Physical Science

Mrs. Mohr

The Physical Science class is designed to expand student’s knowledge, understanding, and application of physical, chemical, and earth/space sciences and to prepare students for life long learning.  Students are required to pass a safety exam before participating in any laboratory activities.

Physical Science Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1.  Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.  (Goal 11)

2.  Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.  (Goal 12)

3.  Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.  (Goal 13)

Topics to be Covered:

Unit I - Introduction to Science

Safety in the Science Lab

International System of Measurement, conversions

Scientific Method of Investigation

Unit II – Chemistry - States of Matter, periodic table, elements, formulas, naming

formulas, balancing equations

Unit III - Physics – velocity, acceleration, momentum, Newton’s Laws

Unit IV - Earth and Space – general knowledge (as time permits)

Prerequisite:  None

Grading System:

Grades will be based on assignments, homework, lab activities, lab reports, projects, presentations, quizzes, tests, and daily grade or participation points.

The grading scale is as follows:

                   94 – 100                A

                   86 – 93                  B

                   77 – 85                  C

                   70 – 76                  D

                   Below 70                F

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the specified date unless otherwise noted.  All assignments will receive a fifty percent reduction in the grade when it is late.  If the assignment is two or more days late, 75% of the possible points will be deducted.  Tests and quizzes must be made up within three days to receive credit (after three days, they become a zero).   Tests must be made up during non-classroom time. 

Make-up Work:  For each school day that is missed, a student will be allowed one additional day for each absence upon returning to make up missed work.  If students miss an experiment, they will be given an alternate assignment to complete.  Students are not allowed to make up any work for unexcused absences except in disciplinary circumstances, such as suspensions – assignments that are due the day that the student is unexcused absent will receive 0 points.

Organization:  Students are required to have a 3-ring binder (1 ½” minimum) to put their notes, handouts, assignments, and tests in.  The notebook will be collected periodically (announced and unannounced) for 50 points.  The binder must be organized and labeled either chronologically according to units and chapters OR by sections such as notes, assignments, homework, tests and quizzes, and miscellaneous.  Students are also encouraged to bring their student planner with them every day to record assignments and due dates.  Since the textbooks are old, book covers are required.

Participation Grade:  Students receive 60 points each grading period for attending class on time; bringing homework, book, notebook, a pen or pencil; paying attention, staying on task; and for behaving in an acceptable manner.  Any violation of the rules and procedures will result in a zero for the day.

Safety:  Students are required to pass a safety exam before they will be allowed to conduct any scientific experiments.  Several experiments require that students wear safety goggles.  Goggles must be fully enclosed and must meet Mrs. Mohr’s approval.  Students may purchase goggles for $3.00.  If the student does not have goggles, they will not be allowed to participate in the experiment for their own safety.  Additionally, they will receive a zero for participation and will be required to complete an alternate assignment.

Extra credit will be available periodically and must be completed during the allotted time.  Extra credit can only be used to raise the student’s grade by one letter grade.  Extra credit will be posted on the website.

Physical Science Website:  Visit Mrs. Mohr’s website at http://www.staff.olympia.org/external/classes/embrymohr/index.htm for up-to-date course information.  This site is updated every day with assignments, due dates, practice test reviews, animations, links, and other valuable resources.

Contacting Mrs. Mohr:  Mrs. Mohr is available to students on most days from 8:00 – 8:20 am, 1:00 – 1:45 pm, and 3:15 – 4:15 pm.  She can also be reached at 309-379-5911 (x9334) or chrisembry.mohr@olympia.org.