Science Syllabus

Course Name: Physical Science

Teacher: Dylan Parten

Introduction: Welcome to Mr. Parten’s Physical Science class! I am excited about the opportunity to work with each of you and your parents to provide you with a quality education in physical science. I hope that your experiences in my classroom will be both entertaining and beneficial for your future success.

Course Description: In this class, we will be exploring the physical and chemical laws that shape the universe. Half of our time will be devoted to chemistry, and the rest of the year will focus on physics. In order to maximize the general learning experience, there will be opportunities for labs and other kinds of hands on learning. Make sure to review the lab rules and sign the safety contract.

Contact Information: The best way to contact me is by e-mail (). Parents, if you have an e-mail address, please include it in the designated area on the back of this syllabus.

You may also contact me through the central office telephone, (205) 342-2777. I am available for conference upon request, and I am eager to help parents and students with any questions or concerns. Please contact me if you would like to set up an appointment.

Course Objectives:

During the course of this semester, we will meet the following state standards:

1.)Recognize periodic trends of elements, including the number of valence electrons, atomic size, and reactivity.

2.)Identify solutions in terms of components, solubility, concentration, and conductivity.

3.)Contrast the formation of ionic and covalent bonds based on the transfer or sharing of valence electrons.

4.)Use nomenclature and chemical formulas to write balanced chemical equations.

5.)Describe physical and chemical changes in terms of endothermic and exothermic processes.

6.)Identify characteristics of gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces.

7.)Relate velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy to mass, distance, force, and time.

8.)Relate the law of conservation of energy to transformations of potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy.

9.)Compare methods of energy transfer by mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

10.)Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

11.)Describe the nuclear composition of unstable isotopes and the resulting changes to their nuclear composition.

12.)Identify metric units for mass, distance, time, temperature, velocity, acceleration, density, force, energy, and power.

Course Materials:

  1. Three ringed binder: This binder must be used only for physical science materials.
  2. No. 2 Pencils
  3. At least 2 red pens
  4. Metric Ruler
  5. Calculator (simple 4 function will work)

*You will need to bring these materials to class every day*

Attendance: Attendance is critical to your success in school. Students who have an excused absence from school must make up work within two days of their return. Students who miss school with an unexcused absence will not be allowed to make up work. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a time to make up work that is convenient to both the student and the teacher. The make up work folder will be available for students who miss class.

Grading Policy: Grades will be calculated based on a percentage system. Below is a list of categories and their weighted percentages.

Chapter Tests (some tests may cover multiple chapters) / 40%
9 Weeks Tests (comprehensive) / 15%
Homework (graded for completion or accuracy) / 15%
Assorted Assignments (classwork, quizzes, labs, notebook tests, etc.) / 25%
Participation (engagement and active participation in daily activities) / 5%

Late assignments will receive deductions, half credit, or no credit.

Half-way through each 9 weeks grading period, students will be given a progress report which outlines their grades, and they will be required to have a parent’s signature on the report. This will allow parents to remain updated on their child’s progress.

Occasional opportunities for extra credit may be provided at my discretion.

Please check this box if you do not want your child to be in any classroom pictures or videos.

*This document is subject to change and students will be notified of such changes.*

I, the undersigned, have read and understand the provisions of this class syllabus, and I have also read the class and computer lab rules.

Student Signature ______

Parent Signature ______Parent E-mail Address ______