Physical Science                                   ______________ Mrs. McInnes

This course is designed to prepare students for the Ohio Graduation Test.  In Physical Science we will study Geology (such as the history of the universe, solar system and earth, as well as earth processes that cause change, and weather patterns). In addition we will study Chemistry (including measurements, problem solving, atoms: their properties and interactions, periodic table, chemical formulas, reactions (including acids and bases), phases of matter, heat and radioactivity).  We will also examine some Physics concepts (such as light and sound waves, electricity and magnetism and flight).  Just prior to the OGT we will review Biology.

There may be an out of class project each quarter that will be worth the same as a test grade.

Rules and Expectations

You are expected to:

• Always participate and put forth effort.  Remember, this room is for science.
• Bring needed supplies to class each day:  notes, charts, worksheets, calculators, book if needed.
• Stay on task and be a good listener.  Do not interrupt the education of others. 
• Be kind, polite and respectful to everyone, and their belongings. (Even those people you don’t like). This includes substitute teachers as well.
• Report to your seat when you enter the room.  Be on time.
• No Sleeping.
• Wait for the teacher, not the bell, to dismiss you.  No lining up at the door.
• Be quiet during ALL P.A. announcements.
• Use the restroom between classes.
• Use quiet voices when socializing is permitted.
• Obey all school and classroom rules.  Special laboratory rules will be announced and enforced.

Consequences

Any of the following may be used, depending on the violation

• Stay after class--shortening class exchange time.
• Detention after school (after three detentions for the same offense in one quarter, it will be considered "excessive" and will result in an office referral)
• Parent phone call
• Office Referral.

Grading Policy

       All homework is graded either for correctness or for completion. Quizzes are worth 50 points (enterred as 1/2 of your percent earned).  Tests are worth 100 points (entered as a percent). 

90 - 100  A       80 - 89   B         70 - 79    C       60 - 69   D

NOTE:  You will have to earn your 90, 80, 70, 60.  I DO NOT ROUND UP.

Late Work:  You are allowed to turn in an assignment up to 1 week late three times per quarter.  After they are used, no late work is accepted.

NOTE:  YOU SHOULD KEEP ALL REVIEW SHEETS AS A WAY TO STUDY FOR SEMESTER EXAMS.

Required Supplies

Notebook or pocket folder (for science), highlighter, pencils with eraser & paper, scientific calculator is highly recommended (the OGT calculator is sold in our school store).

Absences

When you have missed class (either due to an absence from school, a field trip, a class / club meeting, visiting the clinic or office  power club etc. ), report to the front window area of our room  for what you missed both in class and in homework.

 It is up to you to obtain any make-up work (this includes class notes) as quickly as possible.  CLASS DOES NOT STOP AND WAIT FOR YOU TO CATCH UP AFTER AN ABSENCE.

School rules state that an unauthorized absence results in a zero for the day.  This is followed very strictly.  If you have trouble getting your absences authorized, then I would not miss class.

Attendance is taken every day and checked for authorization.  YOU WILL BE CAUGHT IF YOU SKIP THIS CLASS.