%
Tests - 50%
Semester grades will be based on:
Preceding two nine weeks grade - 80%
Semester test - 20%
You will be taking semester/end of year tests. The tests will cover vocabulary, concepts, and problem solving skills developed during the semester/year. Please see the student handbook for how to earn a free pass for the semester test.
v Daily work will be due at the beginning of the next class, unless otherwise noted. Late work may be accepted with a dock in grade, until the test on that material is taken. If you do not hand in an assignment due during class, you will be expected in my room at 3:25 that same day to complete it unless other arrangements have been made. Not doing the work will not be an option! Not doing the work properly will not be an option! These two choices will result in a grade of incomplete.
v You are responsible for your own work. Don’t “loan” work. Co-operative learning is encouraged, except on quizzes/tests. You need to make sure all the “co-operative members” do their fair share. Students successfully completing their own daily work and constructively participating in class should expect to do well on tests.
v Most of the time, I will be available fourth period (my prep), before and after school, and on selected Fridays. You will need to contact me to schedule any missed quizzes or tests. If you need to contact me beyond school hours, my phone number is 279-2053 or 515-0248. I am often at school in the evenings. You may reach me there at 279-2156-ext. 2124. My school email is mary.grayot@k12.sd.us
v If it is necessary to make any changes in the above plans as the school year progresses, I will do my best to keep you updated as quickly as possible.
v Please bring your charged tablet to class with you every day, unless I have advised you otherwise. Please do not use your computer at a lab table during a lab unless you have been specifically told to do so. You may use room 124 as a recharge site over lunch, but be sure to pick up your computer before the start of 5th period. 6th graders have science in this room 5th period.
v Suggested Supplies: Lined paper (no rough edges, please), pencils with erasers, pens, red pen or pencil, and pocket folders or 3-ring binder for organizing papers and notes. Also useful: scientific calculator, graph paper, highlighter, straight edge (6 inch), pencil pocket for organizing small items, file cards, scissors, small pencil sharpener. We will try to rely on fewer paper activities this year, but we will not become paperless immediately. You may donate a roll of paper towels or a box of facial tissues to the room supply. Your donation will earn you 5 extra points.
v You will be expected to keep an up-to-date list of vocabulary words with definitions. These will include all bold-faced words from the text and any others I might give you. You should also maintain a list of formulas and procedures covered during the lessons. Option 1 is use OneNote on your tablet. Option 2 is to keep a paper notebook, not loose sheets. Option 3 is to use study cards, either electronic or paper. Option 4 is to try one or more of the foldable formats suggested in the textbook. Whatever method you choose, bring it to class daily and be prepared for a check for grade at any time.
v Quizzes may be announced or pop. Be prepared. Some quizzes may be available for retakes. Some may not.
v Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. A mid-chapter test may be given if the chapter is particularly long. Unit tests are also a possibility. Expect tests to include vocabulary as well as problems. Tests are a one-time event; do not plan on retakes. Semester/end of the year tests will also be given. Please see the student handbook for how to earn a free pass for semester tests.
v Always show your work – on daily assignments, quizzes, and tests. The basic rule of thumb will be “No work, no credit.” Answers should be labeled when appropriate. Please keep your work neat and easy to read. Please use a pencil for calculations.
v Please use the standard heading on the upper left corner of your papers:
Name –
Teacher – Class – Period –
Assignment (pages & problems) –
Date –
Please see the technology handbook for the proper format for submitting electronic assignments.