PHYSICAL SCIENCE

1st SEMESTER 2004

INSTRUCTOR: Kari Minihan Text: Foundations of Physical Science

Phone: 744-5000 Supplementary Sources and Reading

OVERVIEW:

Physical Science is a one-semester laboratory course. Curriculum focuses on the scientific method, state standards in Science, measurement and lab skills, properties of matter, and types and characteristics of energy. This course relies heavily on laboratory activities, group work, and individual reading and writing assignments. Occasionally there will be homework in the form of test preparation, lab writes ups, and assignments not completed in class. You are encouraged to check your student’s PLANNER to see what we are doing in class. Each student is required to write down what is happening in class each day.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1. Pencils 2. Lined paper 3. Spiral Notebook for notes

Colored pencils, calculators and rulers are helpful but not required.

EXPECTATIONS:

1. Students and staff will maintain a positive, respectful, safe learning environment.

2. Encourage and support learning for others as well as yourself.

3. Come prepared for class and ready to work.

4. Follow safety guidelines and keep work areas clean.

5. Hats, food, & beverages are not appropriate in science lab classrooms.

GRADING:

Grading is based on performance in the following categories:

1. Tests and Quizzes 2. Written Work 3. Lab Performance/Reports 4. Citizenship

A = 100 - 90 % B = 89 - 80 % C = 79 - 70 % D = 69 - 60% F = 59%

Current grade information will be posted regularly in the classroom so students have the opportunity to monitor for accuracy and make-up scheduling.

ATTENDANCE

Due to the laboratory nature of this class, prompt and consistent attendance is essential. It is the student’s responsibility to make up work missed with the exception of quizzes, which are time sensitive. Most labs will be available for 1 week after the original lab date. Students missing a lab day should make individual arrangements with the instructor to make up lab time. When the laboratory experience is no longer available, an alternate homework activity may be substituted, when possible. If a student misses a quiz an equivalent assignment will be provided.

Tardiness affects citizenship grading and results in school detention. Unexcused absences will also affect the citizenship grade and a student will not be able to make up written work. In addition, students accumulating 6 unexcused absences during a semester may be denied credit for Physical Science.

These are the basic operating procedures for class; however, there is always more to discuss when it comes to the education of our students. Please feel free to contact me with questions or information. Sign below to indicate that you and your student have read and understand these expectations. Return to me. Visit the Thurston Website if you would like an additional copy. Thank You!

Student Signature:______________________ Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________