Unit 1- Fundamentals of Physical Science

In this unit we begin our study of Physical Science by taking a look at the various branches or scientific disciplines that make up the field of Physical Science. As we learn about different aspects of physical science, we may be required to make observations, take measurements, make calculations, and even conduct experiments. Therefore, we need to become familiar with the metric system, measuring instruments, lab safety procedures, and the basic steps of the scientific method. We will use this knowledge to conduct a scientific inquiry (experiment), analyze the results, and learn to write a lab report.

SCSh8f. Science disciplines and traditions differ from one another in what is studied, techniques used, and outcomes sought.

Assignment 1: Examine the table describing areas of study within the field of Physical Science (click here to see table). Make flash cards for each discipline by placing the name of the discipline on one side of an index card and the description of the discipline on the reverse side. With a partner (of your choosing), use the flash cards to study for a quiz in which you must match each discipline with its proper description. Study your flashcards tonight. The quiz will be given tomorrow.

Quiz: A (paper) quiz on scientific disciplines.

SCSh2. Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations.
SCSh4. Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating scientific equipment and materials.

SCSh5. Students will demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable scientific explanations.

SCSh2a. Calculate density when given the means to determine a substances mass and volume.

(Obtain help sheet on metrics from your instructor. Click here to see help sheet) Listen to mini-lecture on Measurements and and Metric Conversions. Take notes. Then,complete the Metric Conversions worksheet. (click here to view worksheet) Note: the video above does a good job of summarizing what you have learned about measurement and metrics and can help you complete the worksheet. You may want to view it again

Assignment 3: Density Lab (we will complete this activity together as a class).

Assignment 4: Mini-lecture on Accuracy vs. Precision. Participate in class discussion during the lecture and write down everything that is written on the board.

Assignment 5: Mini-lecture on Significant Figures and Scientific Notation. Listen carefully, take notes, and complete practice problems as we go.

Quiz: Measurements and the Metric System. Quiz on what we learned about metrics and scientific measurements including: measuring devices, how to do metric to metric conversions, temperature conversions, and universal conversions. Also know how to read and write numbers in scientific notation, recognize significant figures and be able to explain the difference between precision and accuracy.

SCSh3a-f. Students will identify and investigate problems scientifically.

SCSh6a. Students will write clear, coherent laboratory reports related to scientific investigations.

Assignment 6: Listen to a mini-lecture on the Scientific Method, take notes, and participate in the class discussion that follows.

Click here to view video version of the lecture.

Assignment 7: Conduct a scientific inquiry (experiment). We will do this together in small groups of 4-5 students.

Assignment 8: Obtain a copy of "How to Write a Lab Report" from your instructor. Use these guidelines to type a lab report based on the experiment conducted above for Assignment 7. Place the finished report in your instructors Drop Box for grading.

Quiz: Paper quiz on the Acquisition of Knowledge and the Scientific Method.

Physical Science Syllabus

Course Overview:

The course will consist of lessons on NovaNet coupled with classroom lectures and supplemented by classroom activities and projects. The course is divided into two parts – chemistry and physics. Class instruction will be guided by Georgia Performance Standards for Physical Chemistry. The topics covered in the course will also prepare you for the mandatory End-of-Course Test (EOCT) which will be administered at the end of the course.

The topics we will study include:

Scientific Inquiry and Measurement

Matter

States of Matter

Atoms and the Structure of Matter

The Periodic Table

Chemical Reactions

Solutions

Acids, Bases, and Salts

Nuclear Chemistry

Motion

Forces

Work and Energy

Simple Machines

Heat and Temperature

Waves

Electricity

Magnetism

In addition, you will be required to keep a scientific journal.

A pacing guide of daily and weekly assignments will be provided through a Blog format. By using this format, you will always be able to access and read your assignments from any computer with an internet connection, in school or out. You will also be able to post (turn in) completed assignments on the blog for your instructor to comment on or grade. This is the first term we are using the blog format in Physical Science, so it might take a little time to get use to it. I’m sure we will find some glitches in the process, but, in the end, it should allow you to complete your work faster.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following percentages:

65% NovaNet and supporting classroom lectures, tests, and quizzes

20% Projects

15% Journal

15% EOCT

NovaNet: Your NovaNet grade with be determined by averaging the test scores at the end of each module. The test may be either a computer test or a paper test. You must retake any online test for which you receive a score less than 80%. You will not be able to retake paper tests. If a module does not have a test, a score will be derived by averaging the score of all the lessons in the module.

Projects: the project grade will be the average grade for all the projects listed in your weekly pacing guide.

Scientific Journal: A written journal will be kept in a composition notebook. Each day you will make entries into the journal. Details of what goes into the journal will be discussed in class. Your journal will be checked periodically and graded every 3 weeks.

EOCT: This is state exam. It will be given near the end of the course and will also be 15% of your final grade.

Essential classroom materials:

pencils

pens

notebook(s) – three ring binder with pockets for notes

and a composition book for journal

User Agreement

Using a weblog for our classwork will require some parameters for your safety and the quality of everyone's work. First, you should recognize that your work, as well as mine will be published for the entire on-line world to see. This will ultimately make us all responsible for better and more original output than ever before. By visiting other students' weblogs, you will be able to view all their work, and it will also make it easy for me to see who is not making an effort to submit work that is original. Once you create your own weblog for this class, I will add it to the class blog roll so everyone's work can be accessed from this page. I encourage you to look at your peers' work for ideas or inspiration, but what you submit must be your own.

I will leave comments about your work. These comments will usually instruct you on how you can improve your work. Please make sure you check your comments and your e-mail regularly, and make sure you are finished with one assignment before moving to the next.

Since this weblog will be part of your education at Classic City High School, any activity on your weblog should be considered school activity, even if it is done outside of school. You should feel free to create posts that are not school related, but you should also be sure to refrain from anything that could be considered inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to: references to alcohol or drugs, violence, or gang activity, foul language, nudity, threats, etc.

Plagiarism is submitting someone else's work as your own. This can be done in many ways: copying work from Wikipedia, classmates, Sparknotes, etc. If you plagiarize your work, you will receive a zero -- no questions asked.

THE USER AGREEMENT:

1. I agree to submit original work to my weblog. I realize I will have the opportunity to view my peers' work, and I will use this opportunity constructively. I understand that if I choose to plagiarize, I will receive a zero for the work in question.

2. I agree to keep my weblog appropriate for Classic City High School. I understand that if innapropriate material were to appear on my weblog, be it from myself or an outside comment, I will be asked to remove it. Failure to do so will result in my weblog being removed from the class roll. I also understand that refereneces to illegal or dangerous activities will be reported since it is the legal responsibility of my teacher.

To agree, post a comment to this message like this: I agree to Dr. Maudsley's Weblog User Agreement. I will not add your weblog to the class roll until I receive your message.

Rules and Expectations

General Rules and Expectations

The bottom line is -- you're here to learn. I'm here to help you. It's not hard. If you show up for class (on time), pay attention, and do the required work, you will pass this course, and you may even enjoy it (not a requirement). Any behavior that interferes with learning is a NO NO! Some unacceptable behaviors include sleeping in class, loud or excessive talking, use of profanity, or being off-task (3-Minute Rule). Cell phones are marvelous inventions, but definitely a distraction in class. Turn them off and put them away while in class. Respect your fellow classmates time as well as their personal property.

Some specific rules:

Hall Pass: I have a hall pass (a rock)to be used to go to the restroom, drink machine, etc. This hall pass is only good for one student at a time. There is also a Jittery Joe’s pass that is only for students who are making a purchase from Jittery Joe’s during class time. If you need to speak with a faculty member, you will need a written pass form me. Do NOT use the other passes for this reason.

If you leave the classroom without the permission of the teacher, you will receive an automatic absence and be asked to leave.

Food: I prefer that you not eat in class. We have an ant problem. Leaving crumbs aggravates the situation. However, if you ask, I will sometimes allow you to eat a snack. But ask first. Drinks are allowed as long as they are in container with a re-sealable cap or lid.

Breaks (3-Minute Rule): While your are in the classroom, you are expected to be on-task. However, I understand that you can't always work non-stop for the entire class period without a break, especially when working at your computer, . When you have to take a break, limit yourself to 3-minutes, then resume working. If you take a restroom break etc. Be courteous. Other people may be waiting for the pass. Limit your break to 3 minutes. For Jittery-Joe's, order your food or drink, return to the classroom, and then go back later to pick up your order when it's ready.

Two Weeks Behind: Two weeks behind to me means having at least one assignment that is more than two weeks overdue. If you fall two-weeks behind, you are subject to withdrawal from the course. Remember, if this occurs, you will also receive a failing grade for the course.

Consequences for breaking rules:

First occurance: I will probably remind you that "we don't do that here."

Repeated occurance: I ask you to "come walk with me." We'll will talk.

Habitual occurance: When I can't stand any more, you will be dismissed from class and given and automatic absence.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Individual course requirements (syllabus) and pacing guide will be provided.