Physical Science
Mr. Bryan
2008-2009
Classroom Philosophy
Every student can be successful in this course with an appropriate amount of effort and cooperation. While some students will pick up the material very easily, others will need to put in extra work. As a result of this difference among students, I highly encourage classroom participation. If you have knowledge, share it! If you have abilities, use them to help others! Because good grades are only a part of being a Bear leadership, responsibility, organization and respect are valued highly and are expected of each and every student.
Attendance
As in most things, success in science depends greatly on regular attendance and participation. Poor attendance often leads to poor performance. Please make every effort to be in class and on time daily. If you must be absent, then be sure to take responsibility for the work missed which means you will need to ask what was missed. If the absence is excused you will receive a reasonable amount of time to get the assignment done without penalty. Be aware, however, that this is a lab class and missed labs frequently cannot be made up entirely. Talk to Mr. Bryan when you return to devise a make-up plan. Please refer to the OHS attendance policy found in the student handbook for more information on absences.
Materials Needed
You must have materials with you in class every day:
• Pencil/pen
• notebook (see back side of this sheet for details)
• previous day's assignment
• calculator (Scientific calculators are strongly suggested. A decent one can be purchased for under $20.)
Homework
Expect homework almost daily. These assignments might be from the book, from a handout or reading selections. Because completing work before it is discussed in class is a significant part of your grade and success in the class, make a habit of finishing it. The following day, the assignment will be corrected and discussed unless otherwise instructed. Late work can be turned in for half credit before the end of the unit.
Grades
Your semester grade will be weighted as follows:
Tests / Quizzes = 30%
Lab Write-Ups = 25%
Projects = 15%
Notebook = 5%
Grading Scale
A 92-100%
A- 90-91%
B+ 87-89%
B 82-86%
B- 80-81%
C+ 77-79%
C 72-76%
C- 70-71%
D+ 67-69%
D 60-66%
F <60%
• Extra Credit Extra credit may be earned in a number of ways designed to encourage good habits. You may do extra credit in the different grading categories in the following ways:
Assignments: This is made up of bringing in current events from magazines, TV shows, newspapers, etc. dealing with physical science along with a one-page summary/ reaction.
(up to 5pts. Depending on quality)
Labs: Design and conduct you own experiments dealing with material currently being covered in class. (up to 10 points depending on quality) Labs may also be word processed for extra credit.
Test/Quizzes: Before each test, you may turn in physical evidence of preparation for the test other than notes taken in class. Examples: flash cards of vocabulary, retyped/organized notes, completed practice problems, etc.
(up to 10 points depending on quality)
Notebooks: Although this is technically not part of the notebook, keeping a daily planner in order to stay organized will be rewarded. Your planner will be checked occasionally to see that you have an entry every day for the previous week.
Projects: When given some larger projects you will have the opportunity to have your rough drafts checked for credit. Otherwise, rough drafts will not be required.
Extra credit must be turned in by the end of the week before finals and you may turn in a maximum of one extra credit assignment per week.
• Test Correction Policy
Test corrections may be completed on every unit and will have the ability to raise your test grade up to a 70%. Retakes must be done in the classroom outside of regular class time within one week of getting the test returned. They will be comprised of putting the correct answer and accompanying it with a thorough explanation of why it is the correct answer and citing where the answer could be found in the text or other supplemental materials.
• Notebooks
It is required that each student keep a neat and organized notebook. It will be made up of the following sections:
1. Class information - syllabus, safety info, general stuff...
2. Notes - any notes that are taken during class.
3. Daily assignments - Assignment sheet and daily work. I suggest putting these in
chronological order.
4. Lab Write-Ups - Also in chronological order.
5. Quizzes and Tests
These will be graded based on organization and your ability to find materials quickly. Stay on top of it!
• Cheating
Hopefully this will not be a problem, but it is worth mentioning. If anyone is found to be copying anyone else's work in any manner, the OHS cheating policy will be enforced. (Look it up.) Things teachers might consider cheating include talking to others during tests, copying homework, looking at others' papers and passing notes.
• Leaving During Class
If leaving the room will keep a bladder from exploding, I will naturally allow a bathroom trip; however, using the restroom is to be taken care of on your own time. Do your best to plan ahead. The same goes for using the phone or delivering notes to friends in other classes.
• Extra Help
PLEASE seek extra help before you fall behind. I will be available for extra help most mornings around 7:30 a.m. and after school. A five-minute investment can give a great return.
Assorted rules that are necessary to have things go well:
Snacks are okay on non-lab days, but don't make a buffet out of it.
You may have water as long as it is in a container that can be sealed.
Don’t be a distraction to others.
Be on time, prepared with required materials.
Show respect for yourself, other students, and for Mr. Bryan.
Participate every day.
Seek help when you need it and give it if you've got it.
Choose to be successful!