Course Syllabus
Glencoe Physical Science Textbook
Honors Physical Science
Alicia Allen
Allen.Alicia.C@muscogee.k12.ga.us
Remind: text @allenhps to 81010
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: atomic theory, periodic law, energy, heat energy, forces and motion, work, sound, electromagnetic waves, static electricity, electrical circuits 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.
The following units will be covered:
- Science Fundamentals (NGSS SEP/CCC)
- Atoms & The Periodic Table (SPS1)
- Chemical Bonds and Reactions (SPS2 & SPS3)
- Nuclear Chemistry (SPS4)
- Matter (SPS5)
- Solutions, Acids, & Bases (SPS6)
- Force & Motion (SPS8)
- Energy & Heat (SPS7)
- Waves: Electromagnetic Spectrum, Sound, & Light (SPS9)
- Electricity & Magnetism (SPS10)
Class website: Our class has a website that contains helpful links, reminders, documents, and/or other information. Please get in the habit of checking the websites for all of your classes regularly. The website is your course in Canvas (which can be found on the Muscogee County School District Website).
Class Remind group: I utilize the Remind app which allows me to send out quick information and documents while keeping users’ phone numbers private. The app has added a chat feature so you can message me through Remind any time. Please text the number at the top of the syllabus to join the class group. This and email are the best ways to communicate with me outside of school, however please allow 24 hours for me to respond.
Daily materials: You will need to bring to class each day your science notebook, your textbook (unless told otherwise), and supplies (pens, pencils, crayons/colored pencils, etc.). Other materials may be requested throughout the term. Make sure you bring your planner/agenda to class every day – it is vital to maintaining organization and serves as your hall pass!
Grade determination, Assignments and Absences: Your overall nine weeks grade will be calculated based on grades earned over the course of the grading period. Grades are calculated as follows:
| 65% Summative Assessments | 35% Formative Assessments |
| Flashback Fridays Quizzes | Daily Assignments (Bell Ringers, Notes, Activities) |
| Content and Knowledge Essentials | Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Assignments |
| Tests & Projects | Achieve 3000 |
As this is a high school level course there are additional requirements related to grades. In order to obtain high school credit for this course the following conditions must be met!
- End of the year average of at least 70 must be achieved!
- Student must score at level 3 (Proficient) or a level 4 (Distinguished) on the Georgia Milestones End of Course Test given near the end of 2nd Scores on the EOCT are converted into a percentage score that will count for 20% of a student’s final yearly average.
- Any student that does not score at level 3 (Proficient) or level 4 (Distinguished) will not receive high school credit for the course but will instead get credit for 8th grade physical science.
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! I do on occasion offer students the opportunity to earn bonus points throughout each grading period. These are often additional small assignments that reinforce our Georgia Standards of Excellence in the area of science.
Notebooks and Graded work: The most successful students are the ones who remain organized and have material to study. Graded work will be returned for review but it is HIGHLY recommended that you keep up with it so you will have it as a complete course review before state testing at the end of the year.
Hall and Restroom Passes: You have 3 minutes between each class and 7 minutes at locker break times to use the restroom. I will issue a set of emergency passes at the beginning of each grading period. These passes should be saved for emergencies only. If you are found to be taking an in-school field trip, you will have your pass privileges revoked for the remainder of the term. Unused passes may be turned in at the end of the grading period for bonus points!!!
Tardies/Dismissal: You are tardy if you are not in the room when the bell rings. Do not come to class late without a pass. Any messes will be cleaned up and materials returned to their correct location before being dismissed.
There is a lot of learning from hands on/minds on activities, and not just from reading and listening. When you are doing something during class or a lab, make sure you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.
Class expectations and Code of Conduct:
All students are expected to:
(1) Be on time and prepared (textbook, notebook, colored pencils, pencil) for class every day
(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
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|