Physical Science

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Vanesha Mason

Contact: vlmason@florencek12.org; 256-768-2200

Course Description: Physical Science includes the basic concepts and skills in chemistry and physics that are
considered foundational in those disciplines. It also emphasizes firsthand observation through laboratory
investigations, practical problem solving, and the use of technology.

Instructional Philosophy: Students will learn through different classroom strategies including: virtual
laboratory investigations, hands-on activities, reading comprehensions, and note-taking. These strategies are
modified to meet the needs of each student so he/she can achieve success in the classroom.

Classroom Expectations:
In order to create a safe and fun learning environment, the following is expected of you each day during class:
-come prepared to class with your daily supplies (see below)
-begin working as soon as the tardy bell rings
-respect your classmates, teacher, and self
-make the teacher aware, in a respectful manner, if you have a question
-pay full attention and listen to whomever has permission to talk whether it be teacher or student
-follow the directions of the teacher or substitute the first time given

Preparation and Materials

Note: Successful learners are expected to bring ALL of these items to class EVERYDAY
 CHROMEBOOKS
 Notebook, paper, pencil/pen, and calculator
● REGULAR ONLINE ACCESS IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS – There are several options available if this causes difficulty
o https://fcs.instructure.com - The class website and LMS will be the virtual hub for the course and
classroom. Digital copies of all course handouts, materials, and resources will be available on Canvas. All
assignments – both summative and formative – can be accessed here. The site will also be used for class
activities, updates, and events. Parents may also have access to this class site. App available on browser,
iOS, Android

Grading Policy: Students in physical science will be assessed using a point system. Each assignment will be
worth a certain amount of points depending on its priority. Each unit test will be worth 100 points.
Categories:
1) Tests= 60%
2) Classwork= 30%
3) Benchmark= 10%

Make-Up Work
Upon return of your absence, you will need to come and discuss your makeup work with me during a time of
independent work in the classroom.

Assessments and Due Dates – All ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS ARE GIVEN IN CANVAS!!!

All assignments have due dates. Assignments are due on a weekly basis. Each week’s assignments will be due on Wednesdays
at midnight. Check the assignment’s due date in Canvas to ensure you turn in assignments on time.

Late work: Late assignments can be turned in for up to half credit by the Wednesday before benchmarks. These dates are
listed as follows:
1st 9 weeks: Friday, October 2nd
2nd 9 weeks: Friday, December 11th
3rd 9 weeks: Friday, March 5th
4th 9 weeks: Friday, May 21st

Laziness: Any assignment not completed by the end of the 9 weeks will result in a 0.

Graded items: Tests, quizzes, worksheets, projects, discussion posts, etc.

Test Format: Tests will consist of the following question types: matching, multiple choice, etc.

Turning in Work: All work will be submitted in the appropriate dropbox in Canvas.

Grades: Grades can be checked under the “Grades” tab, and grades will be updated in INOW.

Discipline
If a classroom rule is broken, the following consequences will happen:
1st offense: redirection/ change of seat
2nd offense: parent contact
3rd offense: office referral

School Supplies
 1.5 inch binder
 Folder – 3 ringed with pockets
 Loose leaf
 pen or pencil
 calculator
 safety contract – ONLINE IN CANVAS – will sign digitally in Canvas