Welcome to 9th Grade Investigations in Physical Science
Peters Township H.S
2010-2011 School Year Instructor: Mr. Compeggie Text Book: Holt Science Spectrum, Physical Science Each textbook must be covered and have your name inside the front cover. Online Textbook: (website):http://my.hrw.com/ (username): student10906 (password): pths1 Introduction/ Description Science is the search for truth through the logical sequence of observation, for mation of hypothesis, testing by experiment, and forming conclusions to devise g eneral principles about the workings of the natural world. The goal of science is to understand the world around us. In this class, you will think like a scie ntist to engage and explore the great world of science so that you can better un derstand the world. Topics for this course will include but need not be limited to lab safety, measu rement, matter, atomic structure and theory, periodic table of elements, chemica l reactions, acids, bases, characteristics of energy, maps, the planet Earth, th e atmosphere, and renewable/nonrenewable resources. Throughout the course of the year, lab activities will be performed. Achieve Success Preparation is the key to success. It is your responsibility as a student to ma ke sure you come to class prepared to learn. It is essential you bring ALL Need ed Materials (pencil, binder, textbook and homework etc) with you to class each and every school day. Students who neglect to bring all materials will not be p ermitted to leave class to get them. Studies have shown that an effective behavioral management program is extremely beneficial to all students in every class. Therefore, in order for you to achie ve your highest level of achievement in science, I have set forth rules, consequ ences and rewards which will be followed throughout the entire year. These are posted in no specific order. Remember all school rules and policies will be enf orced. Please make sure you read and understand all of the information in your student handbook. Lab procedures and rules will be explained to you in class. Classroom rules: 1.) Be in your assigned seat and working before the bell rings. 2.) Come to class prepared with ALL necessary materials. 3.) Follow instructions the first time they are given. 4.) Demonstrate respect for one another. 5.) Use appropriate language and volume when speaking. 6.) No book bags, back packs, purses, etc are to be on your desk or lap. Consequences: 1.) Verbal warning 2.) Discussion of problem (student/teacher meeting) 3.) Phone call home 4.) Teacher detention 5.) Severe or continual disruption: Misconduct form, or sent immediately to offi ce Rewards: The greatest reward is the satisfaction of a job well done!! Good grades, Praise, Acknowledgement, Positive phone call or note home, Bonus po ints Assessment You will be graded using various methods of evaluation such as projects, rubrics , lab grades, cooperative group activity grades, homework, tests and quizzes. Y our grade will be determined by the percentage of possible points that you earn. The district grading scale is used. In the event you are absent during an eva luation day, you must make up the work with in a limited time frame. The due da te for make up work is limited to the number of days absent plus one additional day for excused absences. If you should miss a cooperative group activity, you will be required to make up the activity individually or an alternate assignment when applicable. Tutoring, extra help and reviews will be available upon stude nt request. District Grading Scale: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70- 79 %, D = 60 â 69 %, F = Be low 60% Your grade will be based upon the points earned for each assignment compared to the total possible points for each assignment. Homework Policy Homework is an effective tool in practicing and reviewing concepts taught in cla ss. Therefore, homework will be given on a consistent basis throughout the year . Homework will be checked without notice. When checked, homework will be wort h a minimum of 5 points. These points will have an important effect on your ach ievement/grade in this class. You must attempt to complete the entire assignmen t to be given credit. Homework must be neat and legible and done according to in structions. No ½, ¼, etcâ ¦ credit will be given. Late homework will generally not be a pted. Therefore, it is your responsibility to complete every homework assignment on time. Should a student be absent from class, it is his/her responsibility t o make arrangements with the teacher to make up any missed work. Binder You will be given handouts throughout the year such as labs, structured outlines and power point notes. Therefore, in order to stay organized, a 1 ½ inch three ri ng binder and dividers are required for this class. Suggestions on how to proper ly organize your binder will be provided in class. Calculator A scientific calculator will be required for use throughout the year. I know you all will strive to do your absolute best in class to achieve your hig hest potential. I look forward to having each of you in class. Sincerely, Mr. Compeggie * Should a student need extra help or need to make up work, he/she should speak to the teacher to set up a time either in school or before/after school. I understand the expectations for myself in this course and I have shared this s heet with my parent(s)/ guardian. Student name (Please Print neatly)______________________________________________ ____________ Student signature ___________________________________________________(Date)_____ __________ Parent/ Guardian signature _________________________________________(Date)___ ____________