This document provides information about a 9th grade physical science course taught by Miss Barkanic during the winter and spring of 2013. The course will cover introductory concepts in chemistry, physics, and astronomy through lectures, labs, projects, and group activities. By the end of the course, students will understand and be able to apply fundamental principles in these disciplines. The textbook is Conceptual Physical Science Explorations and grades will be based on homework, classwork, quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations. Missed work is the student's responsibility to make up.

1. ACC Physical Science
Winter 2013 – Spring 2013
Miss Barkanic
Office Hours: 7:00am – 2:30 pm
Email: Stefanie.barkanic@timberlane.net
Course Description:
Welcome to 9th grade Physical Science. This is an introductory course that deals with a broad range of topics in
chemistry, physics, and some astronomy. This course will include lectures, labs, projects, and group activities.
It is going to be a wonderful year and I am very excited to have you all in physical science.
Competencies
Outcomes: At the end of this course you will have been exposed to the central concepts of chemistry, physics,
astronomy and will know, understand, and be able to do the following:
1. Understand and apply concepts of the scientific method, introductory mathematical modeling, the use of
scientific equipment, and scientific reporting in solving basic physics and chemistry problems.
2. Show how the evolution of the atomic model explains the structure of the periodic table, the nature of
atoms and make use of the periodic table to examine properties of elements.
3. Demonstrate their understanding of nuclear radiation, atomic energy, and the evolution of the universe.
4. Illustrate, apply concepts, and solve problems related to molecular bonding and chemical reactions.
5. Describe, apply concepts, and solve problems related to acids, bases, and carbon-based chemistry.
6. Make use of thermodynamic principles to show how matter and energy change within a system.
7. Show the relationships between electricity and magnetism, apply those concepts and describe their roles
in technology.
8. Demonstrate, apply concepts, and solve problems related to the properties of light and sound waves.
9. Model, apply concepts, and solve problems related to the motion of objects and underlying forces.
Textbook & Materials
Textbook: Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
Materials: 3-Ring Binder
Notebook
Calculator
Grades:
Based on Total Points: Each assignment is given a representative number of points, larger assignments having a
higher point value. The individual grade is simply calculated by the number of points earned divided by the
total number of points possible.

2. Assessments:
Homework: 5-10 points ea.
- Weekly Outlines and Questions
Classwork: 20-30 points ea.
- Daily Assignments and Activities
Quizzes: 15-25 points ea.
- Unit Quizzes
Projects/Presentations: 50-150 points ea.
- Individual and Group
- Lab reports
Tests: 50-150 points ea.
- Unit Tests
Missed Work: It is YOUR responsibility to get and turn in any make-up work. Utilize classroom calendar and
student folders to do so.
Missed Exams: You must schedule a time with me to make-up a missed quiz or exam.
Cheating/Plagiarism: This is not tolerated and if caught the exam or project in question will be counted as zero
Grading Standard
I believe homework should be practice and if worked on diligently WILL help with projects, test, and
quizzes; Therefore, you will not be held responsible for correctness on homework. I do expect all of the
homework to the complete 100 percent for full credit. You will not receive full credit if it is not completely
done. All weekly homework is assigned on Monday and due the following Friday. Homework will be accepted
late for half credit.
Short quizzes will be given sporadically during each unit, normally totaling between 1-4 quizzes per
unit. I will give at least a 24 hr notice for any given quiz. Quizzes will come in a variety of multiple choice, fill
in the blank, short answer, and/or matching.
Tests will be given at the end of each unit. You can expect multiple choice, true/false, short answer,
matching, and/or fill in the blank. You will be given a week notice for these tests. Remember my tests are
made to make you think so that cramming the night before will not be sufficient. You may set up an
appointment, within two weeks the test is handed back, to retake a failed test.