Stamford High School
Physical Science Syllabus
Teacher: Susan Dougherty, MS.Ed
Telephone: (203) 977-4591
Email: sdougherty@ci.stamford.ct.us
Course Outline
Unit 1 – Introduction to Physical Science
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Branches of Science
Scientific Inquiry and Process Skills
Scientific Methods
Experimental Design
Data Display and Analysis
Construction and Interpretation of Graphs
Math Skills Used in Science
Scientific Tools and Measurement
Unit 2 – Introduction to Earth Science
 Weather
 Air Quality
 Earth’s Cycles
 The Solar System
 Space Exploration and Technology
Unit 3 – Introduction to Chemistry
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Measuring Matter (Mass and Volume)
Density Determination (related to Buoyancy)
States of Matter (Solids, Liquids, Gases, Plasmas)
Changes of State and Heat Energy
Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
Chemical Compounds and Formulas
Chemical Reactions and Equations
Conservation of Mass and Chemical Reactions
Mixtures and Solutions
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Unit 4 – Introduction to Physics
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Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration
Force of Gravity
Mass Vs. Weight
Force of Friction
Newton's Laws of Motion
Buoyancy (related to Density)
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Atoms and Particle Physics
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Work, Energy, and Power
Simple Machines
Heat Transfer (Conduction, Convection, and Radiation)
Electricity (Static Vs. Current)
Magnetism
Electromagnetism
Light and Electromagnetic Waves
Light and Vision
Sound and Mechanical Waves
Sound and Hearing
Renewable Vs. Nonrenewable Energy Resources
Student Expectations
A large three ring binder has been provided and is to be kept in class as a Science
portfolio. This portfolio organizes all class work, projects, quizzes and tests.
Students will come to class prepared with class materials, and a pen /pencil.
Students will maintain organized notes and portfolio.
Students will complete all projects, class assignments, and make-up tests in a timely
manner.
Adherence at all times to the Attendance Policy and the Code of Conduct for Stamford
High School.
Grading Policy
Students will be assessed through class participation, a portfolio, homework, quizzes and tests.
The quarterly grade will be averaged as follows:
25% Quizzes and tests
15% Science Notebook
15% Projects (25% in quarters with no midterm or final exam)
10% Midterm
10% Final
10% Homework
15% Class participation and behavior
Make-up for tests, other work or extra help can be made any day before school or after school
Monday through Thursday or after school by appointment.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Develop a greater degree of scientific literacy.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of science tools for the purpose of interpreting scientific data.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of nature’s rules and physical phenomena.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of atomic and molecular properties, structure, and behavior
5. Apply basic concepts of physics and chemistry to solving problems in the laboratory.
Parent Signature __________________________________________________________
Date ___________________________________________________________________