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