Physical Science Course Syllabus:
Prerequisite:
To take Physical Science, a student must successfully have completed both CP Biology and CP Environmental Science.
Course Description:
Physical Science is designed to provide a foundation in the physical sciences for those students who may not plan to emphasize the sciences in their education after high school. In this course, the student will study five general areas of physical science: chemistry, planetary motion, the physics of earth systems, human activity and energy, and sustainability. Teacher demonstrations will be used to help the student to visualize the concepts covered.
Standards:
This curriculum is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, adopted as the New Jersey Science Learning Standards.
GRADING
Your grade will be based on a variety of factors, including tests, quizzes, homework, lab work, projects and class participation.
Clayton High School Science Department Grading Policy
Tests/projects 60%
Quizzes 30%
Classwork, homework 10%
TESTS
There will be a number of quizzes and Unit Tests, each of which will assess progress toward mastery of course materials. It is very important that you keep your binder up to date and in order, with all notes, class work, handouts, homework assignments, quizzes and tests. This will form the basis of your study for tests.
If you are absent for a test, it is YOUR responsibility to make up the test. Make up tests will not be the same as the original test. Most make up tests will be in essay/short answer format. Tests must be made up upon returning to school. Any test not completed in three subsequent school days will result in a zero. (Of course, extended absences or special circumstances may warrant extra time to make up assignments and tests.)
ASSIGNMENTS
Please write your name, date and class period on every assignment. I can’t give you a grade without your name.
You are responsible for all material covered in your absence. I will do my best to help you catch up, but you must take the initiative. I will place handouts in google classroom, but it is your responsibility to check google classroom after each absence.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework and other assignments will not be excessive, and are required to be turned in on time. Homework is due at the beginning of the period; students will not be issued a pass to retrieve assignments from their locker. Late assignments will not receive credit. If you are absent with an excuse, as per school policy, you will have one day for each excused absence to make up your missed work. Otherwise, homework will not be accepted after its due date.
Homework helps you to review what has been learned and to prepare for what comes next. It helps me to determine whether there are areas that need more attention. All homework will be graded, and will count toward your grade.
School Paper Printing Policy: Students are limited to an allotment of $5 per month for 500 black and white or 50 color copies. Please be advised that no credit will be given for assignments not turned in due to being over the limit. Teachers are also on an allotment and will not be able to print assignments for students.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
All use of electronic devices is prohibited unless authorized by the instructor for educational use. iPads will be stored under their chair when not in use. Any device being used without permission will result in an automatic administrative referral without prior warning.
COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
When you want my attention, please raise your hand and wait patiently. I may not be able to answer you immediately, but I am aware of you and will get to you as quickly as possible.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Please enter the room quietly and on time. When the bell rings to start class, I expect you to be seated and ready to begin.
Please come prepared for class. Bring your iPad every day, a pencil or pen, your notebook, and your calculator. If other materials will be needed, I will let you know in advance.
There will be a “Do Now” assignment on the board each day when you come in. As soon as you enter, take your seat and begin the assignment at once, writing the date and your answer on the Do Now sheet that will be provided. If you do not understand the assignment, ask your neighbor. If your neighbor has the same question, raise your hand and I will respond. As soon as I have taken attendance we will review the assignment. These Do Now assignments will be added up to count as a quiz grade every two weeks.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
We are all bound by the Clayton High School Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is available on the school website, and you are expected to be familiar with it.
RULES
Specific rules for this classroom are posted in the classroom.
RESPECT yourselves, your classmates, your teacher and your school.
BE PREPARED. Bring your materials to class.
BE ON TIME. Please be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
Begin your “Do Now” without waiting to be told.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN CLASS. This is a school rule, a state law, and common sense. I teach Chemistry and Physics in our classroom. There are substances present that you really, truly do not want in your mouth. Pursuant to school policy, you may bring a water bottle to class.
The penalties for rule violations are:
- Verbal warning
- Teacher/student conference
- Phone call or note home
- Detention
- Office referral for further action.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE
Please review the Academic Honor Code set forth on the school website. There will be times when I ask you to work in pairs or groups on class work, homework, labs or projects. Unless I have specifically asked you to work with another student or students, you are expected to work independently and to turn in an original product. Cheating, plagiarism and collusion are defined in the Academic Honor Code, and will result in a zero for the assignment involved and referral for Honor Code violation. Depending upon the particular assignment, this may also result in a failing grade for the course.
EXTRA HELP
If you have a question that is not answered in class, or need extra help, please let me know after class and we will schedule a time to meet.
SUPPLIES
Three-ring binder. All notes and handouts, including this handout, should be kept in the binder in order. The binder will form the basis for your study for tests. It is in your best interest to keep it neat and organized. The notebook will be checked at least once each marking period, and will count for a test grade.
Notebook paper for taking notes.
Pen and/or pencil.
Any texts assigned.
For daily assignments, click on the Google Classroom link on the left side of the page! Students should be checking Google Classroom EVERY DAY, especially if they are absent from class. Students are responsible for getting any work missed while absent. NO Excuses!!!
Check Google Classroom and school email daily for HW assignments, due dates, updates, and announcements