Physical Science II Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

PHYS-1417-001 Physical Science II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Math 0303-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 75, THEA score of 270 or an equivalent score on a state-approved test; RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Science course designed for non-science majors with focus on elementary education science instruction methods and content. Primary emphasis will be fundamental concepts of physics, such as force and motion, sound, waves, momentum and heat. May also include integration with chemistry, geology and astronomy.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• Conceptual Physical Science, 5^th Edition, by Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt (paper copy of textbook ISBN 0321753348) AND
• MasteringPhysics: Conceptual Physical Science for Conceptual Physical Science, 5^th Edition (available at www.masteringphysics.com and payable by credit or debit card).

OR

• MasteringPhysics printed Access Card with eText, Conceptual Physical Science, 5^th ed, by Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt (electronic textbook and access to MasteringPhysics ISBN 0321773071)

 

PLEASE NOTE:

MasteringPhysics requires a course code in addition to an access code (or credit card). This code can be found on the course Blackboard site in the “MasteringPhysics” folder.

If you purchase MasteringPhysics online you can sign up and wait until later to enter your credit card information. The service will work for a few weeks and send you a payment reminder when your trial subscription has run out. This allows you to stay on top of homework assignments while waiting for payday, student aid, or scholarships to be available.

Supplies

• notetaking supplies
• scientific calculator (phones are NOT allowed on tests)

Student Performance

Grades will be determined by the following scale:

• A – 89.5 to 100
• B – 79.5 to 89.49
• C – 69.5 to 79.49
• D – 59.5 to 69.49
• F – 59.49 and below

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to:

• attend class every time
• be respectful to others in the class
• participate in class discussions and activities
• complete reading and homework assignments; study for tests
• take tests on the scheduled dates
• refrain from using electronic communications during class
• adhere to the honor code below

HONOR CODE

Students are expected to work throughout the semester without cheating. Cheating is defined as “any practice, method, or assistance, whether explicitly forbidden or unmentioned, that involves any degree of dishonesty, fraud, or deceit. Cheating includes plagiarism, which is representing another’s ideas or words as one’s own.”

It can be tempting to cheat, especially when struggling with new material. But being an effective learner requires personal honor, accountability, and responsibility. (adapted from Davidson College’s Honor Code).

Students who engage in cheating will earn a zero on the assignment in question and may also be subject to other disciplinary actions following Amarillo College policy.

Grading Criteria

Grades will be calculated using the following percentages:

• 15% – MasteringPhysics homework (one low grade dropped)
• 40% – Tests (four taken; none will be dropped)
• 20% – Final Exam – required
• 25% – Labs (one low grade dropped)

HOMEWORK – 15% of the final grade

• Online homework assignments are due at the due time on the due date.
  • Partial credit (up to 50%) can be earned one day past the due time on any questions of an assignment that were not answered prior to the due time.
• Students are responsible for keeping up with due times for homework assignments.
  • Students should regularly check the calendar at MasteringPhysics for adjustments to due times.
• One low homework grade will be dropped.
• Homework is assigned for review and practice of concepts and problem-solving.
• Some questions asked may be covered in the textbook but not in class.

TESTS – 40% of the final grade

• Four tests will be taken in the classroom on the dates listed on the calendar.
• Test dates MAY change (but should be extremely close to the published schedule).
  • Changes will always be announced well in advance of the test so that students have adequate time to prepare.
• Students are expected to take tests IN CLASS ON THE SCHEDULED DATE.
  • Students who miss a test will earn a zero on that test.
  • Tests will NOT be administered at another time UNLESS prior written communication between the student and Mrs. Fincher occurs AND there is a compelling reason why the student should be allowed to take the test at a different time.
  • Tests may only be missed due to illness, family emergency, or legal issues. Proof of the circumstance may be required (doctor’s note, traffic ticket, etc.).
  • Contact Mrs. Fincher via AC email as soon as you know you might miss a test.

​FINAL EXAM – 20% of the final grade

• Comprehensive final exam covering all material covered during the semester.
• Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the classroom.

LAB GRADES – 25% of the final grade

• Students are expected to attend every lab session.
• Students may miss ONE lab without a grade penalty (one lab grade will be dropped).
• Since this course is for future middle and elementary school educators, some emphasis will be on ways to modify the labs for use in lower levels.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken every class period. No portion of your grade is directly determined by attendance, however, students who regularly attend class tend to earn higher grades and enjoy learning physics better. Labs may not be made up so any lab missed for an absence will earn a zero.

Calendar

Additional Information

• Students may request help from the instructor via their AC student email.
  • If asking about a specific homework question please state what assignment it is as well as the item number.
• Students may ask questions in class or after class on Tuesdays (after lab on Thursdays by appointment).
• Students are encouraged to form study groups with other students in the class as a way of discussing concepts and working together to solve problems. This study method works well if students are engaged in discussion and not just copying answers from someone.
• Tutoring is also available through the Science Success Center and the Math Success Center.