Department of Education
Dr. John A. Ellis
Missouri Western State University
PHS 230 – Physical Science for
Elementary Teachers
Class Meeting: M, W, F – 8:00 – 8:50 AM
Murphy Hall 110
Spring 2014
Office: Murphy Hall 111J
Office Hours:
Monday – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday – 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Friday - 9:00 AM – 11: 00 PM
Office Phone: 271-4302
Home Phone: 262-5750
e-mail: jellis6@missouriwestern.edu
Please turn off all personal communication devices (cell phones, smartphones, etc.). These
items are not needed during class unless requested by the instructor.
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CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Basic concepts of the physics, chemistry, astronomy,
meteorology, and geology emphasizing topics taught in grades K-6. Elementary Education
majors may not take the course until officially admitted to teacher education.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Students will learn a foundation of basic content knowledge in the scientific areas of
Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology that supports the
elementary education curriculum.
TEXT:
Tillery, Bill W. Physical Science. 9th Ed (Required)
RELATED WEBSITES: Missouri Department of Secondary & Elementary Education
www.dese.mo.gov
National Science Teachers Association www.nsta.org
SUPPORTING COURSE ASSIGNMENT:
Famous Scientist (100 pts.) (50 pts. – Paper, 50 pts. – Presentation)
(Due: April 23, 25, & 28)
Each student will become a member of a “Research Team” consisting of no more than 4 students
and no fewer than 3 students for the purpose of researching a famous scientist. Each team will
present to the class their information and findings regarding the life and contributions of their
famous scientist. Each presentation should be 15 to 20 minutes in length. Additional
information regarding expectations for this assignment will be provided later in the semester –
stay tuned!!!!!
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Exams
There will be five (5) exams scheduled throughout the semester. Each exam will cover a specific
content or topic area ie.: Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, & Geology. Each exam
will consist of two sections – objective and essay and will be valued at 100 pts. for each exam.
See Course Schedule for specific dates. Each exam must be taken on the scheduled date
unless prior arrangements have been made. No make-up exams will be administered if the
absence is determined to be unexcused.
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III
Exam IV
Exam V
Chemistry
Physics
Geology
Astronomy
Meteorology (Finals Week)
January 31, 2014
February 26, 2014
March 24, 2014
April 11, 2014
April 30 – May 6, 2014
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Evaluation
A student’s final grade will be determined form a cumulative total of the Course Assignment and
the five (5) exams. The following departmental standard will be applied.
A – 100% - 92%
B – 91% - 84%
C – 83% - 76%
D – 75% - 68%
600 pts. – 552 pts.
551 pts. – 504 pts.
503 pts. – 456 pts.
455 pts. – 408 pts.
Academic Honesty Policy & Due Process:
Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty
include and instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying
documents or academic records, or any other fraudulent activity. Violations of academic honesty
may result in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from the
University. When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic honesty will be
reported to the Provost or designated representative on the Academic Honesty Violation Report
forms.
Please see the Western Student Handbook and Calendar on for specific activities identified as
violations of this policy and the student due process procedure. This handbook is available
online at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf
Attendance, Punctuality, & Participation
Maximum allowable unexcused absences by term: 4
If a student exceeds 4 unexcused absences in a semester, 2% of their final grade will be
deducted for each absence.
Learning is a social activity. Someone has said that education is caught, not taught. It is in the
context of participation and cooperation that one really learns, for learning does not come solely
by reading an assignment or by writing. Learning is full, rich and rewarding when the learner is
fully engaged, engaged with the teacher, the text, the assignments, and with other learners.
Surely, it is this kind of learning you desire for your students when you are teaching in your own
classroom. Therefore, it is important that you start your career as an educator in a responsible
and professional manner. Attend all classes and be on time. Since most of our activities are
cooperative, the entire class will suffer if you miss. Furthermore, absences cannot, in reality, be
made up since the missed class can never be duplicated. However, if you miss class due to
circumstances beyond your control, check with another class member regarding class notes and
assignments and then talk with me about possible make-up work.
Teaching is a profession, not a job, therefore it is essential for teachers to become professionals.
You will be expected to be in class and on time each day and you will be expected to participate
in all class activities, discussions, and assignments. Poor attendance, frequent tardies, and lack
of participation in all aspects of the course will have a negative impact on borderline grades or
ultimately failing the course and having to re-take the course at a later date.
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Center for Academic Support:
Located in the Northeast corner of the library building (LRC 213), the Center for Academic
Support is a free service of the college. The Center offers help primarily for writing and math.
Should you need help, you may wish to call the Center for an appointment at 271-4524 or drop
by to make an appointment.
Special Needs:
If you have been diagnosed with a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that
has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit
the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other
printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if
requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action institution.
Appeals:
If at any time you feel that I have treated you or your work unfairly, first make an appointment
with me to discuss the issue or provide me with a written description of your perceptions and
position. If discussions with me fail to resolve the matter, please make an appointment with the
chairperson of the Education Department.
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COURSE SCHEDULE:
(Tentative)
Class Date
Discussion Topic
Reading Assignment
CHEMISTRY (Chpts. 8, 9, & 11)
January 13
Course Introduction,
Web Page, & Syllabus
January 15
Elements & The Periodic Table
Chpt. 8
pp. 216-220
January 17
Atomic Structure
Electron Shells
Chpt. 8
pp. 206-207
215-216
January 22
Chemical Bonds
Chpt. 9
pp. 233-238
January 24
Water & Solutions
Chpt. 11
pp. 276-286
January 27
Water & Solutions
Exam I - Essays
Chpt. 11
pp. 276-286
January 29
Review & Flex Day
January 31
Exam I
Chemistry (Chpts. 8, 9, & 11)
PHYSICS (Chpts. 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7)
February 3
Motion & Newton’s Laws
Chpt 2
pp. 26-54
February 5
Motion & Newton’s Laws
Chpt. 2
pp. 26-54
February 7
Motion & Newton’s Laws
“Newton’s Apple”
February 10
Energy
Chpt. 3
pp. 62-69
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February 12
Heat & Temperature
Chpt. 4
pp. 86-103
February 14
Heat & Temperature
Chpt. 4
pp. 86-103
February 19
Wave Motion & Sound
Chpt. 5
pp. 117-128
131-133
February 21
Light
Exam II – Essay
Chpt. 7
pp. 178-190
February 24
Review & Flex Day
February 26
Exam II
Physics (Chpts 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7)
GEOLOGY (Chpts. 17, 18, 19, 20, & 21)
February 28
Rocks & Minerals
Chpt. 17
pp. 432-447
March 3
Rocks & Minerals
Chpt. 17
pp.432-447
March 5
Mineral Identification
Class Activity
March 7
Geologic Time
Chpt. 21
pp.512-525
March 17
Geologic Time
Chpt. 21
pp.512-525
Building
Earth’s Surface
Chpt. 19
pp.472-488
March 19
Shaping
Earth’s Surface
Chpt. 20
pp. 494-507
March 21
Review & Flex Day
March 24
Exam III
Geology (Chpts. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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ASTRONOMY (Chpts. 14, 15, & 16)
March 26
The Solar System
Chpt. 15
pp. 380-401
March 28
Asteroids, Meteors, & Comets
Chpt. 15
pp. 380-401
April 2
Earth in Space
Chpt. 16
pp. 406-414
April 4
The Moon
Phases & Eclipses
Chpt. 16
pp. 418-424
April 7
Our Universe
Chpt. 14
April 9
Review & Flex Day
April 11
Exam IV
Astronomy (Chpts. 14, 15, & 16)
METEOROLGY (Chpts. 22 & 23)
April 14
The Atmosphere of Earth
Chpt. 22
pp. 530-535
April 16
Winds & Clouds
Chpt.22
pp. 536-540
April 18
Air Masses & Fronts
Chpt. 23
pp.555-558
April 21
Storms
Chpt.23
pp.561-564
Exam V - Essays
April 23
Famous Scientists
Group I & II
Presentation
April 25
Famous Scientists
Group III & IV
Presentation
April 28
Famous Scientists
Group V & VI
Presentation
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April 30 – May 6
Exam V
Meteorology (Chpts. 22 & 23)
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