PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS

Teacher Information
Name; Dr. Nmaobi Uzochukwu
Phone #:404 802 4600 (school)
404 349-1229 (home)
E-mail: nuzochukwu@atlanta.k12.ga.us or uzochukwu@aol.com,
Education: B.S. Physics, M.S Education/Physics, Education Specialist and Doctorate
in Curriculum and Instruction. Add-on Certificate in Educational
Leadership
Experience: 30 years teaching
National Board Certified.
.
Learning Resources/Textbook: Holt Physical Scienceonline access via
http://www.glencoe.com
Tutoring: Thursdays 3:40 4:40 P.M.
Course Description
The Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the physical
sciences that began in grades K-8 and provide students the necessary skills to have a richer
knowledge base in physical science. It will emphasize the basic laws of chemistry and physics . This
curriculum includes the more abstract concepts such as the conceptualization of the structure of
atoms, motion and forces, and the conservation of energy and matter, the action/reaction
principle, and wave behavior. Students investigate physical science concepts through experience
in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry.
Major Topics
Structure and Properties of Matter
Analyzes the structure of the atom in terms of proton, electron, and neutron locations as
well as atomic mass, atomic number, atoms with different numbers of neutrons and
different numbers of protons.
Describes and explores chemical bonding and reactions
Explains properties of solutions.
Forces and Motion
Analyzes relationships between force, mass, and motion by applying the calculations of
velocity and acceleration.
Evaluates the application of Newtons three laws in everyday situations related to inertia
explaining falling objects as related to gravitational force.
Applies mass and weight to appropriate situations.
Applies the calculations of work and mechanical advantage to complex systems
Energy Transformations
Distinguishes the characteristics and components of radioactivity and explains the
process of half-life as related to radioactive decay.

Analyzes the atomic/molecular motion of solids, liquids, gases and plasmas.

Identifies and explains energy transformation within a system.

Investigates and describes molecular motion as it relates to thermal energy changes in

conduction, convection, and radiation.
Vibrations and Waves
Analyzes the properties of waves by explaining the transfer of light, heat, and sound
energy through the application of wave theory.
Electricity and Magnetism
Explains the properties of electricity and magnetism by applying and relating these to
electromagnets and simple motor.

Standards: Course standards can be found at http://www.georgiastandards.org

Outcome and Expectations in Accordance with Georgia Performance Standards
At the end of this course students should be able to:
1 Design and conduct scientific investigations (GPS, GHSGT/EOCT SCSh1).
2 Apply standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations GPS,
EOCT SCSh2).
3 Use appropriate scientific tools and technology to observe, collect, record, organize,
analyze, interpret, conclude, write, and present the results of scientific investigations
clearly and accurately GPS, EOCT SCSh3, 4, 5, 6).
4 Read scientific materials to establish context for subject matter, develop vocabulary and
to be aware of current research (GPS, EOCT SCSh9).
5 Measure, calculate, analyze and explain the relationships among force, mass, gravity, and
motion of objects; including in a state of static equilibrium (GPS, EOCT SPS8 SCSh1-8).
6 Investigate our current understanding of the atom(GPS GHSGT/ SLO SPS1)
7 explore the nature of matter, its classifications, and its system for naming
types of matter(GPS , EOCT SPS2)
8 Distinguish the characteristics and components of radioactivity. (GPS, , EOCT SPS3).
9 Investigate the arrangement of the Periodic Table.) (GPS GHSGT/ SLO SPS4
10 Compare and contrast the phases of matter as they relate to atomic and
molecular motion. (GPS, , EOCT SPS5)
11 Investigate the properties of solutions. (GPS, EOCT SPS6)
12 Relate transformations and flow of energy within a system (GPS, EOCT SCSh6, 9:
SPS7).
13 Analyze the properties of waves and processes involved in energy transfer of waves
including electromagnetic waves (GPS, EOCT SPS9).
14 Describe the transformations between mechanical, electrical and magnetic energies (GPS,
EOCT SPS10).
The Physical science course has two major sections. The first of these categories is introductory
physics, which will be covered during the first semester. The second section is introductory
chemistry, which will be studied throughout the second semester. Learning takes place via labs,
demonstrations, direct instruction, reading, and writing.

Course Outline and Pacing Guide

Chapter
1
3
4, 11
12
10
20, 21,
22, 23
24, 25, 26
2
17, 19
2
20
21
21

Topic
Intro to Physical Science/Nature of Science
Motion & Forces
Energy, Work & Power
Thermal Energy
Waves
Static Electricity
Current Electricity
Magnetism
Matter, Phases, & Solutions
The Atom, Periodic Table
Radioactivity
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions
Acids & Bases
EOCT Prep*
Benchmark Tests Review
Benchmark Test 3
Laboratory Experiments
Examinations
Total

Number of Days
5
10
8
5
5
4
4
4
4
5
3
3
5
3
On-going
4
4
10
4
90

LABORATORY REPORTS AND PROCEDURES

Lab reports are due at the beginning of the first class period following the completion of an
experiment. All lab reports will be reported in the notebook.
The following will contain the following headings:
1 Title: As given by the teacher.
2 Purpose: a concise statement of the purpose of the experiment.
3 Hypothesis: A statement of what you predict to be the outcome of the experiment based
on previous knowledge. You must give a logical reason for your guess this makes it
educated or intelligent.
4 Material: A list of all the materials and equipment used for the experiment.
5 Procedure: A concise, step by step description of the methods used.
6 Results: A completed data table of final readings or numerical observations/calculations
made during the experiment. Results include graphs and drawings where required.
7 Analysis Questions: These questions help to guide understanding of the concepts being
investigated and to make proper inferences from the results.

Conclusions: A brief summary of the results of the experiment including successes and
failures. It is usually not more than two cogent sentences that may include answers to
analysis questions.

A lab report must be coherent, neat, legible and organized in the format presented above. Each
step carries 10 points except for the Results which carries 20 points. Failure to follow the format
will result in the loss of the allotted points. Also read the Rubric for details on hoe points are
awarded for each subheading.
Projects
There are four required projects for the entire year; two per semester. One class period each will
be allotted for the research in the school media center and the rest of the work completed as
homework. Rubrics and deadlines are provided to guide the students as they work on their
project. The projects for this year are:
1

Rube Goldberg Machine:

Students are expected to use several simple machines to build a compound machine that
can accomplish a certain task for example, stick a spoon in your mouth and feed you
automatically.

Atomic Bonding Models

Students will build models to illustrate one or more of the atomic bonding(Metallic,
Ionic, Covalent, and van der Waals Bond). For review go to www.chem4kids.com

Newtons Laws of Motion

Each student is assigned one of Newtons laws of motion, or the Universal Gravitational
Law. From research information, students prepare their class presentation, (power-point
or poster board) following the outlines on the rubric.

Rocketry
Students are required to use everyday materials such as paper, cardboard, soda bottle,
balloons, wheels, straws, skewers, to build a sturdy rocket that can carry an egg
unharmed or fly/move on its own for at least 3 meters. For Guide to Rockets go to
http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/

Other
A student may choose to build something of interest to him/her that will illustrate a
physical science concept and present it to the class. This may take the place of one of the
projects or used as an extra credit.

Safety Rules and Procedures

All safety guidelines discussed in class and written in the contract apply at all times in the lab.
Horseplay is absolutely not allowed. Any student involved in this will be removed from the lab
and will neither be allowed to complete the experiment nor make it up.

Requirements
Students are required to take notes in class therefore they need to come prepared with their pens,
pencils and notebooks. Students write in pen (blue or black) and draw in pencil. There will be
pop quizzes given any day in the week. Formal lab reports will be completed for all labs. Science
Projects will be required as part of the learning process through independent investigations.
Team work is basic in class; students are for the most part required to work cooperatively.
Supplies:
1 three-subject notebook with pockets
2 black or blue pens
3 pencils
4 protractor
5 metric ruler
6 scientific calculator
Grade Determination
Participation
Homework
Tests/Quizzes
Final Exam
Projects & Full Labs
Total

Grading Scale
25%
10%
20%
15%
25%
100%

90 -100%
80-89%
70-79%
below 70%

A
B
C
F

Classroom Rules:
Students are expected to follow all district and school rules. Specific classroom rules are posted
at the front of the class. Special rules will be issued for labs. In addition to these rules, all
Washington High School rules apply.
o
o
o
o
o

Be On Time
Be In Dress Code
Be prepared for class.
Be Respectful
Be Responsible.

NO EATING OR DRINKING IN CLASS, THIS INCLUDES CHEWING GUM.

Students must come to class prepared to learn this includes having all the necessary material
(textbook, workbook, notebook, calculator, paper, pencils, etc) and assignments completed and
ready to be turned in. Points will be deducted for any work that is turned in after the date.
Offense
First Offense
Second Offense
Third Offense

Consequence
Verbal warning/Phone call to parents
Phone call to parents; afterschool campus clean-up duty (2) days
Phone call to parents; Saturday detention

Fourth Offense
Severe behavior or disruption

Parent Conference; ISS (1) day

Immediate removal from class and referral to office

PROGRESS REPORT/DEFICIENCY NOTICE

A Deficiency Notice/Progress Report and Report Cards will be sent home on the following
dates:
Mid Semester
October 8
March 13

Report Card
October 15
January 9
March 20
June 2

Progress Report
September 9
November 12
February 6
April 22

Parents mark these dates on your calendar and make sure you collect these notices from your
child. It is essential that you get this piece of information to be better able to work with the
teacher to help your child in the area he/she is lacking or not successful. Parents should contact
the teacher by phone or e-mail if they have concerns and/or questions.
Make-Up Work
See student handbook for make-up policy. Make-up work will NOT be given during classes.
Make-up tests and quizzes may be different from the original but they will be testing the same
concepts. The absent student is responsible for all class assignments during his/her absence.
Extra Help
The teacher is glad and very willing to help students with any material they have difficulty
comprehending. This would be during the teachers free time preferably, Thursdays after school
from 3:40 P.M. to 4:40P.M.
Late Work
Homework will be accepted one day late with a penalty of 50%. Projects and lab reports will
carry a 10% penalty per school day late.
Cheating
Cheating on a test or quiz curries a zero grade. Cell phones are not to be visible during a
test. It has been noticed that some students send text messages back and forth during tests.
If a student is caught with a phone during a test, he/she will not be allowed to continue with
the test and automatically gets a zero grade. To avoid the temptation of texting questions
and answers to each other, the teacher will offer the opportunity for the students to turn in
their cell phones to her before the tests starts and pick them up at the end of the test.
Special Note to Parents
I wish to thank you parents for allowing me to be part of your childs education this school year.
I would like to use this opportunity to dispel the myth that physics is hard and therefore is for a
few. I am an advocate of physics for all. I love physics, and I will share this love with your
children. This is one subject that makes you smart; you learn how everything works. I know it is
challenging, requiring extra time and dedication because you have to think, but it is a fun subject.
I appeal to you to please help us by making sure our homework is done, projects are completed

on time, lab reports are turned in, and teacher is contacted when need be. Also feel free to visit
us any day even without notice, we will be glad to have you.
Please fill out this information sheet, sign and return it to the teacher.

STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION SHEET

(Please print clearly)
Class Period_______________

Date of Birth _____________________

Students Last Name_________________________ First ___________________MI____

Home Address____________________________________________________________
Name and relationship of person whom you live with_____________________________
Home Phone ____________________________ Best time to call _________________
Mothers Name: ________________________Fathers Name _____________________
Mothers work or cell phone _______________Fathers work/cell phone # ___________
Mothers E-mail ________________________ Fathers E-mail ____________________
Guardians Name ____________________ Phone number _____________________
I have read and understood the information on the Syllabus.
Parent /Guardians Signature _______________________ Date ___________________
Student Signature ________________________ Date ___________________
Students Hobbies_______________________________________________________
Favorite Sports ___________________________________________________________
I learn best by____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Class Schedule

Block
1
2
3
4
Advisor
y

Subject

Advisory

Teacher

Room #