Integrated Science 1-B: Part A
Teacher: Austin Ruggles
Email: austin.ruggles@jefferson.kyschools.us
Students: I will be your guide in exploring science through this trimester. Science is very important in helping us
understand the world around us. My background is in chemistry (B.S in Chemistry at UofL) and I had to a chance to
work in a laboratory for two years. This allowed me to gain real world insight that will help my students. I look
forward to working with each of you during this first trimester. I hope I can encourage you to be interested in this
wonderful subject.
Parents/Guardians: Let me begin by saying that it is an honor to have your child in my class. Together, I believe we
can be successful in helping your young student grow during this trimester. Communication is important so feel free
to reach me by my email listed above or the school’s phone number (502-485-8339).
Course Description: Integrated Science 1B takes the place of a traditional Chemistry course within the JCPS district.
Integrated Science 1B (ISB) includes related topics from other disciplines of science and is taught with the inquiry
method. In this method, students use labs, reading skills, and logical thinking skills to piece together a basic
understanding of the concepts taught in that unit. Part 1 is more closely related to chemistry than to other sciences,
but maintains a close relationship to physics. In ISB part 1, students spend the majority of the trimester learning about
the atom, the elements, and the periodic table and towards the end we discuss states of matter, intermolecular forces,
and the gas laws.
Structure of Matter
Periodicity
Bonding
Topics To Be Covered
Physical Prosperities of Matter
Chemical Prosperities of Matter
States of Matter
Physical Interactions
Chemical Interactions
ACT Science Help
The challenges, investigations, and even homework questions, within this course, are based on functional use and
active involvement. Students will work in cooperative learning groups to develop a variety of skills including; respect
for diversity, an understanding of individual accountability within a group, elevated self-esteem, and to promote trust
and risk-taking. Developing these skills is essential for continuation in a medical or environmental magnet program
here are Valley, future post-secondary education and employment. This course is typically taught in the sophomore
year and is a requirement for graduation. It is also commonly taken as the first science course in college.
Materials: It is up to the student to be prepared each and every day!
Provided by Teacher
Book
Folder, Notebook
Calculators (In Class Only)
Provided by Student
Pencil or Pen
Notebook paper (College or Wide Rule)
What To Expect: As a teacher I like to use a variety of activities/methods to help students learn the material. Some
examples are:
- inquiry-based activities
- experiments
- assessments
-group discussions
-guided instruction
-visual projects
- simulations
- reading activities
- tutorials
Grades: The grades in this class will be based off a point system. The grades will be decided by the calculation “points
earned / pointed available”. Each activity and assignment is worth different amounts of points. Grade reports will be
issued every 3 weeks (when possible) with the final grade issued at the 12 week mark. Grades are cumulative for the 12
weeks and will be posted on Infinite Campus.
Assignments
Formative Assessments
(40 % of final grade)
Group
Challenges
Warm Up/Exit Slip
Guided
Comprehension
Readings
Worksheets
Summative Assessments
(40 % of final grade)
Quizzes
Exams
Notebook/Folder
Checks
Lab Experiments
**point average around 50 points
Reflection
(20 % of final grade)
Comprehension
checks
Experimental Conclusions
Reflection sheets
Warm Up: Students will complete a warm-up each day and record their
answers on a weekly sheet. At end of the week it will be turned in for
feedback and grading.
Reflections: A weekly reflection sheet will provide space for students to
write the daily target and activities and reflect on how they did.
Reflection is key in helping students find misconceptions about the
content.
Experiments: A large part of this class is performing investigations
about the material. Students will work through laboratory activities and
corresponding material.
Late Work: There will be NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED. Students
will be expected to turn in all required work before the beginning of
class to the CORRECT tray.
Make Up Work: It is solely the students responsibility to obtained the
missed assignments. All excused absentees will be allowed to make up
work, and can find it in the designed location (folders up front).
Classroom Expectations: In order to obtain the greatest benefit during this class, students will be asked to stay
focused and follow the three following guidelines:
Be Respectful – treat others nicely, listen and participate, no cursing, use proper academic procedures
Be Prepared –materials for class, ready to learn (no sleeping), completed readings and/or homework
Be Safe – several classroom and lab activities will require students to act in a safe, responsible manner
**I follow all school policies and their guidelines for classroom misconduct, dress code, bathroom visitation, cell
phones, and violence. I try to be a fair but just teacher, and I know that our classroom will be a responsible, learning
community.
Classroom Norms: Despite the use of a variety of activities and lessons to teach the material, there will be several
normal routines used in the classroom. Each class will start as the student enters in the room, receives their folder from
their marked drawer to the right, and turn in any homework to their tray. The student will then proceed to their assigned
seat and write down the learning target for the day on the weekly sheet. After this the student will then finish the short
Warm Up posted to help introduce the day’s activity. At the end of class the students will be asked to complete a short
and reflective Exit Slip. After the bell tone the students will then put their folders away and leave the classroom.
**Days in the lab will follow a slightly different schedule and will be announced beforehand