Physical Science Syllabus Fall 2014

Fall 2014 Physical Science Currituck County High School

Instructor: Ms. Ashley Farris

Room: E17 Phone: (252) 453-0014 ext. 3081 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/Domain/47 (teacher pages will link to my information and class websites) Remind 101: This is a site that I use to send out messages about tests or other reminders. You can read more about it on www.remind.com. If you wish to receive these messages, you can sign up with the class code @9dbd6f

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions! I check my email frequently, and will likely reply within the same day or as soon as possible.

Course Description:

This course serves as an introduction to chemistry and physics, including a state administered final exam which factors into the overall grade. The state End-of-Course test is required. This Science course can fulfill the Physical Science requirements for graduation. Topics studied within the course include the scientific method, matter in motion, energy in motion, the nature of matter, and the changes in matter.

Tentative course schedule and important dates can be found on my class website, along with a link to view the course standards as laid out by the state.

Textbook: The textbook provided in class is Glencoe Physical Science North Carolina. We may use the textbook and other reading materials in class throughout the semester, but individual books will not be issued.

Course Expectations:

1. Be respectful to classmates, teachers, and yourself! 2. Come to class prepared and ready to work 3. Take responsibility for your work, including missed assignments 4. Keep electronic devices put away unless instructed otherwise. 5. Follow all classroom and laboratory instructions, rules, and procedures 6. Do your best!

As a science course, scientific questions, ideas, and discussions are welcome and encouraged! I expect all students to do their best work and keep up with assignments. Students should come to class prepared and ready to work. If a student misses an assignment, they are expected to complete the make-up assignment in the given amount of time. In order to prepare students for college and the work force, I hold them accountable for their actions and expect them to take responsibility for their own behavior. Grades are not given, they are earned, and the grade on the student’s report card will be a reflection of the work they put into the class.

Classroom Procedures: 1. Be seated and working on your warm up at the bell, with all materials out and read 2. Please ask questions-but raise your hand! 3. Be quiet and listening when others are speaking 4. Turn in work to the appropriate basket at the front of the room (missed work can be picked up there as well) 5. Use the restroom before or after class whenever possible 6. Wait for me to dismiss you-not the bell!

Labs: Labs are graded both on the completion of the lab activity and completion of the discussion/summary questions that go with it. Before any lab, thorough instructions will be given. Any student who is behaving in a way that may cause harm to another student will be asked to sit out and given an alternate assignment. Lab rules are as follows: 1. Wear appropriate lab clothing and gear when required 2. Stay at your lab station-absolutely no horseplay will be tolerated 3. Report leaks/spills/broken materials immediately. 4. Keep your station neat and follow all clean up instructions. 5. Follow all instructions exactly as given.

Required materials: 1. Your Chromebook and charger (please bring it to class every day) 2. Notebook with dividers for Bellringers, Notes, Tests/Quizzes, Labs, and Classwork/Homework. 3. Paper 4. Pencil/Pen All other materials used (such as colored pencils, markers, construction paper, etc.) will be available in the classroom for student use.

Grading: Tests and Major Projects: 50% Quizzes/Labs: 30% Classwork/Homework: 20%

A: 100-93 B: 92-85 C: 84-77 D: 76-70 Failing: 69 and below Missing/Late/Make-up Work: Students who fail to complete an assignment by the due date will still be allowed to complete the work up to 3 days after the assignment is due, with points deducted for each day late (10%, 30%, and 50%, respectively). Anything turned in after the 3rd day will not be accepted, as is school policy. Students who are absent will be given 2 days to return missed work before the above deductions are put in place. Tests and quizzes can be made up during tutoring, or after school by appointment.

Tutoring: Anyone whose average falls below a 77 will be assigned to a mandatory tutoring session during Power Hour. If a student does not show up, they must be referred to administration. If additional tutoring is required, this can be done after school by appointment. Tutoring in my class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:37-12:05pm.

Academic Integrity: Although I encourage student collaboration and discussion, all student work should be done individually. Any cheating, plagiarizing, etc. will result in a zero on the assignment and referral to administration. All school discipline guidelines will be followed regarding cheating.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to an excellent semester!

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Physical Science-Fall 2014

Please sign and return by Wednesday, August 27th.

I have read and understand the syllabus for Ms. Farris’ Physical Science course.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

______Student Signature Date