9th Grade Physical Science – Big Lake High School
Parents and Students,
Welcome to physical science at Big Lake High School. Ninth grade is a transition
year from middle school to high school and it’s an important time to establish a
strong science foundation for later science classes here at Big Lake and beyond. My
goal is to help this process begin smoothly and with the clear purpose of forming a
solid problem solving method. Once you have reviewed the syllabus and guidelines,
please sign the following information sheet to acknowledge that you understand
what if expected of your child this year.
Mr. Kilpela
s.kilpela@biglake.k12.mn.us
262.2547 ext 5269
Course description
Physical science is a required one-year course combining the fundamental
principles of chemistry and physics. In the chemistry portion of the class topics will
include:
- composition of matter
- structure of atoms
- changes in matter
- kinetic theory of matter
- measurement
- acids and bases
The physics portion will include:
- motion
- force
- work
-
energy
power
simple machines
The course is a lab-oriented class in which the students will become proficient in
using laboratory equipment to do various procedures and processes. Students will
be exposed to the use of the metric system and will become familiar with it.
Class Supplies:
-
three ring binder w/dividers
scientific calculator
notebook
-
folder
pencil
Physical Science Topics
Chemistry
Chapter 1: Science Skills
- What is science, the scientific process, collecting and presenting data
Chapter 2: Properties of Matter
- Classifying matter, physical and chemical properties of matter
Chapter 3: States of Matter
- States of matter, gas behavior, changes of state
Chapter 4: Atomic Structure
- Structure of an atom and modern atomic theory
Chapter 5: Periodic Table
- Organization and groups of the periodic table
Chapter 6: Chemical Bonds
- Ionic vs. covalent bonding, naming and writing chemical formulas
Chapter 7: Chemical Reactions
- Observing, writing, balancing, and writing chemical formulas
Chapter 8: Acids, Bases, and Solutions
- Formation of solutions and characteristics of acids and bases
Physics
Chapter 11: Motion
- Describing and measuring motion and acceleration
Chapter 12: Forces
- Newton’s 3 laws of motion
Chapter 13: Forces in Fluids
- Pressure, Pascal’s, Archimedes’s, and Bernoulli’s Principles
Chapter 14: Work, Power, and Machines
- Mechanical advantage and efficiency of simple machines
Physical Science Classroom Policies - Kilpela
Classroom Rules:
BE RESPECTFUL
This includes not talking out of turn, following directions the first time that they
are given, taking care of lab equipment and books, etc.
BE RESPONSIBLE
Take responsibility for your own actions. This includes keeping up with
assignments, keeping your lab area clean, leave a bad attitude outside the
classroom, etc.
Classroom Procedures:
1. Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Students are allowed
2 tardies a trimester. A 3rd tardy will result in a 40 minute detention.
2. Students will not be given passes during the first and last 10 minutes of class.
3. Students will remain at their seats until the final bell rings.
4. Cell phones must be kept out of sight. If your phone is seen it will be
confiscated and turned into the office with a referral.
5. One student out of the classroom at a time to use the restroom/get a drink
with a signed pass.
6. After an absence, YOU are responsible for getting notes and extra help on
any new material covered during their absence.
7. Cheating in UNACCEPTABLE. Take pride in your own hard work. If a
student is caught cheating they will receive a zero on that test or assignment.
8. Retakes can be done on tests if a student is not satisfied with their score.
Retake dates will be scheduled before the next test.
9. Late assignments may be turned in for half credit before the chapter test.
After the chapter test late work will not be accepted.
10. Students will pay for any broken glassware or lab equipment.
11. Students will be assigned a seat and a lab partner.
12. Proper conduct MUST be followed during labs. Students who choose not to
will immediately be removed from lab and receive a detention.
Physical Science Student Information Sheet
* 1st homework assignment * Please complete and return by Thursday
Student’s Name (Printed) __________________________________________
I have read through the course syllabus and guidelines and understand what is expected of
my son or daughter this year.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature________________________________Date__________
Address_____________________________________________________________
Daytime phone number_________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian email address____________________________________________
Preferred method of contact______________________________________________
Questions/Comments?