Physical Science

Instructor: Cassandra Gray

Classroom: Room 430, Crowley County High School

Telephone/Fax: 719-267-3582/3585

I. Course Description
This is an integrated study of science. During the course of this class we will discuss an
introduction to science, the nature of matter, changes in matter, motion and energy, and
finally earth and space. Included will also be an experience working with laboratory
equipment, observations, and simulations. This course will be year long, and broken into
two halves.

II. Course Expectations and Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a. Recognize terminology associated with the three branches of science
b. Identify and describe most of the principle systems associated with matter and energy
c. Identify and describe concepts associated with earth and space science
d. Be able to recognize, apply and understand the principles of science and their
importance in everyday life
e. Free thought and free inquiry are highly encouraged in this and all science
environments. Students shall be taught how to think for themselves, rather than what
to think.

III. Materials
Students will need:
a. Three ring binder for laboratory materials
b. Loose leaf or wireless notebook paper
c. Writing utensil. Pens are mandatory for laboratory notebooks and reports. They
must be blue or black ink.
d. Calculators are highly recommended.
IV. Homework and Testing
Homework assignments can be found on Mrs. Gray’s Physical Science wiki page. All
assignments are to be turned in on the due date. Homework for absences which are pre-
arranged must be turned in on original due date.
Many homework assignments will be emailed to you. These assignments are to be
completed on your laptop, during school hours. To submit these homework assignments,
you will need to email them, completed, to the instructor. You will need to label the
assignment with your last name, followed by assignment description.

Tests will be comprised of five (5) different elements. They are: matching, multiple-
multiple choice, modified true/false, completion, and essays. Please note that not every
test will consist of all five elements. Correct spelling of words is mandatory. Some tests
may be open book/note. If extra credit questions appear on the test, you must have
attempted every question on that test before extra credit questions will be graded. Test
will not be curved. Retesting will be done at the discretion of the instructor.
Tests will also be emailed to students. Submission requirements are the same as
homework.

V. Laboratory
A principle portion of science education is based on a hands-on approach. During the
course of the year, students will be engaged in laboratory experiments. Following all
experiments, laboratory reports will be due.
During all labs, students are required to keep a laboratory notebook. This should be a
spiral bound notebook. You must write in pen.

VI. Classroom Conduct

All teachers, students and property will be treated with dignity and respect. Academic
fraud will not be tolerated. These behaviors include plagiarism and cheating. In the event
a student is caught in either of these activities, a zero will be given to both the person
cheating and the person allowing their work to be copied.
Upon entering the classroom, students are expected to be seated in their regular, assigned
seats.

VII. Research Papers/Project

At least one research paper and/or project will be mandatory over the course of this class.
Scoring of presentations will be based on ½ student body score and ½ instructor score.
Any student wishing to have their research papers pre-graded must have them turned in
to the instructor no later than six (6) school days before the final draft is due.
Every student has the opportunity to earn a good final course grade as a result of his/her own work
and determination!!