Mrs. Carmeans’ and Mr. Graham’s Level 3 Integrated Science
Course Description and Class Expectations - 2015-2016 School Year
Phone: 610-627-6244
Email: MCarmeans@rtmsd.org
Introduction: This class will emphasize the practical aspects of chemistry and physics and how science affects everyday
life. Students will be involved with extensive lab work, using the scientific method to solve problems in physics and
chemistry (see topics list below). The course will consist of readings from the online resources, class notes, class
discussions, laboratory investigations, projects, and homework assignments. Students are expected to keep a 3-ring
binder with blank lined paper for class notes, labs, assignments, handouts, etc. All handouts will be given out 3-hole
punched so students can keep all their materials in an organized manner. In addition to a very broad curriculum, this
course will also provide you with study skills, test preparation techniques, experimental design, and laboratory writing
skills. You will get out of this course, what you put into it! Nightly review of notes and class assignments is recommended
for success in this course. If you are ever having trouble, please feel free to ask questions or stay after school for help. I
will make it a commitment to stay after school almost every day so that I can provide extra help!
Level 3 Requirements:
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This course will go more in depth on each unit to expand on topics to incorporate more real world examples into
the content taught in class.
4 Formal Lab Reports/Lab Projects (one each marking period) that analyze and investigation done in class.
2-3 Formal Tests each marking period
Weekly quizzes
Weekly Binder Checks
Course Textbooks:
Boyle, J., & Giancoli, D. C. (2002). Physics: principles with applications : fifth edition : study guide. Upper Saddle River, N.
J.: Prentice Hall
Wilbraham, A. C. (2005). Prentice Hall Chemistry . Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Course Outline:
Part I: Intro to Science Procedures and Chemistry (Textbook: Chemistry)
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
Intro to Lab Safety and Procedures
Metric System and Units of Measurement (Sections: 3.2, 3.3, 3.4)
Scientific Method
Properties of Matter (Sections: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
Atomic Theory (Sections: 5.1, 5.2)
Periodic Table (Sections: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3)
Bonding (Sections: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2)
Chemical Quantities (10.1, 10.2, 10.3)
Gas Laws (14.1, 14.2)
Part II: Physics and Applied Science (Textbook: Physics)
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Describing Motion (Chapter 2)
Kinematics (Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7)
Motion and Force (Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8)
Work and Energy (Sections: 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.10)
Classroom Environment: This class incorporates class discussion, cooperative learning assignments, and group lab
assignments regularly; therefore, it is important to create an engaging, friendly, and respectful classroom environment.
Almost every activity we do in class is with a partner or in groups. Students will be expected to treat every individual in the
classroom with decency and respect. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE CLASS TO OPERATE AS IT WAS DESIGNED!!! We will
focus on learning science through inquiry; which is the posing of questions, researching these questions through cooperative
activities and labs, and drawing conclusions from results of those activities. This is most effective in a classroom
environment where ALL students feel comfortable partaking in questioning, contributing to discussion, and working
cooperatively with their peers. Bullying, disrespect, profanity, cheating, and plagiarism will not be tolerated!
Class Preparation: Students will bring a pencil, pen, notebook, and class binder to EVERY class. When you enter the
room, take your assigned seat, get out your materials, and look on the board for instructions for the class activities.
There will be frequent and random participation checks done at the beginning of class throughout the year to assure you
are on task and prepared when the bell rings. As long as you have what you need and are working when the bell rings
you will receive full credit (its like free points!)
Lateness to class: Students are expected to be in class BEFORE the bell rings. Students that are late for class will first be
given a warning. A second lateness will result in class detention. Subsequent lateness will result in class detention and
further disciplinary action. Just don’t be late.
Attendance: Student attendance will be taken daily in class. If absent, students are expected to turn in previously
assigned homework and assignments the day they return to school (This includes long term projects such as lab reports,
projects, or papers). It is the responsibility of the student to get the notes and assignments from the days missed from
their partner, the course website, or the teacher. Students will then be given the number of days they have been absent
to turn in missed assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in these materials to the appropriate make
up folder. I WILL NOT COME TO YOU FOR MISSING ASSIGNMENTS! Test dates will be posted well in advance. Students
should schedule appointments and other foreseeable absences around these dates! In the occasion of an EXCUSED
absent for a test or quiz, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements the day that they return to make up
the test. If a test or quiz is missed as the result of an unexcused absence, a makeup exam will be given at the discretion
of the teacher.
Homework and Late Work: Daily homework involves reviewing class notes and assignments. Other written homework
assignments will be assigned several times a week. Late homework and class assignments will not be accepted! Major
assignments will be accepted late, but penalized. Students will lose one letter grade for each day the assignment is late.
After three late days, the assignment will not be accepted, and will be entered in as a ZERO. Don’t make that mistake!
Lab Equipment Use: Students will use lab equipment on a regular basis in class. It requires a lot of preparation and
maintenance of equipment on my end for us to be able to do as many labs as we do. I expect that you will treat the lab
equipment with care and you will make a concerted effort to clean up your lab area (and the rest of the lab area if you
can) when we finish a lab. This helps us maintain our limited lab equipment for future labs. (please refer to the Lab
Procedures Handout for specific lab routines)
Classroom, Equipment, and Computer Use: Students should not use computers or lab equipment unless instructed to
by the teacher. Destruction of classroom equipment will result in an office referral, a call/email home, and loss of
privileges to use the equipment. We are fortunate to have equipment available in the classroom, do not abuse this
privilege. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS (sweatshirts, binders, folders, etc.)IN MY ROOM! We need all available
space for lab activities and any items left will be sent directly to the lost and found!!!
Food/Gum/Drinks: No food, candy, or drinks will be allowed in the classroom during lab activities…PERIOD! This is a
safety issue because we will be dealing with many chemicals throughout the year that could be harmful to your health if
ingested.
Personal Electronic Devices: Cell phones are strictly forbidden and use will be handled according to the policy
established by the school handbook. The use of iPods or iPads will not be permitted unless instructed by the teacher.
(PLEASE REMOVE THIS LAST PAGE AND TURN IT IN SIGNED…KEEP THE FIRST PAGE FOR REFERENCE)
Course Website: Please visit the course website. Notes, assignments, and articles will all be posted on the website. This
is an excellent resource for both parents and students to stay up to date, informed, and involved!
Grading: Each marking period, students will be assessed through homework, lab reports, projects, quizzes, tests, unit
journals, and other assignments. The grade received will be a percentage based on the total points earned divided by
the total points available. Approximate point values per quarter are as follows:
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Tests: 150 points (50 each)
Projects, Labs, and other assignment: 150 points total
Weekly Quizzes: 70-100 points total (10 each)
Class Participation and Homework: 100 points
By signing this, I am saying I have read EACH section in the syllabus, and I fully understand what is expected of a student
in Integrated Science.
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