2013-2014 Syllabus
Accelerated/Gifted Physical Science
Mr. Douglas Curtright
www.mrcurtright.com
1. Textbooks:
Holt Science and Technology Physical Science book
Chemical Interactions
Chemical Building blocks
Year Long Objectives
Anticipated Dates
August 7-September 6
September 6
September 9-October 4
October 4
October 11, 12
October 15-November 1
November 1
November 4-December 13
December 13
December 18, 19
January 7- 31
January 31
February 3-28
February 28
March 3-April 4
March 13,14
April 4
April 14-18
May 1-16
May TBD
Standard/Topic
Atomic Structure and Periodic Table
Common Assessment Periodic Table
Properties of Matter
Common Assessment Matter
Midterm-1st 9 Weeks
Energy
Common Assessment Energy
Waves
Common Assessment Waves
Interim Exam over 1st Semester
Force, Motion, Gravity
Common Assessment, F, M, G
Machines and Work
Common Assessment Machines and Work
Electricity and Magnetism
Midterm-3rd 9 Weeks
Common Assessment Electricity and
Magnetism
Review for CRCT
Prepare for EOCT
EOCT –Physical Science
AKS
#11,12
#11,12
#13
#17, 18, 19
#1-9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19
#14, 16
#15
#20,21
*Schedule subject to change, based upon classroom needs.
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2. Assessments: Students will have various formative assessments throughout each unit. A common
assessment unit test will be given at the end of each unit. Also, each student will be required to take
midterm exams at the end of each 9 week grading period and a comprehensive interim exam after
weeks 18 and 36.
3. Grading Policies: All work is expected to be turned in on time. Students will have the opportunity
to work through lunch, before school, and during homeroom to complete assignments. Extra help is
offered every Wednesday morning at 8:15.
4. Homework/Classwork: It is the responsibility of the student to listen to teacher instructions
regarding the completion of homework and classwork. Students should use their agendas to record
testing dates and other important in formation, as well as assignments and their due dates. Parents
should refer to the Portal to see the most current grade, and the website for links to missing
assignments when possible.
5. Labs: Hands-on, inquiry based labs are an integral part of physical science. Labs are conducted per
unit across all teams. Following all safety procedures while in the lab is an expectation of this
course. Students who misbehave will be removed from the lab setting and may face additional
penalties, as well as be held responsible for any equipment that is damaged as a result of their
actions.
Grade criteria:
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-74 C
73-70 D
69-0 U
Weighted scale:
Classroom Assessments:
40%
 Daily class work
 Labs
 Guided practices
 Writing samples
 Quizzes
 Homework
Summative Assessments: 50%
 Unit common assessments
 Major assignments
 Writing prompts
Comprehensive Final Exam (1stSemester)/
EOCT (2nd Semester):
10%
6. Promotion Criteria
Eighth grade students (for promotion to 9th grade) must earn passing grade averages each semester with
connections classes combined into one semester average. Students must earn a passing average both
semesters in order to pass the course for the school year. Both Language Arts and Math must have
passing averages each semester.
Students must achieve a passing score on each of the following:
*CRCT Reading
*CRCT Math
Assessment
*Georgia 8th Grade Writing
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7. EOCT/High School Credit
Students taking Physical Science during the 2013-2014 school year have the unique opportunity to
earn high school credit by earning a passing grade in the course AND passing the End of Course
Test (EOCT) in physical science. If the credit is earned, it is important to note that the GPA points
for the course will transfer to the high school as well.
A total of 4 science credits are required for Georgia high school students: Biology, Physics,
Chemistry, and a science elective. This course would satisfy the science elective course requirement.
Please refer to the EOCT handout/letter or the teacher website for more information
regarding this.
8. Attendance policy: Students who have an excused absence may make up work, tests, quizzes, etc.
for full credit.
9. Extra Help: Tutorials are available on Wednesdays at 8:15 for students needing additional
assistance with curriculum. If you arrive at school before the start time, please wait in the café.
10. Contact:
Email: doug_curtright@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Website: www.mrcurtright.com
School Number: (770) 995-7133
____________________________________________________________________________________
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Please return this page to your child’s teacher indicating
that you have received and read this syllabus for the
2013-2014 school year.
E-mails will be intended only for those to whom it is addressed and will contain information that is
privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure. By disclosing your e-mail and signing this form you
are agreeing that it is acceptable to communicate such student information via e-mail.
11. Student signature: _______________________________________________Date_______
Please print student name: __________________________________________
12. Parent/Guardian signature: _______________________________________Date_______
I ______________________ (student) will be responsible during labs/activities and will follow all safety
guidelines and procedures provided by my teachers. I understand that not behaving during lab will have
disciplinary consequences.
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