Ursuline High School Physical Science

 Mr. Mohr – ursulinemohr@zoomintertnet.net

Course Description:

Physical Science is an introduction into the core concepts in each of the physical science courses; those are Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Physical Geography, and Astronomy.  We will spend approximately one quarter to handle each of these sciences.  Basic math skills will be used for the proper description of Physics and nothing else.

The main aspect of this course is laboratory work. We will use the labs to find the answers to the “how” and “why” questions. Each unit we study will have labs as the central theme.

Course Outline:

These are some of the sciences we plan to learn about this year:

Materials Needed: Textbook: Conceptual Physical Science; Hewitt
Scientific Calculator
Notebook or loose-leaf
Folder
Pen (blue/black ink) or Pencil

Daily Expectations:

· Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings....NOT running through the door.  

· Everyone will work on class materials suited for the subject hour; Not work from other classes. You will not have time for other class work or visiting. Lab work and notes will require all of your attention.

· There should be no reason for you to leave the room. You are responsible for bringing all materials with you (books, pencils, pens that work ...)

· Clean up at the end of the class. Allow enough time to clean your area and properly store materials. You are not allowed to walk out of the room when the bell rings without directions from the teacher.

· Substitute teachers are to be treated with respect. The lessons will be class materials whenever possible. All work done for a sub will be graded & you will be held responsible for your work.

  · All individual work is to be done individually. Copied work will not be accepted. Cheating in any form will result actions outlined in the student handbook.

· Assignments are to be done on loose-leaf paper - not torn from a spiral bound notebook.

· You are responsible for reading, understanding, and following all school policies.

· While in class, you must be doing your best to understand what is being discussed. You will be asked questions during class to make sure that you do, in fact, understand.

· It is your responsibility to let me know that you do not understand something. I cannot know that you do not understand something, unless you share that fact with me.

· Please, I implore you to SHOW YOUR WORK!!!

Class Web Site:

The web site can be found by going to the Ursuline High School web page and clicking on Academics and then Science then my name Mr. Stephen Mohr then finally class websites

· You will be responsible for, checking the website for homework solutions, project description and general class information.

· If you are unable to attend class, you must go to the web to find out what you missed.

· If you do not have web access at home, please come see me and we will make special arrangements.

Safety: This is the Number One consideration

· Use all safety equipment provided. Use equipment only for intended purpose.

· Read all instructions and precautions before beginning the assignment.

· Report all injuries / accidents to the teacher immediately.

Attendance:

A great deal of the class will be devoted to in-class learning activities. If you are not here, it is much harder to learn the material. It is also extremely difficult to make up a lab without lab partners. Be here.

Grades:

Your grade in this class is dependent upon a percentage of the number of points you earn in comparison to the number of points possible.

· Labs: We will be spending a great deal of time working on labs. The labs will usually be worth 30-50 points. Late labs will be marked off 10 points per school day late. If the lab is more than 3 school days late, you will receive a 0 for that lab. (i.e. if it was due on Monday and you turn it in on Wednesday, you lose 20 points.)

· Homework: There will be a homework assignment almost every day this class meets. I will never grade any homework assignments for right or wrong. The homework assignments are intended to help you learn and get practice using and understanding. We will go over all homework assignments in class. What we do not cover the solutions will be posted on the web. It is your responsibility to do the homework and then, to check your solutions against the solutions posted on the web.

· Reading Quizzes: Sometimes at the beginning of class we will have a reading quiz. These 3 - 5 point exercises are designed to make sure you are keeping up with the reading.

· Quizzes: We will have numerous quizzes throughout the year will be worth 20 - 25 points. I will give you the formulas you will need, you will be responsible for using and understanding them. If you are absent on a quiz day, the quiz must be made up within 2 school days. After that no make-up quiz will be given and you will receive a 0. (i.e. You were absent for a quiz on Wednesday, you have until the end of the day on Friday to take the quiz.)

· Exam: Multiple choice test worth 40-50 points.  Material that is discussed in class and is covered through labs

· Final Exam: A final exam will be given at the end of the year. It will encompass all the information studied during the year. It will be worth approximately 20% of the final grade.

I am usually available before school, during seventh period, and after school.  If you plan to see me, let me know and I will plan to be there