1. 1
Timberlane Regional High School
Course Syllabus 2014-2015
Course title & level: ACC Physical Science (Blocked) – course #705
Instructor: Stefanie Barkanic
E-Mail: stefanie.barkanic@timberlane.net
Phone #: 603-382-6541 x 3825
Course Description:
Physical Science –ACC provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts of physics and
chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for other science courses. Students are expected to work independently
on rigorous problem-solving challenges that apply physical science concepts.
Course Competencies:
1. Understand and apply concepts of the scientific method, introductory mathematical modeling, the use of
scientific equipment, and scientific reporting in solving basic physics and chemistry problems.
2. Model, apply concepts, and solve problems related to the motion of objects and underlying forces.
3. Demonstrate, apply concepts, and solve problems related to the properties of light and sound waves.
4. Show the relationships between electricity and magnetism, apply those concepts and describe their roles in
technology.
5. Make use of thermodynamic principles to show how matter and energy change within a system.
6. Show how the evolution of the atomic model explains the structure of the periodic table, the nature of atoms
and make use of the periodic table to examine properties of elements.
7. Demonstrate their understanding of nuclear radiation, atomic energy, and the evolution of the universe.
8. Illustrate, apply concepts, and solve problems related to molecular bonding and chemical reactions.
9. Describe, apply concepts, and solve problems related to acids, bases, and carbon-based chemistry.
Textbook(s):
McLaughlin, C. W., Thompson, M., & Zike, D. (2012). Glencoe physical science. Columbus, OH: McGraw-
Hill.
Required Course Materials:
Student should have standard materials such as a notebook, pencil or pen, and a basic calculator available for
each class.
2-Liter soda bottles and duct tape are needed! They are used for several different activities and can be hard to
come by in large quantities. Students are requested to bring in as many as possible! Students should also have
one roll of duct tape. Several activities through the semester are construction-related projects where duct tape is
necessary – bottle rocket building requires its use, as glue will not stick to the smooth plastic of a bottle.

2. Grading Procedures / Rationale:
Assignments will fall into one of several categories that will be worth a percentage of the final average.
2
1st & 3rd quarter 2nd & 4th Quarter
Homework 10 % 9 %
Labs / Projects 35 % 31.5 %
Tests / Quizzes 40 % 36%
Classwork 15 % 13.5 %
Final Exam (2nd & 4th quarter only) 10 %
Homework will be included in the average and will be 10% of the quarter average.
In the 2nd and 4th quarter, where the final exam must be 10% of the quarter grade, all values are reduced
proportionally, keeping homework at the same relative percentage as the 1st and 3rd quarters.
Students are encouraged to use the re-learning plan (RLP) to have another chance at scoring better on
summative assignments. The complete RLP can be seen on page 4.
Grades will be listed in PowerGrade on a bi-weekly basis.
Please be advised that all policies and procedures pertaining to student behavior and discipline as
described in the student handbook will be enforced. Please make sure you read and familiarize yourself
with the handbook and abide by those expectations of behavior.
More information about Miss Barkanic’s class can be found on her Timberlane G-apps Google Blogger,
“Miss Barkanic’s ACC Physical Science” URL: http://barkanicaccphysci.blogspot.com/
The following is a list of the general topics to be covered, a general course outline, or a specific weekly
schedule:
Competency 1: Units and the Scientific method – General topics:
The scientific method, hypothesis, constants, independent & dependent variables, proper experiment design,
laws & theories, scientific bias, ethics, treatment of data, graphing skills, the metric system / SI plus its prefixes
and scaling of numbers, lab safety, proper measurement methods of volume, mass, length/d istance, and density.
Competency 2: Motion and mechanics – General topics:
Newton’s three laws of motion, inertia, acceleration, momentum, the mechanics of car crashes and collisions,
air resistance, gravity, speed, velocity, and projectile motion.
Competency 3: Sound, Light, and Waves – General topics:
Transverse & compression waves and their parts, the wave formula, wave speed in a medium, acoustical
resonance, loudness & intensity, pitch & frequency, the speed of light & sound, Doppler Effect, wave
interference, red/blue shift, the electromagnetic spectrum, wave/particle duality, photons, opaque, transparence
& translucence, mammalian eye structure & function, lenses, mirrors, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and
color systems.

3. Competency 4: Electricity and Magnetism – General topics
Static, alternating current, direct current, conductors, insulators, volts, amps, watts, resistance, circuit breakers
& fuses, transformers & power generation/delivery, Ohms Law, power equation, kilowatt-hour usage,
electromagnetism, generators & electric motors, series & parallel circuits.
Competency 5: Thermodynamics and Energy – General topics:
Heat, thermal energy, temperature, the three laws of thermodynamics & thermodynamic flow of energy, thermal
expansion, states of matter, calories, Calories & kilocalories, and absolute zero.
Competency 6: Atomic Theory and the Periodic Table – General topics:
The atom, its models & history, protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks, the periodic table, its structure and uses,
periodic groups/families & periods, elemental properties, atomic number, atomic weight/mass, isotopes, ions,
metals/nonmetals/metalloids, valence, Lewis-dot structures, and spectroscopy.
Competency 7: Radiation and Nuclear Science – General topics:
Fundamental forces (strong, weak, gravitational, electromagnetic), radioactivity & three types of radiation
(alpha, beta, gamma), half-life, nuclear power generation, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, stars – including the
sun – their birth, death & energy processes, E=MC2, and the big bang theory.
Competency 8: Chemical bonding – General topics:
Ionic & covalent bonding, exothermic & endothermic reactions, types of chemical reactions (synthesis,
decomposition, single/double replacement), conservation of mass, reaction control including catalysis, agitation,
temperature & grinding, physical & chemical properties/changes, balancing equations, ionic compounds,
molecules, oxidation numbers,
Competency 9: Acids/Bases and Organic Chemistry – General topics:
Acidic/neutral/basic substances and their properties, pH, neutralization, roles of acids/bases, roles of carbon
based chemicals, hydrocarbons & carbohydrates, and nanotechnology.
The equipment used to teach these units is shared by many teachers. Good weather is necessary to conduct
certain activities, particularly in the motion unit. Due to these two facts, the order in which these are taught is
subject to change.
Given that, the competency order is most likely to be as follows:
For Semester 1 (September through January): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 7, 9
For semester 2 (January through June): 1, 5, 6, 8 , 7, 9, 3, 4, 2
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4. 4
Freshman Academy Re-learning Procedure
Students will be given the opportunity for 1 retake on any summative assessment,
which is NOT a mid-term or final exam, provided they complete the process for eligibility
before the reassessment date:
 Students must have completed all formative assessments that are directly
correlated with the summative assessment.
 Evidence of relearning of the competencies must be demonstrated by completing
no less than 3 (and not more than 5) activities from the list as part of a Re-
Learning Plan (RLP)* see below.
 Steps must be completed within a reasonable timeline as determined by the
teacher.
Additionally:
- Only the portion of the assessment applying to the competency that the student
did not demonstrate proficiency in may be retaken. Proficiency is 80% or above.
*NOTE: This is not 80% on the total assessment rather only on the section
assessing any particular competency.
- The higher of the two grades will be calculated in the assessment grade.
- The teacher may ask to have the original assessment signed by a parent or
guardian.
*RLP – The options on this list are at the discretion of the teacher. The list may be
added to and subtracted from to meet the needs of the students and teachers.
1) Test Corrections
2) A list of review questions with answers using Bloom’s skills
3) Creating a study guide
4) Student made instructional video
5) Re-teaching the material to another student or the teacher
6) An “All About….” Book
7) Other competency-based, re-learning activities as provided by the teacher
**Please forward a copy of the completed contract to either Mary Widman or
Scott Strainge
Please direct any questions to:
Mary Widman, Assistant Principal of Academics Mary.widman@timberlane.net or
(603)382-6541 ext. 3903
Scott Strainge, Director of High School Alternative/Continuing Education and Enrichment
Scott.strainge@timberlane.net or (603)382-6541 ext. 3907