Albemarle High School 2014/2015 Math, Engineering, and Science Academy 9th Grade Integrated Math and Science Program Course Title Course Number Credits Instructor Email Phone Website Science Honors Physics MESA 4202 9th grade: 1 credit – Physics 10th grade: 2 credits – Chemistry & Earth Science Kirsten Fuoti [email protected] (434)975‐9300 x60625 Fuoti's Online Classroom Math Honors Algebra II MESA 3166 9th grade: 1 credit – Algebra II 10th grade: 2 credits – Trigonometry & Math Analysis Bill Daly [email protected] (434)975‐9300 x60242 Daly's Math Page Purpose, Goals, and Philosophy The curriculum has been designed to enable the student to develop critical and abstract thinking skills using the fundamentals of math and science to solve a variety of problems. Over a two year period, students will complete three levels of science (Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science) and three levels of math (Algebra, Trigonometry and Math Analysis) in an integrated course that focuses on content and projects that overlap the disciplines and create a richer understanding of the disciplines. The math concepts and skills will be integrated closely with the science units, which will enhance student’s problem solving skills and enable students to analyze higher level real world problems. We will also focus on collaboration, synthesis, and presentation skills over the next two years to prepare students to excel in 21st Century skills. After completion of this course the student will be prepared for the rigors of AP Calculus, AP Physics and AP Chemistry, and other higher level math, science, and engineering classes. Course Verification The student will take the Virginia SOL test for Algebra II at the end of the first year of the program, and the Chemistry and Earth Science SOL tests at the end of second year of the program. For GPA purposes all course credits are weighted at the honors level. Grading For specific grading information see the individual teachers’ documents on the MESA website. Supplies  Every MESA student will receive a laptop. Students will be required to sign a policy agreement for computer and internet usage form before they are issued a computer.  Students are required to have a graphing calculator. If a student is thinking about buying a graphing calculator, we recommend a TI83,TI83 plus, TI84 plus, or TI84 Plus silver edition. Classroom calculators will also be available. Communication The best way to communicate with us is through email. Typically responses will be within 2 business days. We will contact parents directly when a child is in danger of failing or struggling. A MESA Newsletter will be emailed monthly with updates on the school year and student opportunities. The MESA website is also a good resource. Class Communications The instructors will update an online class log on Googledocs which includes assignments, summary of the daily lessons, announcements, and dates for upcoming tests/quizzes. A link to the class log can also be found on the MESA website. Digital Resources Students will use Google Apps daily to communicate, access lessons and assignments, take assessments, and turn in work. Geogebra will be used frequently for Math, and LoggerPro and Excel will be used for Physics labs and assignments. Various simulators will also be used for activities and explorations. Teachers may also assign online reading or help videos to prepare for class. Students will already have or can download all necessary software on their school laptops. Classroom policies and expectations As maturing individuals you will understand that your actions and behavior do and will have consequences. As young adults and as high school students certain behaviors and attitudes are expected. You are expected to be in class at your desk on time. You are expected to maintain your own school supplies, paper, and writing instruments. You are expected to be respectful to your classmates and instructor. You are expected to use appropriate language. You are expected to work safely so that you and your classmates are not injured. You are expected to clean up after yourself. You are expected to be an advocate for yourself in your education. You are expected to conduct your business before and after class and not during class. It is expected that you have a desire to learn. Any consistent deviations from expectations will be addressed. Usually this will consist of a warning, a call home and as a last resort referral to the administration. Absent and tardy policies are discussed in your AHS handbook, and you should make it a point to familiarize yourself with these as well as many of the other policies that will affect you this coming year. Community Students are expected to be contributing members of the MESA community. We often ask that students get involved in outreach opportunities, social activities, MESA cleanup and improvement, and academic service. A point tally for involvement and service is maintained in order to reward students for their efforts. Course Objectives Algebra II Semester 1 Problem Solving, Evaluating Expressions, Functions Relations and Transformations, Describing Data Vectors, Basic Trigonometry Quadratic Functions Systems of Equations and Matrix Operations Polynomial Functions Semester 2 Radical and Rational Functions Exponents, Growth, Decay, Logarithms Patterns and Recursions, Sequences and Series, Rational Functions Series & Sequences, Probability & Statistics Physics Semester 1 Scientific Thinking & Measurement / Dimensional Analysis Motion in 1 Dimension (Algebraic and Graphical Analysis of displacement, velocity, & acceleration) Motion in 2 Dimensions (Vectors & Projectiles) Newton’s Laws (1D & 2D forces, friction, incline planes) Rotational Dynamics (rotational motion, torque, rigid object equilibrium) Semester 2 Energy (conservation laws, work) Momentum (conservation laws, impulse) Circular Motion (vertical & horizontal loops, gravitation, orbits, Kepler’s Laws) Wave Motion (light, sound) Electrostatics & Circuits The Universe (origins, exploration) The Solid Earth (structure, geology, dynamics, energy) SOLs PH.1 a‐g, PH.2 a‐e, ES.1 a‐e,ES.2 a‐e PH.2 a‐d, PH.5 a
PH.2 a‐e, PH.5 c
PH.5 a‐f
AP Physics 1
PH.5 g, PH.6 a, PH.7 a‐b
PH.6 b
PH.5 a/e/f, PH.10 a‐b
PH.8 a‐c, PH.9 a‐c
PH.11 a‐d
ES.3 a‐d, ES.13 a‐b
PH.3 a‐e, PH.4 a-b, ES.4 a‐
b, ES.5 a‐c, ES.6 a‐d, ES.7 a‐b, ES.8 a‐f, ES.9 a‐d, ES.10 a‐e