Physical Science

Alicia Allen

Allen.Alicia.C@muscogee.k12.ga.us

Course description:  Physical Science is an introduction to physical laws and chemical processes through the study of the relationships between matter and energy.  This class will cover fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics including: structure and properties of matter, forms and transformations of energy,  forces and motion, , sound, electromagnetic waves, gravity, electricity, and magnetism.  Laboratory exercises, demonstrations, projects and other activities will be used in coordination with the textbook, written assignments and tests.  Adherence to lab safety rules is expected and required for participation.

Class expectations and Code of Conduct: All students will:
                (1) Be on time and prepared for class, whether in-person or virtual
                (2) Follow all instructions given by the teacher the first time
                (3) Behave respectfully, responsibly and refrain from class disruptions
                (4) Complete all work to the best of their ability
                (5) Follow all school rules
                (6) Cooperate and encourage classmates

I expect you to act in a mature manner and treat everyone with the same respect you would like given to you.

Class website: Modules, announcements, assignments, links, documents, etc. will be found here.  Most assignments will be submitted through CANVAS. Encourage your parents to join CANVAS as observers for your courses.

The following units will be covered:

1. Science Fundamentals (NGSS SEP/CCC)
2. Structure and Properties of Matter (S8P1)
3. Forms and Transformations of Energy (S8P2)
4. Force & Motion (S83)
5. Waves: Electromagnetic Spectrum, Sound, & Light (S84)
6. Gravity, Electricity & Magnetism (S8P5)

Daily materials: You will need to have your binder, your textbook, and supplies for class each session. Other
materials may be requested throughout the term. Make sure you use your planner/agenda every day – it is vital to
maintaining organization!  As an increased safety precaution, students are encouraged to have their own personal supplies (pens, pencils, colored pencils, etc.). Water bottles (plastic or metal) are also encouraged since water fountains will be unavailable.

Donations of Lysol, Clorox wipes, bottles of water, paper towels, Kleenex, and hand sanitizer are GREATLY
APPRECIATED!

Notebooks: I will suggest notebook organization strategies at the beginning of the year but it will be up to you to maintain what works best for YOU. The most successful students are the ones who have material to study.
Although we will have unit resources on CANVAS, I do recommend maintaining a physical binder with written notes to study, etc. You are welcome to print resources from our CANVAS page.

Grade determination, Assignments and Absences: Our units are organized into modules consisting of combinations of topic-specific vocabulary, PowerPoints, demonstrations, various styles of notes, lecture, large or small group work, videos, interactive websites, and other activities. These can be found on our CANVAS page.
Your graded assignments will fall into one of two categories and have the following weights assigned for calculating.  Your overall nine weeks grade will be calculated based on grades earned over the course of the grading period. Grades are calculated as follows:

In regards to extra credit…please do not ask me for extra credit assignments to bring up your grade. Statistically speaking if you are completing all of your work to the best of your ability and turning in all assignments on time as required, there is no need for extra credit.  Your level of success in class depends on the amount of real effort and energy you put into it! IF you want an A put in the work for that A! 

Things to keep in mind:

• Learning is ultimately the student’s responsibility, and as your teacher, I will provide instruction, materials,
  explanations, practice instruments, tutoring, and individual help, if needed.
• Not all assignments or tasks are submitted for a grade, however this does not mean the work is less
  important. All of our activities and assignments have the goal of helping you learn and practice a concept.
• The quality of the practice you put in will directly affect the results you get out.
• Work not completed prior to the assessment on that topic will not be accepted late.
• Get in the habit of regularly checking student portal for your grades or to see if you are missing any work!
• You should email me or message me through CANVAS for individual help or questions.
• You will always be given advance notice of major assessments and may consist of (but are not limited to):
  performance-based, multiple choice, true/false, ticket out the door, completion or oral response. Keep up
  with all dates on your calendar.
• It is the student’s responsibility, NOT the teacher’s, to make arrangements for make-up work, however it
  is not appropriate to interrupt instructional time to do this. Check CANVAS first to see what you missed,
  then check the missing work tray (for in-person instruction) or message me (for virtual instruction) if it is
  something that isn’t posted in our current module. Missing assignments will be recorded as a zero until they
  are submitted.

A final note: This year is different for us all and it is far from an ideal situation, but you know what? We’re going
to get try to through this. Do your best, but not get upset when things don’t work quite right.