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Physical Science Syllabus, 2014-2015Albert Hill Middle School3400 Patterson Ave., Richmond VA 23221School number: 804-780-6107Fax number: 804-780-8754 Teacher: Mrs. Owens, Room 203Planning Phases: 9th and 10th Email: owens.alberthill@Course Description:Physical Science students will develop and extend skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Validating conclusions using evidence and data becomes increasingly important at this level. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Research methods and skills highlight practical problem solving and questioning.An in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy will be stressed. The standards place considerable emphasis on the technological application of physical science principles. Major areas covered by the standards include the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion (VDOE, 2010).Major Topics:Scientific investigation and methodologyLab SafetyMatterAtomic Theory & StructurePeriodic TableConservation of Matter and EnergyForms of EnergySound and LightElectricity and Magnetism Work, force, and motionTeaching MethodsPhysical Science is an inquiry-based course that relies on student driven activities, hands-on learning and exploration. It is my goal to guide students through the learning process and provide them with tools they will need to be successful. Students are expected to be active and engaged members of the classroom. A stimulating science classroom full of energy, vibrant discussion, independent learners and global thinkers will be norm, not the exception. TextbookPhysical Science, GlencoeIf this textbook is lost, the replacement cost can be up to $85.00. Classroom ExpectationsBe responsible for your own actions and work. Cheating is not allowed. Doing so will result in a loss of credit for the assignment(s) and a parent conference will be required.Be respectful to yourself, your peers, the instructor and the classroom environment. Any behavior which harms the learning and/or dignity of others will not be tolerated. Under no circumstances will abusive language or behavior be acceptable.Be aware of the expectations outlined here and in the RPS Student Code of Conduct.Be punctual to class and with all assignments. Effective students have excellent attendance, arrive on time to class, and use time in a productive manner. Understand that each day a student is absent; he/she will miss 70 minutes of instructional time. Each 70 minute class is very intensive, and its lesson is always linked to the previous and next class. Parents, RPS requires that you provide written documentation of your child’s absence. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work needs to be completed. Missed work is the responsibility of the student to collect. Prior arrangements should be made when possible. Be prepared everyday with assignments, materials, and excellent attitude and ready to learn.Be engaged in the learning process by actively participating and listening.Cell phones must be turned off and put away during class. If you’re not sure if something is permitted, consider the following and most important rule: Anything that prevents me from teaching or you or your classmates from learning is UNACCEPTABLE!Consequences It is anticipated that all of the above outlined behavior expectations are met at all times. If at any time a student fails to follow these guidelines the following consequences will occur:1st Offense: Warning2nd Offense: Student/teacher conference3rd Offense: Parents contacted and/or team conference if needed4th Offense: Referral to the office Severe disruptions: Immediate removal from the classroom and a referralHomework and Class Participation Expectations: Homework assignments will be based on class activities, field trips and/or labs that have been performed. This is partly why it is important to attend class everyday. Each homework assignment will be given a due date. NO LATE HOMEWORK IS ACCEPTED. Grades will be posted regularly on enGrade. It is important to monitor the progress of your child’s homework and ensure that they are developing good work habits and turning assignments in on time.Late projects receive a ten-point deduction for each school day it is late. The only exceptions to this rule will be in cases of illness or family emergencies that will be worked out on a case by case basis with written a note from parents or guardians.Studying for at least 15 minutes after each class day is expected. Study skills will be discussed. Lost homework or class participation points cannot be recovered.Please note:Because most homework assigned in considered practice, it is graded based upon completeness, not correctness.Some homework assignments may be collected and graded for both completeness and correctness.It is the responsibility of the student to collect missed arrangements when he/she has been absent from class.Homework assignments and studying are expected to be completed after each class period!Homework must be brought to class on the day it is due. If it is left at home or in your locker it is not considered complete! Lab Safety Rules:You must follow all safety rules while performing any lab, 100% of the time. These guidelines are for your safety and the safety of others. You must pass the lab safety quiz in order to participate in labs. All students and parents/guardians should review and sign the lab safety contract provided to the students on the first day of class.Grade Reporting is an online grade book and communication program that allows parents, students and teachers to communicate regarding the student’s progress in the class. The teacher will update with all assignments and send communication to parents via email regarding failing grades (any assignments below 65%) and other scores/assignment information as deemed necessary by the teacher. Students are expected to view to view current progress, check for missing or incomplete work and ask for remediation in specific areas of need during tutoring. Parents are expected to give and update teachers with contact information, view regularly (recommended weekly) and communicate with student and teacher about concerns and questions in a timely manner. Classroom Supply List:The following items are required and should be brought to class everyday: 1 binder with loose leaf paper #2 pencilsThe following items are required and will be used throughout the year:Index cardsOne standard size tri-fold display board for the science fairThe following items would be helpful and are recommended:CalculatorColored pencilsHighlightersMissed Tests/Assignments:The student is responsible for making up ALL missed test/assignments due to absence. Student must make arrangements prior to the absence (if possible) or upon return. The student has 3 school days from the time they return to make up any missed test/assignments, unless otherwise arranged. Points may be deducted for any assignments not received by the appropriate due date.Technology User AgreementThrough grant funding Mrs. Owens was able to obtain a number of Chromebooks and an iPad for student use in the classroom. All students must read, sign, and have a parent/guardian sign the Technology User Agreement before using any of these devices. All terms of the Technology User Agreement must be adhered to at all times in order to maintain user privileges.Grading PolicyYour grade will have four components:Tests/Projects35%Quizzes/Labs30%Class Assignments/Snapshots 25%Homework10%Extra CreditEach nine weeks there is an opportunity to earn up to fifty extra credit points. No extra credit points beyond the maximum of 50 per nine-week quarter will be given. Any earned extra credit is counted as a quiz grade. Points can be earned by either completing Learning Square assignments, or by bringing in classroom materials. Rubrics for the learning squares will be available on enGrade. All extra credit assignments are due on or before the last day of the nine weeks in order to count for that marking period. Below is the list of extra credit opportunities:PointsComplete a learning square on a famous scientist*25Complete a learning square on a historical scientific event*25Bring in hand soap bottle 8oz or larger10Bring in a box of tissues10Bring in a paper Towel roll10Bring in a ream of color copy paper10Bring in a box of pencils10Bring in lab supplies on as-needed basis**10*Mrs. Owens must approve the chosen scientist or event in order to receive extra credit. Resources are available to help students select a scientist or event.**Additional lab materials may be requested throughout the year on an as-needed basis. Items that will be useful in labs and other activities will be discussed in further detail on back to school night.Please sign below indicating that you have read the syllabus and understand the guidelines and expectations for this course and teacher. This page needs to be detached and returned to Mrs. Owens. The remainder of this syllabus should be kept in the student’s science folder at all times for reference and should be updated as necessary.Student’s Name __________________________________________________________Student’s Signature_______________________________________ Date:___________Student’s email address ____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian:Parent/Guardian Name____________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________ Date:____________Relationship to student:____________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Home number:_____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Cell Number:______________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Work Number:_____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian e-mail address:_____________________________________________________Optional: Please fill out this section if there is a second primary caregiver that may be contacted in reference to your child’s progress.Parent/Guardian Name____________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________ Date:____________Relationship to student:____________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Home number:_____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Cell Number:______________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Work Number:_____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian e-mail address:_____________________________________________________ ................
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