Poplarville High School

August 3, 2016
Physical Science
Course Syllabus, Fall 2016
Poplarville, High School
Teacher: Ginger Keen
Room: 213
Phone: 601-795-8424
Email: Ginger.Keen@poplarvilleschools.org
Available to meet with Students: Before and after school. Please
schedule a time to speak with me. It is important for me to know when
to expect you.
Available to Parents: Before and after school; during planning
period, 4th Block (1:30 P.M. 3:00 P.M.) Please schedule meetings so
that I know when to expect you.
Credentials: Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences & Minor in
Chemistry from The University of Southern Mississippi
Completed Masters Degree Program in Teaching at The
University of Southern Mississippi (awaiting degree
document).
Parents wanting to know more about the qualifications of individual
teachers may visit Poplarville School District Central Office for that
information or go online at https://sso.mde.ms.gov/Login.aspx
Teachers in the Poplarville School District follow the Mississippi Science
Frameworks when planning instruction. Curriculum Connection
resources in greater detail can be found on the school district website
at www.poplarvilleschools.org.
Course Description
Physical Science will build upon students prior knowledge of basic
principles of chemistry and physics and allow the student to learn how
to apply those principles within and outside of the classroom. The
student will be performing experiments, gathering data and drawing
conclusions based on the results of experimentation. The student will
become familiar with lab safety procedures, lab and technological

equipment, techniques and procedures, and also, gathering and

interpreting data.
Units of Study
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:

The Nature of Matter

Diversity of Matter
Interactions of Matter
Energy and Motion
Electricity and Energy Resources
Energy on the Move

Instructional Materials
McLaughlin, C., Thompson, & M. Zike, D. (2008). Physical Science.
Columbus, Ohio: Glencoe.
Student Expectations and Responsibilities
Be prepared -- Students are expected to:
*be prompt (must be in the classroom and in assigned seat
before the tardy
bell rings.)
*bring appropriate classroom materials each day, including
science
binder w/ loose leaf paper, black or blue ink pens,
sharpened or
mechanical pencil, and a calculator.
*submit homework and assignments on assigned due dates.
*be ready to participate in class activities and discussion.
Show Respect!
*While students do not have to agree with ideas or philosophies
in class, they
do have to be respectful of the opinions expressed by the
teacher and other
classmates. Derogatory comments (including profanity) will not
be tolerated. Students must respect property that does not
belong to them,
including textbooks, furniture, computers, and equipment.
Be responsible!
*Students are expected to follow classroom policies and
procedures and PHS
policies which are outlined in the Student Handbook (Safety
rules, tardy

policy, electronic device policy, proper dress code, no food and

drink in the classroom.)
*Students are responsible for keeping up with all class handouts.
No handouts will be reissued; if you lose one it is your
responsibility to replace it.
*Keep your notes in order and updated. Do not throw anything
away as you
may need them at a later time in the semester.
*Students are responsible for turning in assignments on specified
due dates.
Follow all Directions!
No Cell Phones!!!!
No Food or Drink, except for Bottled Water! Bottled water must
be capped!
***Dates for tests will be announced in advance and will be
performed at the end of each unit. Quizzes will be given once
per week and will not be announced.

Late Work Policy

Assignments are not accepted for credit later than one school day
after the initial due date unless the absence is excused. In the event
of an excused absence, students will have one week to turn in missed
assignments.
Make Up Work Policy
If a student misses class, he or she must check with Mrs. Keen for
missed materials/handouts. (It is the students responsibility to obtain
missed assignments as soon as he or she returns to class and to make
sure any missed work is made up.)
If absent when a homework assignment is due, the assignment must
be turned in on the day a student returns to class in order to receive
full credit.
Laboratory assignments that are missed due to student absence must
be completed within one week of the original lab date.
NOTES: IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO GET CLASS NOTES
FROM A CLASSMATE UPON RETURNING TO SCHOOL FROM BEING
ABSENT.
Behavior Issue Consequences
First Offense verbal warning
Second Offense written warning, parental contact
Third Offense loss of break with an extra writing assignment; parental
contact
Fourth Offense Office referral

*Teacher may use office referral with first offense if

necessary (major offenses, repeat offenders).
Academic Honesty
In order to realize their full potential for learning, students must
complete their own work. Any form of cheating or plagiarism is
unacceptable. Using another persons words, ideas, or work as your
own will result in a grade of zero for that assignment.
*Poplarville School District does not discriminate on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin or disability and is
in compliance with Title IX of the educational amendment of
1972 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

After reading this syllabus, please sign and return this signature page
by August 10, 2016.
Signature Form for Physical Science Syllabus
My child and I have read the syllabus for Mrs. Keens Physical Science
Class. I understand that if I have any concerns or questions regarding
my child that I may contact Mrs. Keen for clarification. (PHS office 601795-8424) Please return this signature portion of the syllabus to Mrs.
Keen by August 10, 2016.

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