General Science Syllabus 269n

1 General Science Mrs. Gray – Room 430 [email protected] Instructor: Cassandra R. Gray Classroom: Room 430, Crowley County High School Telephone/Fax: 719-267-3582/3585 Textbook: Science Spectrum: A Balanced Approached, Dobson, Holman and Roberts, HOLT, REINHART and WINSTON, ISBN# 0-03-055518-3 I.

Course Description This is an integrated study of science. During the course of the class we will discuss an introduction to science, the nature of matter, changes in matter, motion and energy, and finally earth and space. Included will also be an experience working with microscopes, observations and simulations. This course will be year long, and broken into two halves covered in first and second semesters. Any students experiencing difficulties with the lecture materials are encouraged to the instructor. I will occasionally be available for after school or Friday morning tutoring sessions.

II.

Objectives and Expectations Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: a. Recognize terminology associated with the three branches of science. b. Identify and describe most of the principle systems associated with matter and energy. c. Identify and describe concepts associated with Earth Science d. Be able to apply, recognize and understand the principles of science and their importance in everyday life. e. Free thought and free inquiry are highly encouraged in this and all science environments. Students shall be taught how to think for themselves, rather than what to think.

III.

Materials The student will need: a. A three ring binder and a folder to keep notes, labs and old assignments. b. Loose leaf notebook or wireless notebook c. A pencil is the preferred writing utensil. If pen is used, the assignment must be neat and legible. d. Scientific calculators are recommended. e. The text book should be brought to every class with the students, and shall not be left in the classroom when class is over. f. It is the student’s responsibility to have the appropriate materials for class and to bring them to each and every class, unless otherwise instructed.

2 IV.

Testing Tests will be comprised of five (5) different elements. They are: matching, multiple-multiple choice, modified true/false statements, fill-in-the-blanks, and essays. Please note that not every test will have these five elements. Every test will also have its own unique scoring, and may not be based out of 100 points possible. Correct spelling of words is mandatory. Incorrectly spelled words will result in half to whole points being deducted from final score. When a unit has been finished there will be a unit test. Smaller tests will most likely be required when a chapter is finished. Note also that these chapter tests may be combined. Occasionally, I may give open book/note tests and/or take-home tests. Please understand that these will be more difficult than the standard in class tests. If extra credit questions appear on an exam, every problem on that test must be attempted before those questions can be added to the final score. The final exam for this class will be cumulative. Test curving will only occur if I deem it necessary, and will be based on the classes overall score range.

V.

Homework Homework will be assigned on different occasions. You must have the assignment turned in on the due date, by the end of your scheduled class period. In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to pick up any missed assignments from the instructor. According to policy, there will be one day allowed for each day missed. If your absence is excused, you will receive whole credit. In the event of an unexcused absence, the same policy will be extended, with the provision that only partial credit will be given for that assignment.

VI.

Classroom Conduct All students, teachers, and property will be treated with dignity and respect. Obscenities, fighting, verbal abuse, and any action that may cause bodily injury are not tolerated, and will result in the immediate removal of the student from the classroom. Academic fraud WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. These behaviors include plagiarism and cheating on tests and/or homework. In the event a student is caught in either of these activities, a zero will be given to both the cheater and the person allowing his/her work to be copied for that assignment. Upon entering the classroom, all students are to be seated in their regular assigned seats. Any student wishing to leave their seats, i.e. to sharpen pencils, throw something away, etc… is to first obtain permission from the instructor. Electronic items such as ipods, mp3 players, and cell phones ARE NOT ALLOWED in the classroom. If a student is caught with these items, they will be confiscated. Beverages and food will be allowed if work area is kept neat and clean. I reserve the right to change the food/drink policy anytime. In the event a substitute teacher is called, the whole class is to be on their best behavior. Any student reported to either the principle or me will face serious consequences.

3 VII.

Additional Information -Opportunities for extra credit may be given occasionally. -Approximately twice per week, within the first ten minutes of the class period, I will distribute a mini quiz. Each quiz will be worth five points each, for a total of ten points possible per week. These quizzes will cover topics discussed during class recently. These MAY NOT be made up in the event of an absence. At the end of the semester, depending on each student’s individual cumulative scores, one test score may be dropped with the mini quiz score replacing that grade. The mini quiz score also may not exceed 100 points.

VIII. Research Papers/Project A research paper and/or project will be mandatory over the course of the class. This will be discussed later in the academic year. Any student ideas and/or thoughts are welcomed. The paper/project will be worth as much as a test. In addition, if students wish to receive extra credit on their paper/project, they are encouraged to give an oral presentation, approximately 5 minutes in length, to the class. Scoring of this presentation will be divided equally between the instructor and the classroom student body. I would be willing to look over the first draft of your research paper/project and offer comments and suggestions if submitted six (6) school days before the final draft is due. Every student has the opportunity to earn a good final course grade as a result of her/his own work and determination. Course Outline* Chapter 1 – Introduction to Science pg. 2 Unit 1 Chapter 2 – Matter Chapter 3 – Atoms and the Periodic Table pg. 68 Chapter 4 – The Structure of Matter Unit 2 Chapter 5 – Chemical Reactions Chapter 6 – Nuclear Changer Unit 3 Chapter 7 – Motion and Forces Chapter 8 – Work and Energy Chapter 9 & 11 – Heat and Temperature, Electricity 354 Unit 6 Chapter 18 – The Universe Chapter 19 – Planet Earth Chapter 20 – The Atmosphere Chapter 21 – Using Natural Resources

pg. 36 pg. 106 pg. 146 pg. 184 pg. 216 pg. 248 pg. 288, pg 574 pg. 606 pg. 646 pg. 678

*Some chapters may be condensed or deleted. Some chapters not listed here may be covered.

4 Each chapter will be covered in approximately two weeks, or eight school days. The number of in class test review days will depend on the amount and nature of the subject(s). _____________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Student

Signature of Parent / Legal Guardian