Physical ScienceClass Syllabus

Mr. Steffen

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the physical aspects and laws of our universe, as well as to increase problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Classroom Rules

1. BE RESPECTFUL

2. BE RESPONSIBLE

3. BE ON TIME

4. NO GUM

5. DRESS APROPRIATELY

6. DO NOT TOUCH OTHERS OR OTHERS PROPERTY

7. END ALL CONVERSATIONS AT THE DOOR

8. RAISE YOUR HAND TO SPEAK OR LEAVE SEAT

9. FOLLOW ALL CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

10. NO FOOD OR DRINK

Grading Scale

A / 100-93% / Aim for the top! / C / 76-73%
A- / 92-90% / C- / 72-70%
B+ / 89-87% / D+ / 69-67%
B / 86-83% / D / 66-63%
B- / 82-80% / D- / 62-60%
C+ / 79-77% / F / 59-lower

Classroom Participation:

- You can lose points through non-participation and misbehavior. Also included in participation will be regular student presentations on various topics during the year.

Labs:

-Labs are important for true understanding of the processes of Physical Science. Labs generally cannot be made up unless an absence is excused. Your lab grade will be based on the quality of your lab work, your behavior during lab, clean up after lab, care for the lab equipment, as well as your written lab report. Before each lab you should read over the lab goals and procedures. Pre-lab quizzes can be expected. All lab work has potential of being on the next test.

Homework:

- Homework consists of the daily homework announced each class period as well as consistent reading of the text and note taking. Late work will NOT be accepted unless a valid note is included.

Reading:

- Part of your homework will be reading assignments in the chapter. These need to be read before the day of the lecture so you can ask intelligent questions. Read actively using a highlighter and making notations in the margins of your textbook as well as in your notes. If you’re not clear about a term or concept, refer to some reference material such as an encyclopedia or the internet.

Projects:

- Each semester you will be given one or two projects other than the regular homework and labs. Each project will have specific instructions and will count as a test.

Tests:

- Tests are given to find out what you are learning, and more importantly, to find out what kind of meaning you are getting out of what you are learning. Testing will be over all reading, class discussion, and lab material. There will be a test at the end of each chapter and sometimes another at the end of each unit. There will also be a test at the end of each semester. You may retake one test per semester. The retake must take place within one week of the original test. Also your lowest test score is dropped at the end of the semester but it must be a test that was completed.

Quizzes:

- Quizzes may or may not be given at the beginning of class. Quizzes will test your knowledge of reading assignments, the previous day’s lesson, or other information we are currently studying. They will test your knowledge of the details (facts) of what we are studying as well as your understanding of concepts being studied.

Final grade – 50% of your final grade will come from tests and quizzes. 20% will come from homework, and class work (including participation). 30% will come from labs.

Extra credit – Will be available periodically as announced by the teacher but is only offered to those who have completed all of their homework assignments and labs.

Substitute teacher behavior – I expect your behavior for a substitute teacher to be better than for myself.

Cheating – I have high expectations for you in this class; expectations that you are perfectly able to meet on your own. I realize that these expectations may increase the temptation to cheat. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! Cheating is taking credit for work or knowledge that is not yours. This includes copying homework, memorizing multiple choice answers to tests, looking on someone else’s test or assignment etc. Cheating is often called “sharing” but it is really still cheating. In our current culture cheating has become more and more “acceptable” among students; this is WRONG. Cheating is morally and ethically WRONG do not get fooled into thinking that it is okay because others are doing it. Avoid even looking like you are cheating.

“In the end a person’s character is demonstrated by what he does when nobody islooking.”

How to succeed in this class – Aim to learn the material rather than “get done” with the assignments. Read faithfully before class,don’t just skim. Take detailed useful notes. Review all concepts of the chapter nightly. Study in productive study groups. Helping each other learn is anti-cheating and is strongly encouraged. Complete and turn in all assignments. Pay attention in class this is a solid 50 minutes to learn what you are required to know. Why waste your own time later learning what everyone else learned in class?

I believe you should succeed!

I believe you can succeed!!

I believe you will succeed!!!

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.