Physical Science

SR Physical Science Course Overview and Policies

Title of Course:                     Physical Science

Teacher’s Name:                   Mrs. Kolar

Course Information:            

Grade 9 (Physical Science is required to graduate.)

Duration of class: two semesters for a total of one credit. 

First semester: Introduction to Physics (0.5 credit)

Second semester:  Introduction to Chemistry (0.5 credit) 

Room:                                     323

Teacher Information:          

Mrs. Kolar: 810-591-5449

email: mkolar@carmanainsworth.org

***I do not have a planning hour this year. It is best to reach me via email. If a phone call is needed the best time to call is after 2:20 pm when students are dismissed.

Course Description and Overview of Content:

This is a freshmen (9th grade) class, one of the three required science credits required for graduation. This course is an introduction to Physics and Chemistry. First semester will be devoted to physics with a focus on Newton’s Laws of motion, types and transfer of energy, and analysis of data. In chemistry our topics will be states of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical reactions.

Course Goal/Intended Outcomes: 

Students will be given the opportunity to learn the outcomes of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).     

Texts and/ or Other Materials

• Curriculum used: “Physical Science,” by Glencoe Science.
• Students will need writing materials (pen/pencil).   
• All students will create an interactive science notebook which can be used for tests/quizzes. They will need a lined 8 ½ X 11 inch lined notebook (without perforation to remove pages) with a minimum of 100 pages.

Format and Activities:

Demonstrations, discussions, lecture notes and labs are the major formats used in this class. The curriculum is supplemented with visual aids, videos, projects, reading assignments and worksheets. There will also be time spent on a computer, where students may work on a simulation or research a topic.

Grading Practices and Procedures:

Marking Periods: Each semester has three marking periods of 6 or 7 weeks each. The marking period grades are based on the following percentages:

   60%  Tests and quizzes

   40%  Homework, labs, projects, and participation

Semesters: The semester grades are determined in the following manner:

    26%  first marking period

    27%  second marking period

    27%  third marking period

    20%  exam 

Homework Assignments:

In order to succeed in this class, students will need to complete assigned readings, do their homework, and complete class assignments and labs.  Students must keep track of their work and turn it in on time for full credit. For excused absences, students are allowed one day for each day absent. Unexcused absences do not get extended time and will result in a 0. Please refer to the student handbook pages 14-17.

Grades:

Our school provides a simple way for parents and students to be informed about student progress. Parents and students can check progress online for all classes by accessing Synergy (StudentVue/ParentVue). If an assignment is not turned in, a zero will be entered in to the grade book. 

Attendance/Tardiness:

Tardiness: Students are considered tardy if they are not inside the classroom and in their seat when the tardy bell rings. In addition, students will be referred to the office or In-School Suspension room according to the attendance policy in the student handbook.

Attendance: Out goal is to prepare your child for real life experience. Attendance is needed to be successful in school and in life after graduating from high school. If a student is absent, they are responsible for doing the work they missed. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are caught up. For extended absences, please notify the attendance office and missing work can be left to be picked up for the student.

***Please refer to the student handbook (pages 14-17) for what absences are excused and unexcused, school absence and tardiness policy.

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

Students are expected to come to class ready to learn. They should be on time with something to write with, science notebook and homework with them every day. Accommodations will be provided as dictated by a student’s IEP.  

If a student was absent, they are expected to find out what they missed prior to the start of class and using the class calendar.

Everyone is expected to actively participate in class. Students who act irresponsibly/inappropriately or disrupting the learning environment will be removed from class and meet with their assigned behavior interventionist. Students will not earn points for the day’s assignments.

Students cannot learn when they are not present. Passes will only be granted if we feel they are necessary. Students are expected to plan ahead and use the passing time to attend to their personal needs and gather the necessary items so that they do not miss instruction time during class. 

Academic Integrity:

Students caught cheating, in any form, will lose credit for the assignment or test. If a student allows someone to copy their work, they will also lose credit.

Technology Usage:

Students will be given opportunities to use school computers for research, worksheets, and projects. This will require that an AUP be signed and on file in the Media Center. Technology is to only be used for school purposes.