Honors Physical Science 2013-2014
Ms. Wester
Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School
Course Description:
This course is designed as a survey course of chemistry and physics. This curriculum includes the more abstract concepts such
as the conceptualization of the structure of atoms, motion and forces, and the conservation of energy and matter, the
action/reaction principle, and wave behavior. Students investigate physical science concepts through experience in
laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.
Curriculum and Texts: (Georgia Performance Standards can be found at www.georgiastandards.org)
Chemistry: Atomic and Nuclear Theory and the Periodic Table
This domain focuses on describing basic atomic structure relating the number; identifying isotopes and location of subatomic
particles to chemical activity and periodic trends; describing element placement on the Periodic Table and related trends in
chemical activity; differentiating between radioactive particles and rays; describing radioactivity and its importance;
identifying phases based on molecular motion; interpreting properties from data collected in a laboratory setting.
Chemistry: Chemical Reactions and Properties of Matter
This domain focuses on naming, writing, and classifying chemical formulas and compounds; balancing equations and
identifying chemical reactions; naming compounds and formulas; demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Matter;
calculating density.
Physics: Energy, Force, and Motion
This domain focuses on identifying energy transformations; identifying and analyzing the transfer of heat energy by
conduction, convection, and radiation; interpreting a phase diagram; describing and calculating velocity and acceleration;
comparing Newton’s three laws; calculating mechanical advantage; understanding the work of simple machines.
Physics: Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism
This domain focuses on recognizing all waves transfer energy; investigating light and sound phenomena and comparing light
to sound; explaining the Doppler effect; describing the causes of static electricity; constructing and analyzing series and
parallel circuits; describing the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance; relating electricity and magnetism and
common applications.
Textbook: Glencoe Physical Science http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078779626/
Honors Extension and Enrichment:
Instruction will be enriched and extended for this honors course with completion of one of the following: participation in
SECME or participation in Science Olympiad.
Grading Policy
25% Formative assessments (class work and homework)
60% Summative assessments (quizzes, tests, projects)
10% Science Enrichment – SECME or Science Olympiad
5% Student Participation in Class (Includes Cleaning up)
Milestone and Final Exam
The Milestone/Final Exam for this course will count as 10% of the final average for the course.
Contact Information:
Ms. Sarah Wester
(912) 395-6750
Sarah.Wester@sccpss.com
Materials you need DAILY
• 3-Ring Science Binder with LOTS of paper
• Pencil or Pen
• Calculator
• Your brain and common sense
Occasionally you will need materials for various projects in class
Adopt an Element- Display of some sort (poster, t-shirt, model, or anything else)
Chemistry Lab- Elmer’s White Glue (cannot use another brand, they won’t work correctly)
Roller Coaster Project- masking tape and toothpicks
Rube Goldberg Projects- Anything in the house and a ping-pong ball
Electrify a House- Material to make doll house size furniture, 2-3 9V batteries, Shoe Box
What is Expected in the Classroom
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Be in your seat working when the bell rings. There will always be a bell ringer.
Listen and follow all directions given.
Clean up your mess before you leave. (There may be a deduction in points for leaving you mess)
If you miss class it is your responsibility to get make up work.
Electronic Devices
 should not be seen or heard while in class, except when being used for educational purposes.
Late work
 No classwork or homework will be accepted after its due date, unless the student was absent.
Project grades may be turned in late with a deduction of 10 points each day it is late.
Bathroom
 Limit to beginning and end of class. Excessive use can result in a parent phone call.
Cell Phones
 If you are caught using your cell phone during class it may result in detention and/or your phone
being taken up to the office. Please have the curtesy and maturity to not be on your phone.
Gum Policy
 I don’t want to see it, I don’t want to hear it, and throw it away in the trash when you are
finished with it.
Respect Policy
 Yourself, your peers, your teacher, and your school
Respect Policy
Respect Self:
Respect Others:
Respect Property:
-- Be prepared and be on time
-- Treat others the way you want
to be treated
-- Use tools safely and
appropriately
-- Don't doubt others
-- Report all accidents to the
teacher immediately
-- Be active learners and listeners
-- Do your best work
-- Don't doubt yourself
-- Listen to what others have to
say
-- Stay on task
-- Keep your hands to yourself
-- Keep your area clean
-- Do not vandalize property
Physical Science – Ms. Wester’s Class
I have read the complete syllabus and by signing this contract, I have given my word that I understand and will
follow these procedures and rules as outlined in the syllabus.
Email is the Best Way for me to contact you as a parent. It is also the best way to contact me. My email is
Sarah.Wester@sccpss.com . Please contact me with any questions you may have about my class, my policies, or
your student’s progress.
Student : ________________________________
Date: _______________
Parent: _________________________________
Date: _______________
Parent Cell Phone: _________________________
Parent E-mail: ___________________________