Syllabus: Introduction to Chemistry and Physics
(Honors)
Ms.
Shields – Spring 2007
Phone: 240 236-8366 Email: Kathleen.Shields@fcps.org
Welcome
to ICP! This class will require you to
work regularly and consistently.
However, if you attend and put in your best effort, the class will be
fun and your efforts will be rewarded.
Course
Description: Students
will be introduced to basic concepts in chemistry and physics. Introductory Chemistry includes units on
measurement, classification of matter, atomic theories and models, trends of
the periodic table, physical and chemical changes, writing chemical formulas
and equations, acids and bases. Introductory Physics includes concepts relevant
to mass, energy, force, motion, work, power, momentum, thermodynamics,
electricity, magnetism, and transverse and longitudinal waves. Laboratory
experiences are an integral part of this curriculum. As appropriate to the
academic level, students will prepare formal laboratory reports while being
presented with varying amounts of both abstract and concrete materials and
experiences.
Career
Pathways: The
basic concepts taught in this course will be useful in almost any career, but
is particularly relevant to students interested in Industrial Engineering and
Technology. Physics and Chemistry are
the building blocks for almost every discipline in science and engineering
Merit Level: Merit courses are designed
for students who generally meet or exceed the objectives and expectations of
the essential curriculum, both in terms of content knowledge and
application. Coursework includes a
balance of concrete and abstract material, with an emphasis on both
teacher-directed and independent work. Successful completion of Merit coursework
will prepare students for post-high school education.
Text: Prentice-Hall, Exploring
Physical Science
Required
Materials: A
one subject spiral notebook with three holes, A binder or folder for handouts,
colored pencils, a book cover (no sticky covers – adhesive may not touch the
book), pencil, eraser, and blue or black pen.
Class Rules:
1.
Be
Prompt: Be in your seat when the bell rings,
not running into class with one foot over the black line.
2.
Be
Prepared: Bring the necessary materials to class and
have them out ready to work!
3.
Be on
Task: Do what you are told to do when you are told
to do it.
4.
Be
Respectful: There is no place in my room for swearing,
teasing, or name-calling. If you have a
problem, let me know about it privately and we can deal with it in an
appropriate manner.
Rewards and Consequences: Following the rules,
working hard, and having a positive attitude will result in opportunities for
the entire class and/or individuals to earn small rewards and privileges such
as snacks, extra credit or curriculum related games . Failure to follow the classroom rules will result in
detention, parent contact, and referrals as outlined in the GTHS Progressive
Discipline Policy.
Severe Misbehavior: student will be sent to the office immediately after
first serious infraction such as inciting a disturbance, harassment, or
fighting.
ID and Planner: Parents must sign the
internet use guide in the student planner and students must bring their planner
and ID to class every day. We may have
unannounced trips to the computer lab and students that do not bring their
planner will not be able to log on to the computer. Students who forget their ID, must get a
temporary ID from their first block teacher.
Students with no planner and/or no ID will receive NO passes to
leave class.
Laboratory Activities: We will be working in the laboratory at least once
or twice per unit. No student will be
allowed in the laboratory unless they have turned in a safety contract that has
been signed by a parent or guardian.
When safety goggles are required you must wear them. Students that take off goggles or fail to
comply with any safety rule will be told to sit down and take a zero for the
lab. Late lab reports will not be
accepted for credit.
Grading: Your course and term grades will be calculated on
the following percentages in the following categories:
Tests: 25%
Laboratories/Projects 25%
Quizzes 20%
Notebook/Class work/Homework 30%
Please note: I send unit schedules via
email. I also post the schedule, class
notes, and review sheets at: http://gtjhs.fcps.org/Shields/ShieldsIndex.htm
you can check grades online at http://www.fcps.org/content/pinnacle.cfm.
Notebooks: Students must have a 1-subject spiral
notebook that will be collected on test days right after the warm-up. The following will be checked:
I.
Unit Warm-ups: Each
Unit should start with a warm up page
with the Unit Title (Example: Unit
1: Measurement). Each day should be formatted as shown
below.
Warm
Up: Day 1:
8/27/07
Question:
Answer:
Students with large writing
should leave 2 pages for unit warm-ups!
II.Notes and example problems for the unit will follow
the warm-up page(s). Each day we take
notes, students should include a title and the date. Students should skip several lines at the
start of a new day.
If you miss a class, it is your
responsibility to make up that day’s warm up and notes. Periodic unannounced quizzes and notebook
checks may occur!
Attendance Policy Work is due on its assigned
date. If a student misses a class, it
is his/her responsibility to make up work within the County deadlines. This means if a student misses one day,
they have two days to make up what was missed.
Laboratories must be made up after school within one week of
performing the laboratory. Success in
ICP depends on your ability to stay caught up with your work.
Extra Help: If you are interested in extra help on an assignment
please feel free to come and see me after school. The best way to earn a good grade is to keep
caught up on assignments and to put forth a good effort. If you have any questions or concerns, please
come and see me. This is going to be a
great semester. Welcome!
Parent/Guardian
Input: Thank you for taking the
time to read this syllabus. I know that
we both have a common goal for the upcoming semester – to see each student
succeed to his or her fullest capability in science. If you ever wish to offer feedback or to just
check in, feel free to contact me during the school day by calling 240-236-8366
or by email at Kathleen.Shields@fcps.org. You are also welcome to observe or volunteer
in the classroom. I look forward to
working with you this semester.
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date
Student email:
_________________________ Parent
email: __________________________
Parent
preferred Phone: __________________
*The teacher reserves the right to make changes to
this syllabus as deemed necessary.