SCI 3140 – Physical Science III
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

SCI 3140 (CRN 87228)
Physical Science III

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Course Description:

SCI 3140 is a teacher preparatory course in physical science. It is a continuation of the Physical Science Sequence: SCI 3110, SCI 3120, SCI 3140.  The course will deal with the Earth science and astronomy concepts needed for teaching Middle Grades. It will also provide some of the science content that should be mastered for teacher certification examinations.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D of the Core Curriculum and completion of SCI 3110 and SCI 3120 or equivalent.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/?nav=notebook_policy .

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Notebook computers will be used occasionally in class in connection with a presentation required of each student. Computers will be used extensively for communication and research.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Course Objectives:

Student Learning Objectives:

General Education Outcomes:

Teacher Education Outcomes   

The content of this course syllabus correlates to education standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/ professional education associations.  Please refer to the course correlation matrices located at the following web site:

http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htm          

Standards for Middle Level Teacher Education associated with science courses are provided by the State of Georgia, and the National Science Teachers Association.  These standards and their implementation in the science courses taken at Clayton  State University by Middle Grades Teacher Education students are located at the following website:

http://a-s.clayton.edu/campbell/TeacherEducation/MiddleLevelTeacherEducationStandards.htm  

Term:

 Fall Semester 2009

Instructor Information:

Instructor:

Mr. Harold Banke
phone: (678) 466-4771
e-mail: HaroldBanke@mail.clayton.edu
internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/banke/banke.htm

Office:

Administration Building 23 A

Office Hours:

Monday and Wednesday: 12:30 -1:00 pm; 3:00 - 3:30 pm

Tuesday : 2:45 - 3:30 pm; Thursday: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

F: 2:00 - 3:15 pm

Other times by appointment

Class Meetings:

Classroom:

Arts & Sciences, G229

Class Times:

           MWF: 1:00-1:50 pm

Text Information:

Text:

Lutgens and Tarbuck, Foundations of Earth Science, 5th ed., 2008

Text Coverage:

            Chapters 1-16

Out of class assignments:

Evaluation:

Mid-term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course will be issued between September 22 and October 6.  This grade reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on October 9.

Grading:

These grade definitions are University policy and will be strictly adhered to.  Exception: a student who does not miss any scheduled quizzes or exams will receive 1 extra point on his/her final average.

Course Schedule:

A tentative course schedule for SCI 3140 is available from this link:

Course Schedule

Class Policies:

General Policy 
 Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy 
Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. 

Missed Work 
 Without excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided:

·     Make-up quizzes will be given only if they are taken before the next class period.  If the make-up quiz cannot be taken before the next class period, the final exam grade will be substituted for the missed quiz grade, if a valid excuse is provided before the next class.  The student will be responsible for arranging make-ups and for presenting excuses. 
 

·     Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before the next class period.  In the event that a make-up examination cannot be taken before the next class period, the final exam grade will be substituted for the missed exam grade, if a valid excuse is provided before the next class.  The student will be responsible for arranging make-ups and for presenting excuses.
 

·     The final examination must be taken.

 
Academic Dishonesty 
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.  
 

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.  
 
A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

 
Other Policies 
Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

The use of simple calculators is allowed for all quizzes and examinations. All examinations are closed book. No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent alarm before class begins.

Important dates:

Exams: refer to course schedule

Final examination: TBA

Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, October 9, 2009

Last update: August 05, 2009