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Daniel High School
 Physical Science

 First Day Checklist:

This checklist page is designed to allow you to sign and return just one paper.  Parents are usually swamped with information from teachers on this first day of class.  Students need to keep handouts in their notebook for use throughout the school year.  So I designed this page to simplify the process for both of us.  Please contact me if you have questions.  By checking off each item and signing where needed, you are signifying that this information has been read and discussed by both parent and student.

r  Contact Information 

r  Lab Safety Contract 

r  Rules and Regulations Sheet

r  Opening Day Letter with Study Hints

r  Required Materials Listing

r  End-of-Course Testing Checklist

Parent Contact Information

2008 –2009

     If you have Internet access you can find a wealth of information about your child’s science class at my website: www.sciencebyjones.com.  This web site has an event calendar, assignment listings, course notes, and other general information. Class website access will be given to students when it becomes available.

    If you have email access and need to contact me, my email address is: larryjones@pickens.k12.sc.us.  This usually results in the quickest response and avoids phone tag.  If you do not have email, please call the school office
at 654-2362 and leave a message.  Please understand that I may not see the message till the next day.

     To confirm the contact information, please provide the requested information and have your child return this sheet as soon as possible.

Please print clearly.

      Student Name: ________________________

     Parent(s) Name: _______________________

     Parent Email: _________________________

 

Daniel High School
Laboratory Safety Agreement

 

I will read and agree to follow all the safety rules and precautions presented to me.  A thorough discussion of these rules and demonstrations concerning them will be given in class. Prior to lab I will successfully pass a test requiring understanding of these procedures and techniques.  I have discussed the importance of these rules, as well as a step-by-step analysis of each, with my parents.

 I agree to abide by the regulations and procedures outlined for me.  Violation of this safety contract resulting in unsafe conduct or misbehavior may result in being removed from the laboratory, detention, and/or receiving a failing grade for the assignment.  Furthermore, I agree to abide by any additional printed or verbal instructions provided by my teacher or school district during the school year.

 Parental signature indicates that you have read the safety rules, are aware of the measures taken to insure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your child to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.

 

 _____________________________________
                print student’s name

  

_____________________________________       _____________________

                   student’s signature                                                  date

 

_____________________________________       _____________________

             parent/guardian’s signature                                           date

 

Please describe any medical condition (example: asthma, contacts, etc.) of which the teacher should be aware:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Please indicate an emergency phone number to be used:  ______________________

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

Physical Science – Daniel High School
Requirements and Regulations - 2008-2009

I. Requirements and Grading Information:

A.  Each student must satisfactorily complete all major test, major assignments, laboratory exercise, and participate in classroom activities.

B.  The teacher will determine if all work has been satisfactorily completed.  Any work deemed  unsatisfactory (i.e., not attempted, little or no effort made to attempt completion) will receive a grade ranging from 0 to 45 subject to the discretion of the teacher.

C.  Assignments will be weighted.  Major test/project grades will be averaged and will count 56% of nine week average.  Mid-range assignment average will count 33% and minor homework assignments will count 11% of nine week average.  All major test papers will be kept on file by the teacher.  Parents may review these papers during a scheduled conference.  All other papers will be returned to the student.

D.  The final yearly average will be the numerical average of the four nine week averages and the end-of-course exam.  (each nine weeks and end-of-course exam counts one/fifth of final grade).

E.  Updates of the current grade average will be given to each student periodically throughout each nine weeks.  Parents may request email grade reports.

F.   Grading Scale:  93 -100 A,   85 - 92  B,   77 - 84  C,   70 - 76  D,   0 - 69  F   (used throughout the state)

Grade Equivalents

A+  =  100

A  =  97

A -  =  94

B+  =  92

B  =  89

B -  =  86

C+  =  84

C  =  81

  C -  =  78  

D+  =  76

D  =  73

D -  =  70

 

F  =  65

F -  =  45

   II. General Classroom Regulations:

A.  In addition to all state and district policies, students will follow school rules as given in the handbook.

B. The following materials must be brought to class every day:

  1.  2 or 3 sharpened pencils
  2.  three ring science notebook (with plenty of notebook paper)
  3.  science textbook
  4. scientific graphing calculator*, clear metric ruler, protractor, graph paper (available in room)

C.  Classroom behavior:

  1. Any lack of participation in classroom activities will result in disciplinary action. (see below)
  2. All students should be in seats when tardy bell rings (with notebooks and pencil ready for use).
  3. Please sharpen pencils, put trash in trash cans, and staple papers before or after class.
  4. No one is allowed to leave his seat after the tardy bell without permission.
  5. Any lab or room equipment deliberately damaged must be paid for or replaced by those responsible (including all computer equipment).
  6. Each student is allowed two bathroom passes per nine weeks (using Emergency coupons).  Any medical problem cleared through guidance would override this policy.
  7. Discipline problems will be dealt with using the following:

                first offense - verbal warning or letter/phone call/e-mail to parent
                second offense - loss of Emergency Coupon  or detention
                 third offense - detention or office referral

III. Classroom and Homework:

A. Class notes:

  1.  Keeping a neatly organized and up-to-date notebook is the responsibility of each student. An organizational pattern for the notebook will be given to the students during the first week.
  2.  Notes should be taken on everything said or written on board during class, especially during demonstrations and lab exercises.
  3.  The majority of major test come from class notes and handouts along with notes taken during labs.  My website will be invaluable.

B. Out of class assignments:

  1. Students must assume the responsibility to schedule all make-up work, including labs, immediately upon return to school.  Labs need to be made up within 2 school days as new lab setups are replacing previous ones.  Experience shows that waiting more than 1 or 2 days to make up a test results in extremely poor performance.  Try to never miss a test or lab.
  2. All work completed out of class should be neat and legible with as few misspellings as possible.
  3. Papers not legible or without names will lose one letter grade.
  4. Homework may not be turned in late without using an emergency coupon.
  5. Each student will be given two Emergency coupons per nine weeks.  These may be used for an emergency bathroom visit or for work that can be turned in one class period late or saved for bonus points (2 points per coupon) on major test.

* All  classes will be using graphing calculators. Any in the TI-83, TI=83 plus, TI-84, etc. series are appropriate.  

 

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   The following items are needed by all students in Physical Science classes.

 

bullet Three ring notebook (maybe 1 per semester)
bullet Plenty of notebook paper
bullet Science textbook
bullet Several sharpened pencils
bullet Planner/School Agenda
bullet Metric ruler (clear)
bullet Protractor (clear)
bulletGraphing Calculator

 

Welcome to Daniel High School Physical Science

Room 404 - Mr. Jones                              

  Welcome to Physical Science.     I hope this first day letter will better acquaint you with the objectives of this course and allow you to become more comfortable in this new environment as we attempt to investigate the physical sciences.

    Physical Science is a composite, a course that attempts to merge together the disciplines of chemistry, physics, mathematics, computers, and extensive use of the laboratory.  For many of you this will be the first time an application of your math skills will be needed in your science classroom.  If the math we encounter is difficult for you please ask for extra help so your grades as well as your confidence will be enhanced.

    More than ever before we will stress laboratory investigation and the analysis of the collected information.  Group work and mastery of the techniques and concepts involved, along with safety, will be stressed.  Several competitive events will be scheduled such as balloon races, projectile target practice, and games involving gas laws and balancing equations.

    We will begin with a study of safety and lab techniques that will be used throughout the year.  A short math and measurement review comes next.  A quick study of metallurgy and alchemy will cover some of the historical background for the physical sciences.  A thorough study of the structure of matter will follow.  Then as we approach Christmas another tool, the Periodic Table, will be utilized to study the structure of atoms and molecules.

   The last topics in chemistry will include naming chemicals, chemical reactions, and a bit of the math in chemistry.   A partial list of chemistry labs include learning to use Bunsen burners, finding the density of mysterious substance and radioactivity.  During the rest of the third nine weeks we will investigate heat and temperature as they relate to the different states of matter.  Labs include identifying crystalline compounds, measuring the specific heat of metals and antifreeze and the heat given off by burning candles.

    During the fourth nine weeks we will study kinematics (the study of the moving objects.)  We will look at forces, velocities, accelerations, gravity, and different types of energy.  Labs during this nine weeks include measuring the acceleration of gravity in free fall, using a near frictionless air track system, and projectiles.  We will use our new textbooks to review waves, sound, optics, electricity, and magnetism.

     Approximately 55% of your nine week's grade will come from major assignments such as tests and lab reports.  The other half will include homework, projects, and small quizzes.  It is vital that you turn in all assignments.  The use of my website: (www.sciencebyjones.com) will help both the student and parent know upcoming assignments and information to be tested.

  I hope we can make these enjoyable challenges.  Please spend 10-15 minutes looking over what we covered in class (each day of class).  You will usually have a handout sheet to read for the next class.  If you don't understand something, write a question or two in the margin of your notes and ask them at the beginning of the next class period.  In the past those students that did well in this class studied at least a few minutes for every class, asked serious questions, did all the homework assignments, were willing to admit when they did not understand, worked with due dates in mind, and started studying for test several days before the actual test.  Exams are very important and new to many ninth graders.  Several new techniques will be introduced to help students prepare for them.

    Let's share in the goals of the class; respect for each other, and the desire to gain a better understanding of the interaction of chemistry and physics in our lives.  Future science classes will then be far more meaningful.  If we work together we can make this class enjoyable, worthwhile for YOU, and one you look forward to.  With your effort to develop an interest in your own education you may find it easy to motivate yourself for your own dynamic future.

 

General Hints for a Great School Year

A professor named Jacob Neusner wrote once "Much that you learn today won't be true five years from now; many things you haven't heard of today will be important five or ten years ahead. If I teach you something supposedly 'relevant' I'm guaranteeing irrelevance. If I teach you how to work, to have good attitudes, to take responsibility for your own ideas, to communicate and to think a problem through, no matter what the subject matter I use in order to get those basic skills of mind and intellect across, then I'm giving you something you can use for a very long time. Those skills will never change. These stakes are for your lifetime.”

 
Each of you must give your best effort – you must TRY!  If you give your very best and cannot seem to do the work YOU must assume the responsibility to ask for extra help. To begin with: have your parents provide a quiet study time and location, review almost every night, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help, and a very important concern, come to class every day and participate.

 1.  A great deal of learning takes place in class.  You must listen carefully and takes notes at the same time.  You can’t draw or scribble notes and expect to learn.  You must be willing to concentrate in class and then study diligently at home.  Always be ready to start class.  Have plenty of notebook paper and several pencils ready for use.  Good students work hard at being good students and students with poor academic records can become much better students with discipline, good study habits, and hard work.

 2.  Studying at home becomes much more important than in past years.  This is the work you do beyond just completing homework assignments.  Organize your study time to do it effectively.  This gives you more time to do the things you enjoy.   Study effectively and you will lose yourself in the material. Use my website if possible:  www.sciencebyjones.com

 3.  Turn in all assignments on time – this will help your grade average more than anything else.

 4.  Read and review your notes and handouts during study time every night.   Establish a daily 15-30 minute study time for each subject. This time should be used to review what happened in class, recopy notes, read new handouts, review for test, plan projects, etc.

 5. Use a consistent note-taking system.  If you develop it you will use it.  Use a highlighter to emphasize key points, terms, etc., in notes and handouts.

 6.  Use the Internet and library.  Dig deeper than the classroom level.  You may come to my room in the mornings before school to ask questions.  All the best students do this consistently.

 7.  Ask me to check your notebook to make certain you are getting all the notes you will need.  Study with other students and look over their notes. 

 8.  Work sample problems over and over till you know exactly how to do them.  You must do these sample problems even if they are not to be turned in for a grade.

9.  Prepare for test several days in advance – ask review questions the class period before the test.

10. Be ready for class.  Have plenty of notebook paper, notebook, textbook, and pencils.

I am available every morning (by 7:30 AM) for review help!

 

 

End-of-Course Testing Preparation Checklist

 During the school year students should attempt to review as much of the following information as possible.  This checklist should help you organize your review.

 1.  Review study packets from our nine week projects.

 2.  Review chapters 1-21 in your textbook.

 3.  Review question banks available on school computers:

            a.  acids/bases/salts/solutions

            b.  bonding

            c.  chemical reactions

            d.  electricity/magnetism

            e.  energy

            f.  heat

            g.  motion/forces

            h.  nature of science

            i.  organic chemistry

            j.  periodic table

            k.  radioactivity

            l.  states of matter

            m. structure of matter

            n.  sound/light/optics

            o.  waves

            p.  work/power/machines

 4.  Review books:  “Passing the SC End-of-Course Exam”  are available for checkout during the year.  These have chapter content and sample tests that parallels the Physical Science standards.  This may be the single best review method available.

 5.  Computer review questions from Merrill textbooks are available.

6.  Holt “Science Spectrum” EOC test workbooks are available for checkout.

7.  Software can be downloaded off my website to help with review.

 8.  Three different Physical Science textbooks (older editions) are available for checkout.

 

Page Last Updated: Friday March 02, 2007           Webmaster: Larry Jones                 Pickens County School District