SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS: CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS

Text: “Modern Physics” by Metcalfe and Williams

Purpose:

All Science Courses will prepare students by using the following course wide goals:

1) Use knowledge of science to make and support informed judgments about current issues and problems.

2) Identify and solve problems through scientific experimentation: formulate hypotheses, design experiments, use technology, analyze data, and make and communicate conclusions.

3) Apply the scientific process to critically evaluate data, its sources, and its validity in constructing theories and models.

4) Assess and apply knowledge of safe scientific procedures, both to the classroom and to everyday life.

5) Select and use appropriate laboratory equipment, technology, and units to measure scientific properties.

Areas of Study:

1.      Velocity 7.   Heat Transfer

2.      Acceleration 8.   Sound

3.      Force               9.   Optics

4.      Friction           10.   Electricity

5.      Energy 11.  Nuclear Structure

6.      Work

Concepts:

Concepts in science are explained in class through the use of diagrams, models, simulations, and a variety of media. Students take notes in class, and participate in class discussions. There are questions asked of the students both written and oral that ask them to explain concepts and relate scientific behavior to real life phenomena. There is the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis through some problem solving strategies in class, which the students then practice, both in groups and individually.

Labs:

In each unit of study, students participate in laboratory investigations at least once a week. The lab investigations are sometimes set procedures in which the students practice the skills of observation, measurement, and data analysis. Many other lab experiences ask the students to design their own safe experiment: formulating hypothesis, controlling variables, and communicating and explaining their results and conclusions. The lab experiences directly relate to the concepts as well as show real life applications of science concepts. Students explore phenomena and collect evidence to support their own explanations.

The emphasis in all the instructional activities is to promote higher order thinking skills and making connections. Students learn how to use resources, rather than memorizing many facts, and apply their laboratory experiences to other situations.

Assessment:

Students are assessed with a variety of methods on their knowledge of science concepts and skills and how they apply to the real world. Class work and homework is used to check for understanding of main ideas and application of the techniques and skills of science. These assessments include a mixture of written explanations, diagrams, model building and problem solving. Students are assessed on their laboratory skills through the use of rubrics and class monitoring. Students are assessed on their ability to explain unit-related concepts and their conclusions on experimentation results by written lab reports, written explanations on quizzes and tests, as well as occasional oral explanation of laboratory ideas and procedures.

There are periodic unit tests which assess students’ skills and knowledge in a similar manner to their daily instructional activities. The written tests include a mixture of knowledge and comprehension questions, as well as questions which require students to demonstrate knowledge of inquiry skills, explanation of concepts, as well as making connections to other concepts. Tests and quizzes, as well as midterm and final exams, may include a lab performance component.

The criteria for the students’ overall performance level in the course will focus on the science skills developed, explanation and understanding of science concepts, and use of science skills and concepts in real life situations.

Late Work:

Work is due on the date assigned. Absences, not Excuses will be discussed and handled as follows:

Turned in before the next class – one grade reduction

By the second class – two grade reduction

Three days late – F (This is not a zero)

Failure to hand in work - 0 (These are very difficult to make up)

Classroom conduct:

Students will be expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in and out of class. They are to follow the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook, under Rules and Regulations.

Help:

If you have any problems/questions etc. see me after class, before homeroom, study hall if the time works or after school. Help is available. Use it.