Grand Meadow Public Schools
2020-2021 School Year
Physical Science
Instructor: Mr. Mike Keefe
Course Description
Physical science tries to explain why things are the way they are. There are three main themes in this course: physics, chemistry, and earth science. Physics deals with how objects affect each other on a macroscopic level: forces, energy, motion, acceleration, light properties and much more. Chemistry deals more with how materials interact with each other on a microscopic level: bonding between atoms, formation of molecules and compounds, acid-base interactions, chemical reactions and properties of elements. Earth science focuses on the solar system and processes on earth. This class will include lecture notes, labs, and other various activities. Semesters will be independent of each other and there will be a final exam at the end of each semester. Grade will be based on 1st quarter (40%), 2nd quarter (40%), and final exam (20%). Semester 2 grade will be based on 3rd quarter (40%), 4th quarter (40%), and final exam (20%).
Course Outline (subject to change)
1st Semester
Motion in one dimension
Mechanical energy
Magnetism
Electrical Circuits
Sound
light
Classification of matter
2nd Semester
States of matter
The atom
The periodic table
Chemical Bonding
Transverse waves
Lognitudinal waves
Earth Science Unit including glaciers, rock cycle, weather, and others
Grading: Quarter grades will be based on total points using the following scale:
A 100-94% B+ 89-87% C+ 79-77% D+ 69-67%
A- 93-90% B 86-84% C 76-74% D 66-64%
B- 83-80% C- 73-70% D- 63-60%
Below 60% is an F
It is important to remember that a student will not be given a grade by the teacher; rather you the student earns the grade.
Weighting of Grades
50% Tests/Quizzes
Tests will be given after completion of one or more chapters. Quizzes are worth fewer points and are given more frequently. If you miss either-you are required to make it up within two days of being back or will lose 10% per day.
40% Homework, labs, article summaries, and independent work
Work where students are required to complete an activity alone or as a group will be counted here. Late work will be accepted for up to one week for half credit. After one week-it will be a zero in the grade book. Two article summaries are due per month. They must be done on a science topic in the news and instructions/requirements will be posted on infinite campus.
10% Bell work and effort
Completion of daily bell work and also your effort in this class will count for the remaining 10% of your grade.
Class Rules-
- Be ready when the bell rings. Bell work will be on the board-make sure you are in your seat working on it when the bell rings.
- Be respectful. This covers not only to your classmates, but to staff and the building/classroom.
- Be responsible. You are a high school student and you are required to act like it.
Food/Drink----Water bottles are allowed at the desk, but not in the lab. No food is allowed.
Hall Passes----You have enough time between classes to use the bathroom, get a drink, and gather all your materials you will need for class. You will not be allowed to leave for any of these reasons once the bell rings.
I expect that each and every one of you have the ability to do great in this class. It is up to you to fulfill that expectation. This class will require hard work both in class and out of class. You will be challenged and I expect you will meet those challenges. The best way to have success is to stay on top of assignments. This class will be as fun as you let it be. Get ready for a great upcoming year in Physical Science.
Mr. Keefe
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