Physical Science
Ms. Jeanna Boyd
Room 204
350-2089 x383
E-mail: jboyd2@nhcs.net
Welcome to another great semester at Laney! The following are some of my
classroom procedures, rules and grading policies. Make sure you read and
understand them thoroughly. I look forward to getting to know all of you!
Course Description and Objectives: The physical science program focuses on
structured inquiry in physics and chemistry in which students engage in hands-
on laboratory work at least fifty percent of class time. This course
incorporates the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and provides
numerous opportunities for students to review and reinforce scientific
investigation skills. Science process skills such as collecting data,
constructing models, organizing data, interpreting results, the use of
technology to gather and interpret data, and applying scientific reasoning
and logic are also integrated throughout the course. This is a rigorous
course of study and Ms. Boyd has high expectations of her students. Mastery
of the curriculum is expected. This class will definitely NOT be a spectator
sport!
Laboratories: Since laboratory experiences are so vital to understanding
physical science concepts, students are expected
to be engaged in laboratory work at least fifty percent of class time. There
are four laboratory units:
- Investigating Energy and its Transformations
- Investigating Forces and Motion
- Investigating Matter and Temperature
- Investigating Matter and its Changes
Make-Up Labs: In the event that a student is absent for all or part of a lab,
the student must complete a MAKEUP LAB. These labs are to be completed on the
student's time. All makeup labs an be accessed electronically on this website
under the "Handouts" link. Students who miss labs due to absences are NOT
ALLOWED to complete the classroom version of the lab; the MAKEUP version must
be completed. The reason for this stipulation is to minimize plajiarism among
students.
Course Pre-Requisites: Physical science is conceptually based in mathematics
and numerical nonlinguistic representation of data, and requires extensive
writing and communication skills. In order to be successful in this course,
students must exhibit proficiency in Algebra 1 and English 9.
Course Materials:
- BLACK Pens
- #2 pencils
- College-rule loose leaf paper
-Large 3 ring binder
- colored pencils
- Graph paper
- binder pouch (zip-loc bag)
- metric ruler
- One roll of toilet paper or one roll of paper towels
Suggested Course Materials:
- USB Flash Drive
- Pencil sharpener
- Highlighter
- Four Function Calculator
- Correction Fluid
Grading Policy
1st Nine Weeks 2nd Nine Weeks Final Grade
lab packets......20% lab packets......25% 1st quarter...37.5%
homework.........20% homework.........25% 2nd quarter...37.5%
tests............20% tests............25% EOC...........25%
midterm exam.....20%
Notebooks: A bound notebook is required. Notebooks should be dated and kept
in sequential order by lab topic. Notebooks will be collected randomly in
the semester and graded as a test grade. Notebooks should include all class
notes, lab reports/packets, and additional in-class work as assigned daily.
Homework: Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Most homework
assignments will NOT be distributed in class; most homework assignments will
be completed through the SCHOOL ISLAND website or posted to the class
webpage. Students must have access to a computer with internet capabilities.
If you do not have home access, you will have to plan to stay after school or
visit the public library. Occasionally, students will be required to complete
lab packets at home if they are not finished in class.
Tutoring: I will be available after school on Tuesdays for tutoring and make-
up work. Mr. Benton will be available after school on Thursdays for tutoring.
I may be available other days by appointment; just ask.
Late work: Late work will be accepted according to the following policies:
Assignments missed due to excused absence
- Most work will be provided electronically. Otherwise, work can be made up
after school on Tuesdays.
- Must be completed within 1 week of return to school for full credit.
- Work turned in after 1 week will earn 80% credit of earned score.
- Work turned in after 2 weeks will earn 50% credit for earned score.
- Work not turned in will receive a score of 0.
Assignments missed due to irresponsibility
- Students will be required to complete an “MISSING IN ACTION” log. The
reason for the missing assignment must be given, and a make up plan for
removing the deficiency must be developed. This information will be recorded
in the gradebook and will appear on progress reports.
- Students will be provided with THREE "MISSING IN ACTION" logs per 9-weeks.
- To earn the right to turn work in late, an "MIA" log MUST be submitted in
place of the missing homework on the due date.
- Most work will be provided electronically. Otherwise, work can be made up
after school on Tuesdays.
- Work completed within one week of original due date will be given 80%
credit of earned score.
- Work turned in after one week of original due date will be given 50% credit
of earned score.
- A final makeup due date will be announced prior to each progress reporting
period. Absolutely no makeup work will be accepted after the final due date.
Missed Tests and Labs:
- Tests must be made up after school on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
- Labs should be made up promptly. Absentees MUST complete a MAKUP LAB. All
makeup labs are available on this website under the "HANDOUTS" link.
- Any tests or labs not made up or missed due to unexcused absences will
result in a zero.
Attendance: Since this course has so much “hands-on” activity, daily
attendance is very important. Excessive absenteeism will have a negative
impact on your grade. For all absences a valid excused note must be turned
in to me upon returning to school or any missed work will result in a zero.
It is your responsibility to see me for all make-up work and for turning in
any assignments collected during your absence.
Safety: Safe practices are paramount in physics and chemistry labs! Safety
rules will be reviewed prior to each lab activity and will be vigorously
enforced!
Classroom/Laboratory: The room must be kept clean and safe. There should be
no food, gum, candy, or drinks in the lab.
Students should never engage in horseplay or running in the lab. Lab safety
rules will be vigorously enforced. Students must have a signed New Hanover
County Lab Safety Contract on file in order to participate in labs.
Computers: Students will be using computers as part of their regular lab
equipment. It is very important that each student
has a signed New Hanover County Acceptable Use Policy on file with the
administration. Failure to have this form will keep students from fully
participating.
SOME EASY RULES TO REMEMBER:
• Be in class on time; a tardy policy will be enforced.
• Listen to and follow instructions the first time they are given.
• Have all materials ready to use when the bell rings.
• Behave in an appropriate manner at all times.
• Do not use vulgar or offensive language, and do not interrupt.
• Respect others; keep your hands, feet, objects, hurtful words, and
hurtful looks to yourself.
• No electronic devices visible (IPODS, cell phones, etc.) in class; a
confiscation policy will be enforced.
• Obey all school rules and policies, including all lab safety and
acceptable use policies.
“Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds.” –
Albert Einstein
