Introduction to Physics- Honors (4510)                                                Mrs. Donna Coonan

 Course Expectation Guide –YEAR 2007-2008

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT:

The Science Department encourages students to understand the process as well as the product of science. Through problem solving, critical, thinking and the effective use of technology, students are expected to develop an awareness of the inquiry approach as a tool to gathering information. The ultimate goal of science and technology is to apply knowledge of both the living and nonliving world and to develop solutions and methods that enhance the world in which we live.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Welcome to the introduction to physics classroom!  This full year class will include the study of matter and energy.  Honors introductory physics is designed for the student with a high interest and aptitude in both science and math.  The student will be introduced to the fundamental laws that govern our environment (graphic analysis of motion, energy transfer, waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.  The extensive laboratory component will engage students in designing experiments, determining uncertainties in measurement, drawing inferences and communicating results.  Independent reading and exploration will encourage critical thinking and problem solving abilities in solving scientific questions.  Homework will be textbook and project centered with an accelerated mathematical application.  Please work hard and enjoy the year!

SHS EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING (Science department focus)

The Sutton High School student…

COURSE TEXT:  Glencoe- Physical Science

COURSE CONTENT:

The Nature of Science                                                                Electromagnetic Radiation

Motion and Forces                                                                   Electromagnetic Spectrum

Conservation of Energy and Momentum                                            Electricity and Energy Resources

Heat and Heat Transfer                                                                Waves

 STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1.       Students will enter the class prior to the late bell, prepared to work with a pencil (black and red pen), 11/2-inch three-ring notebook (with section dividers), and covered science text.  Also, students will arrive with completed homework assignments.

2.       Students missing a class, quiz, or homework assignment will report after school for one after session/extra help session to complete the missing assignment.  After three missed homework assignments an office detention shall be the consequence.

3.       Textbooks must be covered and homework needs to be presented at the start of class.

4.       Students are expected to sit in assigned seats or stay in lab area during class time (Budgets for furniture and lab equipment is limited, please sit on the chairs only).

5.       Students will keep the classroom free from any defacement of walls, desks, and floors (food and drinks are not allowed in the science class, except water in seat area).

6.       Attendance and tardy guidelines will follow the Sutton High School Handbook in policy and consequences.  The bell will symbolize the start of class.

 SCIENCE TEACHER BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1.       The science teacher is expected to assist all students in learning of specific topics related to the MA Frameworks, National Standards or Sutton High School Curriculum.  The approach will be hands on with one major project per term.  Homework will be assigned weekly with emphasis on readings from the science text and term projects.

2.       The teacher will support students in daily completion of journals, notebook organization, and test preparation.  Students who choose not to complete assignments or students who request extra help will receive teacher assistance by appointment after school hours.

3.       The teacher will demand respect in the science classroom and set consequences for students who choose not to follow behavior guidelines in the lab.  Behavior guidelines are outlined in the SHS Student Handbook.

4.       The teacher is expected to return quizzes and chapter tests within two days and encourage all students to use their Student Grading Sheet.  Failure to complete homework, poor quiz/grades and inappropriate behavior will be discussed by phone calls or meetings.  To promote improved communication to parent’s positive issues may also warrant a phone call home.

GRADE ORGANIZATION

PROJECTS/LABS:  25% of term grade-The laboratory grade is based on lab report, attendance, cleanliness and proper lab safety skills.  Labs will not be made up due to an unexcused absence and must be made-up the day returning from an excused absence.  Students will receive a zero if more than ten minutes late-safety comes first in the classroom!  Appropriate behavior is expected in lab; therefore inappropriate behavior will be severely dealt with.  Some projects are graded as group work-if a student is unsatisfied with a grade please speak to me privately.

HOMEWORK:  10% of term grade-Homework must be presented on assigned day at start of class.  The grade is 100% for completed assignment completed in sentence form.  All questions must be attempted and notes taken if confused on the answer.  Homework cannot be made up on an unexcused absence from class.  All assignments must be recorded on the student-grading sheet.  All assignments are listed on homeworknow.com on Friday for the upcoming week.

http://www.homeworknow.com/hwnow/gethw.php?id=54356 

CHAPTER TESTS:  40% of term grade-No makeup exams are given for unexcused absences a zero will be scored.  Makeup exams will not include extra credit questions.  A week’s notice will be given for chapter tests.

 QUIZZES: 15% of term grade-Quizzes will vary in composition and policies are the same as chapter tests.

 JOURNAL /CLASSWORK/PARTICIPATION:  10% of term grade-Journals are an important part of the science classroom- students are encouraged to organize and grade them daily.  They will be collected once a term and graded with a rubric.  All grades should be recorded on the student-grading sheet.

 SIGNATURES:

 

·         Student signature indicates that he/she understands the terms of the expectation guide and will participate according to these guidelines.

·         The parent’s role is to read and discuss the expectation guidelines with their child.  I thank you in advance for your support.  Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail coonand@suttonschools.net or at extension 4488.

 

 

Teacher Signature_________________________Student Signature_________________________

 

 

Parent Signature_____________________ Cell Phone ­_________________E-mail Address______