Matter

&
Energy

Mr. Hoover Email: hoover@themetroschool.org

Office hours: Thursday 2:45 4:00 pm

Cell: (210) 328-0352

What is Matter & Energy?

The purpose of this course is to provide incoming first year students with the
opportunity to learn and develop the skills they will utilize in current and future
science courses. Foundational work for this course is most prominent within the
physical sciences, focusing on basic chemistry and physics content, through the use
of hands-on labs and inquiry-based activities and assignments. .

What Materials do I Need to Bring with me to Class?

3-ring binder (1)
Dividers (~ 8-10 tabs)
Notebook paper (loose leaf)
#2 pencils and black/blue pens

Earbuds

What can I find Important Course Information?

BlueQuill URL: https://www.bqlearn.com/metro
PowerSchool: https://ps.themetroschool.org

All class documents will be kept on BlueQuill; all grades will be kept on
PowerSchool.
What are We Studying?
Below is an overview of the core content, based on the Ohio Department of
Educations standards for Physical Science. After the introductory unit, 3
units each will be devoted to Physics and Chemistry. A more detailed outline
will be provided for each unit.
Unit

1: Science Fundamentals
The Nature of Science
Measurement
Types of Graphs

Unit 2: Physics Kinematics

Vectors in One Dimension
Distance and Displacement

Unit 3: Physics Newtons Laws

Force Diagrams

Unit 4: Physics - Energy

Types of Energy
Conservation of Mechanical
Energy
Potential Energy

Unit Conversions
Significant Figures &
Scientific Notation

Speed and Velocity

Acceleration
Motion Graphs

Types of forces (contact vs

field)
Newtons Laws of Motion

Kinetic Energy
Work
Thermal Energy

Unit 5: Chemistry Safety and the Periodic Table

Chemistry Lab Safety and
Atomic Mass and Isotopes
Equipment
Ions and Charges
Atomic History
Periodic Table
Anatomy of an Atom
Unit 6: Chemistry Chemical Bonding
Ionic Bonds
Naming Bonds
Covalent Bonds

Unit 7: Density & States of Matter

Density
Types of Matter/Phase
Changes

Thermal Energy
Classification of Mixtures

How do I earn Mastery in this class?

Each unit will have a test, a project, lab(s), quiz(zes) and homeworks.
Homework completion will be recorded, though these grades will not count
towards mastery. For labs, quizzes and projects, if mastery is not achieved
the first time, you will have to correct and resubmit your work. At my
discretion, I may ask you to come in and work during office hours. For
unmastered unit tests, you will also need to submit corrections and possibly
come in during office hours. In addition, for each unit you do not achieve
mastery, you will be retested at a later date until mastery is achieved.
All students are required to attain mastery on the cumulative final.
What do I do if I am absent?
Should you miss school for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out
what you missed and to turn in any work that was due while you were out. If
you are absent on the day of a quiz or exam, you must make an appointment
with me to make it up as soon as possible (during office hours is the best
opportunity so that you do not miss out on any future work). I highly
recommend checking BlueQuill daily, especially if you are absent from class
for any reason. *Note: An accumulation of unexcused tardies (starting with 3)
will result in an afternoon or lunch detention, Twilight School, or an
alternative consequence. If you enter my classroom once I have started
teaching, you will be considered tardy.
How can I succeed in this class?
You are ultimately responsible for your learning. Take charge of your learning
by making sure you come to class prepared and ready to participate in the
days activities. In addition to the six Metro Habits here is a list of helpful
guidelines: Arrive on time to class be in your seats, quiet, and ready to
learn Bring all necessary materials to class (pen/pencil, homework, binder,
etc.) come prepared! Do assignments / homework neatly and turn them
in on time do your OWN work Be considerate of your peers and treat their
property with respect; the same applies to the school and your classroom
Use your time wisely while you are in class Work collaboratively with your
classmates, especially during group activities Participate in class activities your thoughts and opinions matter! Dont be afraid to ask questions and
make mistakes as new content is introduced. See me outside of class if you
are stumped or struggling. During lab activities, follow all safety guidelines

 Discover, explore, be creative, be

inquisitive, be curious. BE POSITIVE!
HAVE FUN!
Policies & Expectations
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as taking and presenting
as ones own a material portion of the ideas or
words of another or to present as ones own an
idea or work derived from an existing source without full and proper credit to the
source of the ideas, words, or works (Administrative policy regarding student
cheating and plagiarism from Kent State University, June 2007). Give credit where it
is due! As defined, plagiarize includes, but is not limited to: (a) The copying of
words, sentences and paragraphs directly from the work of another without proper
credit; (b) The copying of illustrations, figures, photographs, drawings, models, or
other visual and nonverbal materials, including recordings, of another without
proper credit; and (c) The presentation of work prepared by another in final or draft
form as one's own without citing the source, such as the use of purchased research
papers.
At Metro, we define academic integrity through the demonstration of the Cardinal
Qualities of HONOR, COURAGE, and RESPONSIBILITY. To live above the line in terms
of academic integrity, these three virtues need to be part of our daily behavior. No
credit will be awarded for plagiarized work. Consequences will be at Mr. Hoovers
discretion, though the administrative team may also become involved.
Safety
During the days we are engaged in a lab activity, it is extremely important that
everyone follows the safety procedures given at the beginning of class.
Furthermore, during lab days, food and drink will not be permitted in proximity to
the lab. Anyone who chooses to not abide by the rules of the lab will be asked to
leave. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is able to learn in a safe environment.
Computer Usage
Class Computers are tools that are often utilized while in class; it is up to you to
ensure that you are using your computer responsibly (i.e. avoid social networking
sites, Skype, playing games, etc.). Being able to use your computer while in class is
a privilege. Should you choose to abuse this privilege, Mr. Hoover reserves the right
to perform any of the following actions, including, but not limited to: 1. Prohibit the
use of your computer while in class. 2. Take your computer for the duration of the
day. (If you need your computer for another class, I need signed note from your

teacher.) 3. Confiscate your computer, which will be given to the tech team or an
administrator.
Dress Code
Dress to impress! ALL Metro dress code requirements are in effect the moment you
step into my classroom (and Metro, of course). Should you choose not to follow the
dress code, myself or the administration team will decide the consequences.