PHYSICAL SCIENCE
2011-2012
Teacher: Mr. Thomas Clark, Room 213
tclark@maderiacityschools.org
Phone: _________________________
PURPOSE:
This course integrates the main braches of Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science
and Mathematics into one Physical Science class. You will explore how these branches
relate, their relationships to different technologies, and how scientific laws and theories
govern them.
TEXTBOOK: Physical Science: Science Spectrum
Authors: Dobson, Holman and Roberts
Publisher: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2006
TOPICS COVERED:
First Semester
Second Semester
Unit A: Introduction to Science
Introduction to Science
Chapter 1
PHYS Unit 2: Work, Energy and Temperature
Work & Energy
Chapter 12
Heat & Temperature
Chapter 13
CHEM Unit 1: Matter
Matter
States of Matter
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
PHYS Unit 3: Wave Phenomena
Waves
Chapter 14
Sound & Light
Chapter 15
CHEM Unit 2: Atoms and Compounds
Atoms & Periodic Table
Chapter 4
The Structure of Matter
Chapter 5
PHYS Unit 4: Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity
Chapter 16
Magnetism
Chapter 17
CHEM Unit 3:
Reactions, Mixtures, Acids and Bases
Chemical Reactions
Chapter 6
Solutions
Chapter 7
Acids, Bases & Salts
Chapter 8
Comm & Technology
CHEM Unit 4: Nuclear Changes
Nuclear Changes
Chapter 9
PHYS Unit 1: Motion and Forces
Motion
Chapter 10
Forces
Chapter 11
Chapter 18
EARTH&SPACE Unit 1: Solar System & Universe
The Solar System
Chapter 19
The Universe
Chapter 20
EARTH&SPACE Unit 2: Earth and Atmosphere
Planet Earth
Chapter 21
The Atmosphere
Chapter 22
Using Natural Resources
Chapter 23
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CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
 Seated on time (Start at bell)
 Be prepared (Bring required materials (homework, note pads, etc.))
 Do your own work (Including group assignments (labs))
 Class Participation (Part of grade)
 Invest in yourself (Show effort in and outside of classroom)
 Follow lab safety rules (Read and Sign Flinn Scientific’s Student Safety Contract)
 Schedule time to get help
 All school student policies will be enforced in class
MATERIALS NEEDED:
 A notebook or binder with dividers to organize notes, worksheets, homework, handouts, etc.
 A paper folder with three hole binders for lab materials and reports.
 A scientific or graphing calculator. You will be given a calculator to use on quizzes and tests.
ABSENCES:
 Student’s responsibility to inquiry about and obtain materials and notes missed during his or her
absence. If necessary send me an email before class.
o

All work must be made up within 2 days of returning to school.
Missed quizzes or tests:
o
You are responsible for scheduling make-up quizzes and tests when you return. The
number of days you are absent are the number of days you have to make up the quiz or
exam. Quiz’s or exams not made up will receive a zero.
LATE WORK:
 Late assignments that include homework’s, labs and projects will receive 5 points off for each
day late for a minimum 2 days. After that the assignment will receive no credit. If absent
when assignment is due, the number of days you are absent are the number of days you have to
make up the assignment(s). Assignments turned in after the grace period has ended will be
considered late and subject to the same deduction listed above.
GRADING:
 Quarter grades are calculated using a total point system.
 Grades include homework assignments, quizzes, tests, lab reports and projects.
 Quizzes are given during Unit discussions. Tests are usually given at the end of each Unit.
 Assignments:
o Practice Problems, Section Review and Chapter Assessment Questions , located in your
text books, will be assigned during the week upon completion of a chapter section.
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o
o

Points will be given for complete solutions not just answers. This includes quality and
showing work, especially for problems. Answers to odd numbered problems are located
in the Appendix of your text book.
I am available for help before the assignments are due.
Lab Reports:
o Lab reports will follow the standard lab format of (A) Introduction, (B)
Materials/Methods, (C) Data, (D) Discussion, and (E) Conclusion.
o Labs are due 2 school days after lab work is completed and will be collected at the open
for questions.
Due Dates Schedule:
Monday Labs are due the following  Thursday before class
Tuesday Labs are due the following  Friday before class
Wednesday Labs are due the following  Monday before class
Thursday Labs are due the following  Tuesday before class
Friday Labs are due the following  Wednesday before class

Projects:
o At least one special project will be assigned during class that will relate to real world
application of what you have been learning from your assignments, Labs or Lecture.
Grade Percent
15%
20%
15%
50%
100%
Type_____
Homework
Labs
Special Project(s)
Quiz/Tests
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