Physical Science 2014-2015 Syllabus
Chelsea Eerkes
Chelsea.Eerkes@gmail.com
616-540-3984
Hello, and welcome to Physical Science at Sacred Heart! I am so glad you are in my class and I cannot
wait to share with you the passion I have for God’s Creation. Science is a subject that I love to learn
about and study myself, and the more I learn about the intricacies of this universe, the more amazed I
am at how awesome, powerful and beautiful our God is. It is this passion that I want to pass on to you
throughout our year together. I am excited to teach and learn from you as we dig into some of the most
fun and exciting topics to learn about: hands-on exploration of God’s Physical Creation.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Physical Science is fun, hands-on class in which we explore God’s Creation through the scientific method.
Science is the systematic study of Gods design in the physical creation. We will dive into topics like
Newton’s Laws, satellites, atomic structure, chemical and physical reactions, simple machines,
electricity, magnetism, light and sound. Through learning about energy transformation and sources, we
will explore energy conservation and how to be good stewards of creation.
Most classes will consist of hands-on exploration, including labs, experiments, projects, and discussions.
Throughout the week, students are expected to spend 30 minutes to one hour each week day practicing
key concepts through a variety of activities including journaling, creating projects, watching videos,
experiments, readings, research, graphing and interpreting charts and data tables.
TEACHER CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please feel free to contact me with questions throughout the week. That’s what I’m here for! You may
email, text, or call. I have two busy little girls at home, and also teach at other schools, so I might not
answer the phone every time a student calls with a question. Be sure to leave a message stating your
name, your class, your question, and the number I can reach you. I will do my best to respond to all
messages as soon as possible. It is also important that students do not procrastinate to complete
assignments or projects; in case you do have a question, I need some time to be able to respond, as I
have approximately 200 students in different classes, in different schools. 
TEXTBOOK: (Pearson: Science Explorer)
The textbook is just one of our resources that we will be using throughout the year, but it is an
important resource. We won’t read it cover to cover, but we will use it to learn about and reference key
points. For example, one of the daily home assignments might be to read a particular chapter and
answer questions targeted for learning specific objectives. Another day, your assignment might be to
make vocabulary note cards for key words using your text as a reference.
Physical Science at Sacred Heart consists of an intro to science and 4 units:
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Introduction to the Scientific Method, Ch 1
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Chemical Building Blocks, Ch 2-8
Motion, Forces, and Energy, Ch 9-14
Sound and Light, Ch 15-18
Electricity and Magnetism, Ch 19-22
TESTS: (40% of your grade)
Students will take a test at the end of each unit, as well as a cumulative exam at the end of each
semester. Tests will include concepts taught during class as well as homework assignments given
throughout the week.
PROJECTS: (Part of Tests Grade)
Each unit involves a major project that will be created at home. Hands-on projects are a way to enhance
learning in ways that cannot otherwise be achieved. Parents are asked to be a support in the project
creation, but the design and majority of the project work should be done by the student. Projects will be
brought to school for presentations on the due date. Projects are worth a test grade. Some projects will
be done in groups or partners chosen by the teacher, others will be completed by the student
individually.
QUIZZES: (30% of your grade).
Each class period will begin with a catalyst quiz relating to the homework assignments, usually the
readings and words of the week. Students will be prepared for quizzes when they have completed their
homework assignments to the best of their ability.
LAB REPORTS: (Part of Quiz Grade)
As scientists, we will be exploring God’s Creation through Lab Investigations. We will complete many
labs in class, and sometimes at home. Students are expected to do their best work on their lab reports.
HOMEWORK: (30% of your grade)
Each class period, I will give students their assignments to do on the weekdays that we do not have
class. On Tuesdays, students will receive an assignment that is expected to be completed at home on
Wednesday. Thursdays, students will receive an assignment that is expected to be completed on Friday,
and another on Monday. Assignments will take 30-60 minutes per day. This is up to 4 hours per week.
We cannot learn everything we need to during our class period two days per week. In order to use our
class time to do the lab experiments and hands-on activities that are so important in science, students
need to come to class prepared each day. Teacher, parents, and students will work together to create a
schedule and workspace at home that will allow full concentration and completion of the homework
assignments. If an assignment is turned in late it will be marked down 10% per class that it is late. As
students that are learning from home, homework is very important and therefore worth 30% of a
student’s final grade.
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