Course Syllabus

Algebra 1 (411401CW) or Algebra 1 Honors (411401HW)

Seneca High School

2022-2023

Email: jshaw@sdoc.org 

                                        Planning: 3rd Period

to Mrs. Shaw’s Physical Science Class

Physical Science is an introductory science class composed of content from physics and chemistry curricula.  Physical Science stresses the application of mathematics as the language of science.  It serves as a strong foundation for other high school science courses.  This course emphasizes inquiry-based learning, process skills, higher-order thinking skills, and interactive group classroom and laboratory skills.  Because experimentation is the basis of science, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.  Investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the high school inquiry standards are central to effective instruction in this course.

Materials:   3-ring binder or 3-prong folder with pockets (something to store papers)

Schedule of Topic

• Unit 1: Scientific Inquiry and Metrics
• Unit 2: Differentiating Matter
• Unit 3: Chemical Changes
• Unit 4: Chemical Compounds
• Unit 5: Structure of the Atom
• Unit 6: Forces and Motion
• Unit 7: Work and Energy
• Unit 8: Electricity
• Unit 9: Waves
  

SHS Science Department (Physical Science) - Rule Violation Notification

General

Rule 1A - Be respectful of other humans and their property

Rule 2A - Have integrity in all of your activities in this classroom

Rule 3A - Students may use the bathroom during individual work time only. Students may use the bathroom up to four times per quarter. 

Rule 4A - Be prepared with all materials each class period

Specifics

Rule 1B - Students have to the count of 3 to be silent after the teacher signal

Rule 2B - Stay in your assigned seat for the entirety of the class unless doing an approved activity by the teacher

Rule 3B - Cell phones and earbuds should not be out unless previously approved by the teacher

Rule 4B - Students should wait for teacher prompting to contribute to class discussion

Rule Violation

	Rule 1A		Rule 1B
	Rule 2A		Rule 2B
	Rule 3A		Rule 3B
	Rule 4A		Rule 4B

Consequence

** All violations deduct 5 pts from employability grade.  Students will start with 100 and earn no less than 70 each nine weeks.

First Violation                   Warning 

Second Violation              Warning 

	Third Violation	10 minute lunch detention to be served on Thursday ____________
	FourthViolation	20 minute lunch detention to be served on Thursday ____________
	Fifth Violation	Full School Lunch Detention to be served next available (parent contact)
	Sixth Violation	Full School Lunch Detention to be served next available (parent contact)
	Seventh Violation	Administrative Referral

Seneca High School Science Department Grading Scale & Policy:

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

Final Grades are broken down as follows:

1st Nine Weeks               40%

2nd Nine Weeks 40%

Final Exam 20%

Major Assessments – 60% of Final Grade

• Tests and projects

Minor Assessments – 40% of Final Grade

• Formal Lab Reports (x2), Homework, Quizzes, Minor Labs, etc. - 25%
• Classwork and Bellwork – 10%
• Employability Points- 5%

• Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and exhibit appropriate behavior that will enable all students to learn.
• Studying outside of class is encouraged (TIP: you are more likely to remember material if you study a little along the way, instead of cramming the night before)

Late/Missing Work:

• Homework: Any homework assigned will be a continuation of class work that was not finished during the class period.  With less time in each class this year, students may have slightly more work to do at home than usual. 
• Late Assignments: Any assignment, both major and minor, will receive a 10-point deduction for each day it is late.  After 5 days, the student will receive a 0 on the assignment.
• Zeroes can have a tremendous negative impact on student grades, and also on student learning.  For this reason, the science department has committed to making sure all assignments get turned in by each student.  If a student does not turn in an assignment at the due date, the procedures below will be used.  Enrichment and lunch detention will all take place during Power Hour during the school day. 

Absences:

If you are absent from class, follow these steps to get caught up:

1. Check the date located in Modules on Canvas
2. Gather work from the absent bin upon return.
3. See Mrs. Shaw with any questions  (Email if you are out for more than one day)
4. Complete assignments within 5 days.  If assignments are not completed within 5 days, the late work policy will go into effect.

If you are absent on a review day before a Quiz or Test, you are expected to still take the quiz or test if no instruction was missed.

Retesting Policy:

Students who wish to retake a test regardless of their score can complete one retest per nine weeks, after completing a remediation process within one week of the original test date  The student will receive the higher of the two grades. 

• Students may be required to retake tests for which they score below a 60%.  The student will go to the teacher for remediation and will then take a retake test during an Enrichment session.  The retake test will be decided by the individual teachers.

*Students will be assigned a grade on the retake based on the School District of Oconee County Grading Policy

Extra Help Procedures:

Students are always welcome and encouraged to come for extra help.  We will utilize the Power Hour during the school day for most of our extra help.  My enrichment availability schedule is listed below. Students are expected to notify the teacher before coming for help. 

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
Ist LUNCH	Meeting	DUTY	Enrichment	Lunch	Lunch
2nd LUNCH	CAT	Enrichment	Lunch	DUTY	Enrichment

Communication Plan

I can be reached by email (jshaw@sdoc.org) at any time. This is the best way to get in touch with me. My classroom phone number is 864-718-5517. I will not be able to answer the phone during school hours. I will gladly attend any parent conferences upon request. Parents will be notified of any outstanding behavior. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have concerns/questions. Parents- PLEASE make sure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool. 

CANVAS

Students will be required to use Canvas on a daily basis. PARENTS- please make sure you are an observer in Canvas. This will allow you to see all course content (assignments, due dates, notes, feedback, etc.) 

If you have Canvas questions, Canvas help pages/links can be found on the district’s website, you can Google tutorial videos, or ask for guidance. 

This is a link to Canvas’s help page for students: https://guides.instructure.com/m/4212