Foundations of Chemistry and Physics Syllabus, 2013-2014
Room: 276
E-mail: smithch@masd.k12.wi.us
Mr. Smith
Voicemail Ext.: x 25276
Course Description
Foundations of Chemistry and Physics is an introduction to the principles of Chemistry and
Physics. Atomic structure and bonding are investigated along with the properties of matter.
Energy is discussed with special attention to its uses and changes. Motion and simple machines
are part of the curriculum. The purpose of the course is to provide a better understanding
Outcomes: By the end of this course, you should be able to:
 Know proper laboratory safety techniques, proper use of the laboratory equipment,
proper application of the parts and procedures of the scientific method, and the use
and comparison of the English and Metric measuring systems.
 Demonstrate knowledge of matter including the structure of atoms, the bonding of
atoms, the Periodic Table of the Elements, the difference between elements,
compounds and mixtures, the chemical symbols, chemical equations, and practical
uses of some of the different kinds of matter.
 Be able to use the properties of matter to identify an unknown substance or to
determine how that matter can best be used.
 Be able to describe the properties and uses of radioactive isotopes, the methods for
detection and study of radiation, and the practical use of fission and fusion for
providing energy needs.
 Be able to recognize the effects of forces on the motion of objects, define velocity and
acceleration, restate Newton’s Laws of Motion, and solve problems dealing with
forces.
 Be able to identify a tool as a machine, identify the basic simple machines, recall the
tree types of mechanical advantage, and solve problems dealing with forces and
distances when using a machine.
 Be able to name the internal forces acting on matter, including cohesion, adhesion,
and pressure and be able to solve problems using hydraulic pressure
 Be able to define heat and temperature, use a thermometer to measure temperature,
use the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales, measure heat in calories,
and explain the difference between conduction, convection, and radiation.
 Be able to recognize the two electrical charges and their effects on each other, relate
the structure of batteries, construct series and parallel circuits, define the basic units
of electricity, and identify sources and practical uses of electricity.
 Be able to identify the different forms that energy can take, identify energy
conversions, and state the law of conservation of energy.
 Be able to discuss the different types of wave motion, including how wave length
affects light and sound, the Doppler effect, angle of reflection and refraction, light
year, pitch, frequency, lasers, and concave and convex lenses and mirrors
 Be able to define solution, solute, and solvent and recognize the difference between a
diluted, concentrated, and saturated solution; distinguish the properties of an acid
from those of a base or those of a salt.
Course Outline
Semester
1
2
Units
The Nature of Science
Moving Objects
Acceleration and Momentum
Energy
Machines
Using Thermal Energy
Light and Sound Waves
Electricity and Magnetism
Optics
Solids, Liquids, and Gases
Classification of Matter
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Chemical Bonds
Elements and their Properties
Chemical Reactions
Acids, Bases, Salts, and Solutions
Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy
Student Requirements
 Provide written answers to questions on worksheets, chapter reviews, quizzes, and
chapter or unit tests.
 Write detailed laboratory reports on the experiments performed.
 Pass a semester exam at the end of each semester.
 Calculators are required.
 A typed paper may be required.
Grading Criteria
93 - 100%
=A
85 - 92%
=B
76 - 84%
=C
70 - 75%
=D
Below 70% = F
Quarter Criteria
Tests
50%
Labs, Homework,
and Quizzes
50%
Semester Criteria
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Final
40%
40%
20%
Absence Policy
1. Students with excused absences will be allowed to make up the work. It is your
responsibility to get the work.
2. Tests – If you have an excused absence the day of the test, it is your responsibility to
schedule a time to come in and take the test as soon as you get back or before you leave.
Unexcused absences will result in an automatic zero.
3. Review Days – If a student is absent the day of a scheduled review, they will be expected
to take the test. If new material is taught the same day, the student will have two days to
make up the test.
Textbook:
Physical Science, Thompson, McLaughlin and Zike; Gelncoe/McGraw Hill ©2005
For the online student edition, use the following directions:
1. Go to the website: www.gpscience.com
2. Click the box Click Here to Access Student Edition
3. On the left, click the tab Online Student Edition
4. Select For online student edition click here
5. Enter in the Access Code: FAA7EF9494
Please note: This student edition textbook works best with Internet Explorer and FireFox.
Google Chrome currently does not work with this resource.
Expectations
1. The Mukwonago Way:
a. Be Responsible
b. Be Respectful
c. Safe
d. Be on Time
2. Academic Integrity: Cheating, Fraud, and Plagiarism are spelled out clearly in your
Student Handbook and will not be tolerated. If a student is caught, the following actions
will be made, as stated in the Student Handbook (page 39)
a. 1st Offense: A score of zero, a disciplinary referral, and a meeting with the AP.
b. 2nd Offense: A score of zero, parent contact, and conference with the principal.
c. 3rd Offense: An “F” in the course, and inelegibilty for multiple student
opportunities, including: honors pass, valedictorian, salutatorian, honor student,
any scholarship controlled or sponsored by the school district.
Disciplinary Actions
1. Tardiness: refer to student handbook
2. Misbehaving and endangering others in the lab and classroom is very serious. Such
behavior will not be tolerated and the following consequences will be implemented.
 Strike One: Verbal Warning. You will be asked to stay after class for a brief
discussion with Mr. Smith.
 Strike Two: A call home to parents.
 Strike Three: Referral to the administration, parents contacted, and possibly
missing out on some labs and activities.