Physical Science

 

First Day Handout For PHSA 1050

Fall 2005 Section S1604

Home Page: http://Sciencescene.com

 

 

Instructor: Bryan Gillispie

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 Description as it appears in the college catalog:

       Physical Science 105: An investigation of the Physical Sciences, to identify the underlying physical concepts of modern technological society. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and classroom work designed to improve an understanding of the Physical Sciences.

 

Prerequisite(s) and/or Co requisite(s)    None

Credit Hours:  04      Contact Hours:  04       Lecture:  Integrated      Laboratory:  Integrated  

 

SECTION                         SCHEDULE    

REQUIRED MATERIALS         · Text: Physics is FUNdamental   · #2 Pencil   · English-Metric Ruler

                                                      · Colored Pencils    · Eye Protection      · 3.5 Floppy disk    · Scantron sheets (blue)

 

Note: The lab aide cannot unlock computers or supply equipment to students when the instructor is not present. Do not ask the lab aide to do so it is against departmental policy.

Computers are for class work only.  Activity on computers is recorded. Downloading material not for the class is prohibited.  Activity logs will be checked for inappropriate activity. Violators will be subject to being dropped from the course and assigned the letter grade of E

 

COURSE GOALS

       This course explores the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences. The purpose of this course is to help understand how the scientist uses the experimental method in comparing theory with reality and how the laboratory gives insights into the concepts of nature.  To get the greatest benefit from the course, regard each concept as a problem to which you are forcing nature to give an answer.  From this experience you will gain a better understanding of the process of science. More specifically the goals of the course include:

 

1.    Experiencing the successes, failures, certainties, uncertainties, drudgery and the rewarding achievements of scientific investigation.

2.    Developing scientific concepts through hands-on cooperative learning experiences.

3.    Giving insight into the relation between experimentation and physical concepts.

4.    Recording data, interpret and drawing logical inferences based on this empirical data.

5.    Building theoretical models and using them for predictive purposes.

6.       Generalizing physical science concepts in order to understand and apply them to daily life.

 

THE COURSE

       Twelve topics will be covered.  See syllabus for what topics will be covered and when they will be covered.

       This Physical Science course investigates a series of learning topics that are systematically structured to include lecture, demonstrations, laboratory and evaluation. The following will discuss and present a series of suggestions designed to increase your success in the course.

 

        Success in this class begins by reading each topic, as indicated on the syllabus, before coming to class and attempting to acquire as many of the stated learning objectives as possible. Specifically this means you have read the objectives, introduction, laboratory, and taken the self-test. The classroom presentation of the topic begins with a discussion of the pertinent information and provides an opportunity to discuss questions or problems that you encountered while preparing for topic. Make sure that you take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions concerning the topic. Being prepared is important to your success in the course.

 

       The teaching strategy used by your instructor is called the Socratic method. This strategy uses questioning to discover the answer or truth. This method is used to help you improve your critical thinking skills. Please realize that although your instructor may not always give you an answer he will always help you discover the information you are seeking.  Never give up!    Never!  Never!  NEVER!

 

       Cooperative learning is promoted in this class. While working in the laboratory you will work with one or two partners.  Laboratory groups larger than three will not receive credit (unless assigned by the instructor). Your partners, and you, can form an excellent study group for the laboratory notebook, quizzes, and hour examinations. Groups that have done this, in past semesters, have always led the class in positive attitude and grades.

 

       Quizzes and examinations will be used to help determine your grade. Each topic, in the textbook, has a quiz.  Answers for these quizzes are in your textbook. The quizzes, in the textbook, will help you practice and prepare for the quiz given in class. The class quiz will have the same number of questions and the same emphasis as the one in the textbook. The results of the class quiz will be posted shortly after the class period is completed. The quiz booklet will not be returned, but is available for your review for approximately one week after the scheduled quiz. You may review these booklets by going to the stockroom window and requesting the quiz by number, i.e. 021.  The questions are not to be copied in any fashion but reviewed in order to help you prepare for the examination. The examinations are composed of questions taken directly from the quizzes and will test all objectives.

 

       Scantron sheets are used whenever you turn in any material to be graded.  To code information on the Scantron sheet, write the appropriate number in the box and code in the corresponding number. If you make an error while coding your Scantron erase any unwanted mark, making sure to erase completely as any remaining mark could be considered part of the answer. After completing your Scantron sheet, verify that you have coded in all information correctly.  Please realize that any coding errors are your responsibility. Do not expect incorrectly coded Scantron sheets to be processed by your instructor.  Note scatrons are to be purchased from the bookstore.  Verify with your instructor the scantron sheet used in the course.

 

       Laboratory is an important part of this course. The Laboratory consists of "hands on" activities that are done in the classroom and recorded laboratory notebook. Laboratory equipment is obtained by filling out an equipment request slip and giving it to the laboratory assistant.  It is important that the equipment you obtain is checked against the materials list in your book. Any variation should be brought to the attention of the laboratory assistant. One person in your group must take the responsibility for obtaining the laboratory equipment. That person will be held responsible for any missing or broken equipment. Please note that one of the learning outcomes of this course is to provide the opportunity to work with laboratory equipment, this certainly includes its care and maintenance. Make sure all equipment is returned clean, dry and returned as neatly as possible.

 

       Laboratory certification of your work is a requirement of this course.  While working on a laboratory activity it is your responsibility to have the instructor initial your activity sheet.  The initials certify that you were present, in the laboratory, working on the laboratory activity. Without certification you will not be eligible to earn full credit for the activity. Your instructor will only certify current material assigned for that class period. Please do not ask your instructor to certify previous materials. Place the completed activities in a folder for safe keeping. This will be turned in to your instructor with each topic report.  Please read the section titled "Laboratory Topic Report " beginning on page 5 it will help you to attain the highest grade for laboratory work. Please note certifications are part of the laboratory topic report score and you must be present for the class period and complete the required assignment to receive a certification, as stated above.

 

       Use of Computers in the course is necessary, since it is a requirement that the topic reports you will be writing must be typed.  The final data sheets that are part of the topic report and are found on the website these data sheets are a Microsoft Word document.  There are at least three ways you would have access to a computer, 1) the college computer lab, 2) the classroom, and 3) your home, work etc..  The computers in classroom are usually available about thirty minutes before and after your class period provided your instructor is present.  The lab aide cannot unlock computers when the instructor is not present.  Do not ask the lab aide to do so it is against departmental policy.

Computers are for class work only. For example obtaining data sheets or application for your topic report.  Activity on computers is recorded. Downloading material not for the class prohibited.  Activity logs will be checked for inappropriate activity. Violators will be subject to being dropped from the course and assigned the letter grade of E

 

 

 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

       Unacceptable behavior will result in your being dropped from the course and assigned the letter grade of E. This behavior includes the following:

 

       Cheating            1. Copying laboratory work.

                                    2. Copying during quizzes and exams.

                                    3. Talking during tests may be interpreted as cheating.

                                    4. Providing test answers to students.

                                    5. Submitting work of others as your own

 

       Behavior:          Individual behavior that interferes with the attainment of the stated course goals, (I.E talking or working on the computer while instructor is talking.  This is considered disruptive to the class.).

                          Turn off cell phone and pagers, as they can be disruptive to  the class.

 

ABSENCE

Student absence:

·  Quizzes: Cannot be made up if you are absent or late.  The lowest quiz score will be dropped.

·  Laboratory activities may be done only on the dates indicated in the syllabus. Any missing laboratory work will affect your final laboratory grade.  The lowest laboratory score will be dropped.

·  Examinations: Make-ups allowed only for excused absences (must provide appropriate documentation).

·  All make-up examinations must be completed within two class periods.

·  If you miss your scheduled class period you may attend any section, providing there is space, which is scheduled for the quiz or laboratory you missed.

 

Note:   · An excused absence is one that can be documented. These would include such things as a medical problem, death in the family, a, possible emergencies. The documentation date must match the date the class was missed.

     · Your instructor reserves the right to allow make-up of any absence if warranted.  To leave a phone message the number is 445-7113, also please leave your name and section.

 

Instructor absence/Snow day: Always be prepared for the assigned topics as indicated on the syllabus. The laboratory work, assigned for the day of the absence, will be modified. Information from this topic will still be included on the examination. Any quiz scheduled for the day of the absence will be taken at the next class meeting. 

 

 

 

GRADES

     The final grade:

1. Laboratory (3pt/lab, best 11 of 12)   33%

2. Quizzes (3pt/quiz, best 11 of 12)     33%

3. Examination  (1)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   11%

4. Examination  (2)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   11%

5. Examination  (3)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   11%

6. First week exercise                          1%

                                          Total    100%

     8.  Extra credit (maximum of)         4 %

 

Calculation of your final grade

           0.33 x Laboratory               =_________

           0.33 x Quiz  average           =_________

           0.11 x Exam I                    =_________

           0.11 x Exam II                   =_________

           0.11 x Exam II                   =_________

           0.01x First week exercise    =_________

           Final Average %              =__________

           ADD Extra Credit               =__________

     COURSE PERCENT   =       __________

 

All work is to be turned in on time. Late work will not be accepted.

Course Grading Scale:  For active students completing the course

 

(93-100)…A   (90- 92).…A

 

(87-89)…B+

(83-86)…B (80-82)…B- (77-79)…C+ (70-76)…C   (68-69)…C-   (66-67)…D+ (63-65)…D (60-62)…D-

(0-59)…E

 

 

 

EXTRA CREDIT

Note:  Any extra credit must be completed and submitted before the last week of the semester.  Extra credit must be typed and meet the requirements given below to be eligible to earn full credit.

 

A maximum of 2% can be earned per visit to one of the following museums:

• Local Science Center: Cranbrook, Detroit Science Center, Impression Five, Hands-On-Science Center
• Regional Science Center: Chicago Museum Of Science and Industry, Ontario Science Center
• National Science Center: The Smithsonian

And writing a two-page (hand written) report describing what you learned and what you found interesting. Be sure to include a receipt, ticket stub, or other proof of attendance with your report. Before going to a museum obtain a Science Institute survey form. This will help with organizing the report.

 

A maximum of 2% can be earned by writing a four-page (hand written) report based upon relevant articles found in such magazines as Discover, Scientific American, Popular Science, American Scientist etc. Obtain instructors approval of an article’s relevancy before beginning writing.

 

 

LABORATORY TOPIC REPORT

       During this course you will prepare a topic report for each of the twelve topics covered.  The following describes what a topic report comprises and the format it is presented in.  The purpose of the topic report is to present laboratory results and experiences in a neat, understandable fashion that will clearly communicate your progress. The length of the of the report will depend upon your ability to communicate.

 1.   Complete the laboratory work, on the day it is assigned, or as soon as possible. This will prevent a heavy workload and it will also help you for the quiz.

 2.   Typing of entire report is required. You will be able to type the topic report on the classroom computers during posted times or on any computer of your choice.  Note: Typing during lecture is not allowed. Computers will not be open during this time, unless required by instructor.

3.      While working on the laboratory work, record your findings lightly in pencil in the datasheet in the text. . When you have finished, review your work, make any corrections and finalize your work by entering data into to the electronic datasheet found on the website.

4.      The topic report must include the names of the lab partners, their student number and section number.

5.      Use color for graphs and highlighting concepts and ideas.

6.      A topic report is comprised of five sections:

1.       Purpose

2.       Application

3.       Data sheets

4.       Analysis/ Outcomes

5.       Relevancy

Note: All labs will contain a purpose and data pages. The other parts will be assigned on a per topic basis (see page 8 for which topics the other parts are assigned).

 

Topic report point distribution

·        Laboratory certifications are 10-15% of topic report score (a minumin2 per topic).

·         Purpose 10pts (required for all topics) section is written before coming to the laboratory and will help you prepare for the laboratory investigation. It is a summary in your own words, of the main concepts (objectives) for the topic, demonstrations and/or films presented during topic introduction and laboratory procedure (found in text book) that you will use to investigate this topic. (Minimum of three paragraphs)

·         Application 5pts (as assigned) is based upon an activity that is presented pertaining to the topic. You will be asked to summarize the activity and develop an analysis, which links or shows connection to the topic. Applications are assigned on per topic basis.  The activity can be found in the seminar part of the topic at http://Sciencescene.com

·         DATA 20 pts (required for all topics):  See item 3 above. (Note both copies must be turned in).

·         Analysis/Outcomes 10pts (as assigned):

a.       Discuss, summarize and analyze the results of the laboratory data Be sure and specifically address the questions presented in the laboratory. This will require at least a paragraph for each part of lab (i.e. 3 parts, 3 paragraphs). Be sure to include the data that will support your analysis.

b.      Discuss what was learned (or should have been learned) from the entire topic.

c.       Final Thoughts draws together your thoughts and feelings on the work of this topic.

·         Relevancy 5pts (as assigned) :Identify two concepts presented in this topic and relate them to your life.

 

Note:

• Finished Purpose (and application, when assigned) is due at the beginning of the lab period for that topic.
• The remaining part of the topic report is due at the beginning of next class after lab day. Be sure to include original data sheet with certifications in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score for the topic report.  This should be placed at the end of your report.
• Topic report must be typed and presented in the format provided in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score.  Each part of the topic report not typed and/or in the format provided the points for that part would be reduced by at least 25%.
• Participation and attendance is required for the lab in order to be eligible to earn credit for laboratory work
• All work is to be turned in on time. Late work will not be accepted.

 

 

Topic Report Format Example

(Electronic version/template found on website)

The purpose and application portion of the topic report are due at the start of the lab period.

 

 

· 01·

MEASUREMENT

 

	Report Name (ie. 019901)
Lab partner 1 name			01
Lab partner 2 name
Lab partner 3 name

                                                Name                                                                                                   Section #         Student #       Topic #

Be sure to highlight/bold your name on your paper.

 

Purpose 10pts:(required for all topics)

A purpose contains an introduction paragraph and the following three sections:

 

Objectives: A summary in your own words, of the main concepts/objectives for the topic.  This will include what is presented in the text and the topic introduction (lecture) along with any formulas that are presented.  Start a new paragraph/bullet point for each objective presented.

Demonstrations: Summarize demonstrations and/or films presented during the introduction of the topic and relate each demonstration to the corresponding objective(s).  Depending on writing style this will be at least a paragraph.

Summary of laboratory procedure: Summarize in your own words, the laboratory procedure (found in textbook) you will use in the lab to investigate the topic and relate each part to the corresponding objective(s). Start a new paragraph for each part (i.e. 3 parts, 3 paragraphs).

 

Note: A rough draft of the purpose must be prepared and presented at the start of topic.  You will earn a laboratory certification for attending the class and presenting the rough draft purpose. This will be the first of at least two certification that can be earned for a topic.

 

Application 5pts: (as assigned)

 

Based upon an activity that is presented pertaining to the topic. You will be asked to summarize the activity and develop an analysis, which links or shows connection to the topic.  The activity can be found in seminar the part of the topic at http://Sciencescene.com

 

Note:

• Finished Purpose (and application, when assigned) is due at the beginning of the lab period for that topic.
• The remaining part of the topic report is due at the beginning of next class after lab day. Be sure to include original data sheet with certifications in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score for the topic report.  This should be placed at the end of your report.
• Topic report must be typed and presented in the format provided in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score.  Each part of the topic report not typed and/or in the format provided the points for that part would be reduced by at least 25%.
• Participation and attendance is required for the lab in order to be eligible to earn credit for laboratory work
• All work is to be turned in on time. Late work will not be accepted.

 

Topic Report Format continued.

(Electronic version/template found on website)

 

The data portion and other assigned parts (see below) of the report are due at the start of the next class period after lab day.

Be sure to include original data sheet with certifications in order to earn highest possible score for the topic report.  Original data sheet with certifications should be placed at the end of your report.

 

· 01·

MEASUREMENT

 

	Report Name (ie. 019901)
Lab partner 1 name			01
Lab partner 2 name
Lab partner 3 name

                                                Name                                                                                                   Section #         Student #       Topic #

Be sure to highlight/bold your name on your paper.

 

Data 20pts (required for all topics)

  Part A - Length

Section 1 - Linear Measurement

Object	Kilometer	Meters	Centimeters	Millimeters
10 inch line
Notebook paper width
Penny thickness
Credit Card Width

 

 

Analysis/Outcomes 10 pts (as assigned)

a.     Discuss and summarize/analyze the results of the laboratory data and specifically address the questions presented in the laboratory. This will require at least a paragraph for each part of lab (i.e. 3 parts, 3 paragraphs).  ). Be sure to include the data that will support your analysis.

b.     Discuss what was learned (or should have been learned) from the entire topic.

c.      Final Thoughts draws together your thoughts and feelings on the work of this topic.

 

Relevancy 5pts (as assigned)

Identify two concepts (objectives) presented in this topic and relate them to your life(two separate paragraphs)

Concept 1: State concept, then relate to your life

Concept 2: State 2^nd concept, then relate to your life

 

 

Assigned Analysis/Outcomes, Application and Relevancy

 

 

 

 

Instructor reserves right to make modifications.

 

 

 

Note:

• Finished Purpose (and application, when assigned) is due at the beginning of the lab period for that topic.
• The remaining part of the topic report is due at the beginning of next class after lab day. Be sure to include original data sheet with certifications in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score for the topic report.  This should be placed at the end of your report.
• Topic report must be typed and presented in the format provided in order to be eligible to earn the highest possible score.  Each part of the topic report not typed and/or in the format provided the points for that part would be reduced by at least 25%.
• Participation and attendance is required for the lab in order to be eligible to earn credit for laboratory work
• All work is to be turned in on time. Late work will not be accepted.

 

 

 

 

PHSA 1050

Syllabus and Schedule Fall 2005

 

¨ EYE PROTECTION IS REQUIRED!               · Quiz on completed (previous) topic