General Course Information:
Learning Outcomes:
Course Title: Foundations of Physics and
Course Objectives: This course will provide a
Chemistry
thorough introduction to physics and chemistry.
This course will provide students with a strong
foundation in these content areas, allowing them
to succeed in future science courses. This course
will make many connections between areas of
student interest and curiosity and science.
Year: 2007-8
Course Description: A lab-based science course
Reading Strategies and Objectives: Students
Room Number: A9
are expected to use their textbooks as a
homework tool and as a review source for exams.
They will develop strategies for reading scientific
text and finding key information.
Periods Taught: 1, 5, 7
Writing Strategies and Objectives: Students
for 9th/10th grade students.
Faculty Name:
Amy Lindahl
Grinnell College, Bachelor of Arts,
Major: Biology, ‘99
UC Riverside, Masters in Biology, ‘02
Lewis and Clark College, Master of
Arts in Teaching, ‘04
Course/Faculty Website:
http://marshall.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/10369
Additional Contact Information:
Email: ALindahl@pps.k12.or.us
ALindahl@biztech.pps.k12.or.us
Phone: 503-916-5241
Office Hours:
will practice scientific writing in lab reports and
written reviews of scientific issues. They will
work on developing writing that is appropriate
for different audiences. Scientific writing styles
will be emphasized.
Readings:
Required Text: Wysession, M., Frank, D., &
Yancopoulos, S. 2006. Physical Science:
Concepts in Action. Pearson Prentice Hall,
Boston Massachusetts.
Optional/Suggested Text:
Other readings will be provided by the teacher.
These primarily include news articles about
science discoveries.
Periods 2-3 and Wednesdays until 4pm
Grading & Plagiarism:
Introduction to Course: Welcome to
Grading Categories & Percentages:
Foundation of Physics and Chemistry at Biztech
High School! This core science class is required
for all 9th and 10th grade students. Expect a
challenging and enjoyable class!
Note to Parents/Guardians: Foundations of
Physics and Chemistry is a hands-on, lab based
class. Book homework will be assigned on
Fridays and textbooks should be kept at home for
this purpose. Students will need an average of 30
minutes to 1 hour per week to complete
homework.
Content knowledge (55%)
Knowledge of course material: demonstrated
on tests, lab reports, and some in-class
assignments
Work ethic (35%)
Professionalism: warm-ups, homework
completion, some in-class assignments,
persistence, lab safety, organization
Collaboration (5%)
Group-work skills: works well and
communicates well with group, adopts group
roles
Written communication (3%)
Scientific writing: use of grammar and
spelling, logic, organization
Oral communication (2%)
Clear communication skills: primarily
assessed during presentations
Grading Scale:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
98-100
93-97
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-68
60-62
less than 60
Late-Work Policy: If an absence is excused,
students will have the number of days they were
absent to make up work with no negative effect
on their grades (example: 2 days excused
absence, 2 days to make up work). Late work
past this point, or after an unexcused absence,
will be lowered 10% per day after the due date.
Make-up Work Policy: In the rare case of an
extended, excused absence, students will make
private arrangements with me to make up work.
Students should not expect to be given make-up
work after a suspension.
Plagiarism Policy: I take academic dishonesty
seriously. Both the plagiarizer and the student
whose work was copied may receive zeros on
assignments if plagiarism is suspected. Protect
your work, especially your homework, and
consider it valuable, personal property. Do not
leave it lying around on a table. Plagiarized
assignments and those assignments that were
copied will be thrown away. Students will not
be allowed a make-up assignment.
I teach students about how to use web and text
resources in an appropriate manner.
Assignments with unaltered and plagiarized text
may receive zeroes.
Course Schedule/Outline:
Fall Semester: Chemistry Focus
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Properties of matter
States of matter
Atomic structure
Periodic table
Chemical reactions
Solutions, acids and bases
Carbon and nuclear chemistry
Spring Semester: Physics Focus
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Motion
Forces
Work, power, and machines
Energy and energy resources
Mechanical waves and sound
Electromagnetic spectrum
Optics
Electricity and magnetism
Forensics
Classroom Conduct:
Each student has the right to be in a classroom that
supports his/her learning and the learning of others.
These few, basic rules will help us to
accomplish this goal:
 Speak politely and treat others kindly
 Follow teacher requests
 Be prepared for class (bring 3-ring
binder, pen/pencil, and homework)
 Make a good effort and request help when
you need it
 No food in class (bottled water is allowed)
 Non-academic computer use is not
allowed (NO email, gaming, etc.)
 Use of electronic devices (cell phones,
music players, etc.) is not permitted and
these items will be collected by the
teacher if they are used or seen in class
Taxol molecule: Used for treating cancer
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By FRIDAY, SEPT. 7
Signatures:
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X_________________________________
I have read and understand the course requirements, policies, and expectations.
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I have read and understand the course requirement, policies, and expectations.
Contact information:
Parent/Guardian name:__________________________
Phone number (work):___________________________
Phone number (home):___________________________
Cell number:___________________________________
Additional contact name:_________________________
Phone number (work):___________________________
Phone number (home):___________________________
Cell number:___________________________________
Please let me know if there is any information that will help me teach and support your student.
Is there anything that has worked really well for your child in the past? Any information you
can provide about how your student learns best would be extremely helpful. Thank you!
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