Bartlett City Schools – Ninth Grade Academy
9th Grade Physical Science
Course Syllabus
2015-2016
Instructor: Ms. Ford
Email: kford2@bartlettschools.org
Tutoring: By appointment after school
Textbook: Glencoe Physical Science
Welcome to Physical Science!
Physical Science is a challenging study focusing on the fundamentals of
two branches of science – Chemistry and Physics. We will get to explore
the properties of matter, energy, motion, and various forces we see and
experience in nature. With a good work ethic and a positive attitude, we
will have an excellent year learning about the world around us!
Supplies
 One binder 1” or larger
 Loose leaf paper (NO COLORS! I will not grade an assignment if it is
on paper that is any neon color)
 One notebook OR composition book, whichever you prefer
 Pencils
 Optional: Blue and/or black ink pens (**NO COLORS! I will not
grade an assignment if it is in ink that is any color but blue or black)
Rules
1. Be on time to class. On time means in your seat, ready to go when the
bell rings.
2. Bring all materials to class. Your binder, writing utensils, and
computer (when you receive it later) need to be brought every day.
3. NO food or carbonated drinks (water is always acceptable)
4. Be respectful of yourself and others. We’re all here to learn, leave
your issues at the door.
5. Use electronics responsibly. Using your computer is a privilege, don’t
make me take it away.
Grading Scale
93-100%
85-92%
75-84%
70-74%
0-69%
A
B
C
D
F
Assignments
As with any class, there will be work assignments we complete in
class, as well as projects, tests, quizzes, and some homework. The following
is a break down of how final grades will be determined for this class.
Grading System
I take grades based on a points system. For example, if a homework
assignment has 10 questions, it is worth 10 points. If a student gets 8
questions right, that is an 8 out of 10. To calculate the percentage, you
would divide 8 by 10 and multiply by 100.
8/10 = 0.8
0.8 x 100 = 80%
I give *approximately* 500 points per quarter. To get an A (93%), you
would need to get 465 out of the 500 points. (This is an approximation,
there could be fewer or more than 500 points each quarter.)
Make-up Work
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to obtain the work. There
are folders in the classroom that contain work that may have been missed
by students. For every day a student is absent, they will have the number
of days plus one to make it up. For example, 1 missed day will mean 2 days
to get the work back to me, 2 days will get 3 days to make up, etc. If a
student misses a test or quiz, they will need to make an appointment with
me in order to make it up, either during Academy Time or after school.
Projects and Lab Work
Throughout the year, we may do various lab experiments that will require
readings beforehand and lab reports to be completed afterward. All
students will be responsible for following all lab rules and regulations that
will be set forth before entering the lab. Failure to do so will result in
expulsion from the lab and an extra assignment to make up for missing the
experiment.
Individual and group projects will be completed throughout the year. All
students will be expected to participate and follow instructions. Failure to
do so will lead to poor grades that will be difficult to bring back up.
Schedule
1. Unit 1: Matter
2. Unit 2: Energy
3. Unit 3: Motion
4. Unit 4: Forces in Nature
Behavior
Students will be expected to follow the standards and expectations
put forth by Bartlett City Schools and the Ninth Grade Academy at all
times. In the classroom, behavior in direct conflict with these standards will
not be tolerated. I expect students to act in a mature fashion and conduct
themselves in a professional manner. Any disruptive behavior will not be
acceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
Classroom Supplies
Please bring (at least) one box of Kleenex AND one of the following
items for our classroom:
 Hand sanitizer
 Pencils for classroom Extras Cup
 Copy paper (plain or neon)
Please sign the Syllabus Contract and return to Ms. Ford
Syllabus Contract
Ms. Ford
Physical Science 2014-2015
STUDENT: I, ____________________________, have read and
understand the course syllabus.
PARENT/GUARDIAN: I, _____________________________, have
read and understand the course syllabus.
Date: _________________
Parent/Guardian email:
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian phone: _____________________________
Preferred contact method: ____ Phone
____ Email