FAQ for Physical Science 4 at Pierce College

Q:What is Physical Science 4?

A: First of all, Physical Science 4 is an inquiry-based course. This means that there is essentially no traditional lecture component; instead, most class meetings consist of group laboratory and discussion activities. In this class, students learn not by writing down what the professor says, but by collecting experimental evidence and using their own reasoning skills.

The material covered in Physical Science 4 is a overview of basic physics and chemistry, mostly at a conceptual level (the only math used is a small amount of arithmetic). Topics include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, thermodynamics, physical and chemical changes, and the periodic table. Because of the special teaching format, students will also learn a lot about how scientific knowledge is acquired and constructed, both by beginning students and by scientists. This class is aimed at non-science majors.

Q: I notice that the lecture and lab portions of the class are listed separately in the schedule of courses. Is it possible for me to take just the lecture without the lab, or vice versa?

A: No. Regulations require us to divide the class hours into lecture and lab when listing the course in the catalog, but the division really does not mean anything. As noted above, there really is no "lecture" in Physical Science 4; the labs, discussions, and other activities are all parts of an integrated whole.

Q: When does Physical Science 4 meet for Spring 2009?

A: My (Prof. Wessling's) section of Physical Science 4 meets on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:45 to 3:45 pm. There are also four other sections, at the following times:

Prof. Loveridge: MW 9:35 am-12:35 pm
Prof. Yamada: TTh 9:35 am-12:35 pm
Prof. Kocharian: MW 7:00-10:00 pm
Prof. Akopian: TTh 7:00-10:00 pm

Q: When are the last possible dates to add and drop the class for the spring 2009 semester?

A: Last day to add: February 20, 2009

Note that this date is the last day to turn in the official paperwork for adding, for students who have already been attending the class and doing the work. Students who do not attend or contact the professor during the first week of class will not be allowed to add later.

Last day to drop with a refund: February 24, 2009

Last day to drop without a "W" grade: March 8, 2009

Last day to drop with a "W" grade: May 10, 2009

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Q: What are the prerequisites for Physical Science 4?

A: There are no math or science prerequisites. The only math needed in the class will be a small amount of basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). No previous physics or chemistry knowledge is required or assumed.

There is no official English prerequisite either; however, the class will require a good deal of reading and writing. Some students who are learning English as a second language have done very well in this class, but others have struggled severely because of the language barrier. Physical Science 4 is primarily a conceptual class; if you are not able to understand, or write, explanations of fairly complex and subtle concepts, you will not be able to do well in this class. If your English is not fluent, you may be better off taking physical science in a later term after spending additional time improving your language skills.

Q: I tried to preregister for your section of Physical Science 4, but found that the class was full. Is there anything I can do to get in?

A: Possibly. First of all, if someone decides to drop before the semester begins, a space will open up in the class and you will be able to enroll. So keep checking the Pierce registration system on a regular basis if you really want to get in. If you haven't been able to add by the time classes begin, it's worth a shot to show up, on time, to the first class meeting. Sometimes people who have preregistered don't show up, or decide to drop early in the term, so there may be a little room left in the class. Once I see how many students are there, I can decide how many could reasonably be added, and will give out add cards if appropriate. Also, keep in mind that there are many other sections of Physical Science 4, and some may have more room than others.

Q: I preregistered for the class, but I won't be able to attend the first class meeting. Is that okay? What should I do?

A: Missing the first day of class is never a good thing, but I understand that sometimes an important commitment or an emergency can require you to do so. If this happens, the most important thing is to tell me you will be gone and explain your reason, so that your spot in the class will not be given away. I will then let you know what you've missed on the first day and how you can make things up. (Keep in mind that some activities require your presence in class and cannot be made up.) The best way to get in touch with me is by email.

Q: I didn't preregister for the class, and I didn't show up on the first day. Is there any chance I can still add?

A: I'm sorry, but no. There are a limited number of spaces in the class, and it's virtually certain that they will be filled on the first day. If you want a chance at getting in, come to the first class.

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Q: What textbook will be used for Physical Science 4, and where can I get it? What other materials will I need for the class?

A: Our textbook (which is really more of a workbook and lab manual) will be Physical Science and Everyday Thinking, 2nd edition, by Goldberg, Kruse, Robinson, Otero, and Thompson. This book was developed as part of a special educational research project, and is not generally available from commercial bookstores or online sellers. It is available at the Pierce College bookstore, for about $77. It's a very good idea to buy the book early--before classes begin, if possible--because we will start using it for class activities and homework right away.

No other books or materials are required for Physical Science 4. However, you are strongly encouraged to get a large three-ring-binder, in which to keep your completed assignments and handouts for the class. The textbook pages are perforated so that they can easily be removed, and you will be tearing most of them out over the course of the semester.

Q: Is there any way I can save money on the textbook? Is it okay to order it online, or get a used copy?

A: As mentioned above, this textbook is not widely available from online sellers. Also, it is not the type of book that can sensibly be bought or sold used: it is a workbook in which students are expected to write answers to questions on almost every page, and to tear pages out and hand them in. If you do manage to find a copy for sale at a lower price, make absolutely sure that a) it is the correct edition (2nd edition, published 2009, ISBN 978-1-58591-931-4); and b) no one has written on or torn out any of the pages.

The price of our book at the Pierce bookstore is $77.45. Believe it or not, this is actually significantly less than the price of most conventional physical science textbooks, which are likely to cost $100 or more. However, I know that price is still a concern for many students. If you need help paying for your textbooks or other college expenses, talk to the Financial Aid Office (in person in the College Services Building, by phone at (818) 719-6428, or online).

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Q: I really need to do well in Physical Science 4. How can I be sure to get a good grade?

A: I am willing to do whatever I can to help you earn the grade you want, but ultimately the responsibility is yours. Here are a few suggestions:

By far the biggest contribution to your grade in this class comes from exams. But this does not mean you should neglect other aspects of the class. Everything that is assigned or presented--classroom activities, demos, and homework--will help you prepare for the exams. If you keep up with all the class work, relatively little last-minute studying should be necessary.

One of the most important things to do is simply to attend class. There's really no substitute for active, hands-on practice in learning science. If you need to miss a class for some reason, let me know about it as soon as you can. It may be possible to arrange for you to do the activities with another section of the class; if not, at least spend some time going over the results with me or with a classmate.

Homework, like classroom activities, accounts for a relatively small proportion of your grade, but is very important for exam preparation. Physical Science 4 homework is your chance to step back and see if you can apply what you learned during class by using your own reasoning. In this sense, homework is the most direct form of preparation for the exams. The exam questions will be quite similar in format to the homework: they will all be essay-type (no multiple-choice or true/false), requiring you to explain your reasoning and to draw energy and force diagrams like those discussed in the activities.

You may find it helpful to work together with your classmates on the homework; this is very much encouraged. Note that working together is very different from copying! If you can't figure out how answer the homework questions, resist the temptation to copy someone else's work; even if I don't penalize you for cheating, you'll learn little or nothing that way, and will end up doing poorly on the test. (Learning science needs practice, just like sports or music: would you prepare for a game or performance just by watching someone else play, without any practice of your own?) Instead, please ask for help! Come to office hours, stay after class, or email me with questions. You may also want to consult a tutor at the Learning Center.

After each exam, I will print out spreadsheets showing everyone's grade thus far. If you are not happy with your current grade, talk to me to find out what else you can do. The most important thing is to ask for help early in the term. I'm very willing to help you learn as much as possible during the class; I will not be at all willing to change your grade once the final grades have been assigned.

Q: Won't I be bothering you or interrupting your work if I come to office hours?

A: Absolutely not. The entire purpose of office hours is for me to help students. Please come by; I'll be glad to see you!

Q: Do you take effort into account when assigning grades? How can I make it clear that I'm putting in extra effort?

A: Yes, effort is a factor. I grade on a fixed scale rather than a curve (90% and above is always an A, etc.), but if you are close to the borderline and have clearly made an extra effort, I will be generous in assigning your grade (e.g., an 89% could be an A).

How do I know if you're making an extra effort? One good indicator is that you ask me for help when you need it; this shows me that you're really trying to understand the material and are putting some thought into your assignments. Other good things to do: speak up in class discussions, take on an active role in group activities, take extra care in making your written work clear and detailed.

Q: Do you give extra credit?

A: No. I generally don't believe in assigning large amounts of credit for extra projects. If you are struggling, I think your time is better spent in trying to improve your understanding of the core material in the class, rather than doing something outside of the regular curriculum. For suggestions on improving your grade, see above.

Q: Will this be on the test?

A: My answer to this question is always yes. If "this" is anything that has been covered in any way--reading assignments, class activities and discussions, demos, homework--then it is fair game for a test.

Q: Where can I find answers to questions about grading policy? For example:
How much does each type of assignment contribute to my grade in the class?
How many test or assignment scores will be dropped?
Is late work accepted?

A: The answers to all of these can be found in the syllabus.

Q: When will we be doing each particular class activity? When are the homework assignments due? When are the exams?

A: The answers to all of these can be found in the class schedule.

Q: I have a question about Physical Science 4 that was not answered on this page. What can I do?

A: Please email me with other questions, and I will do my best to answer them.

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FAQ for Physical Science 4 at Pierce College

Basic info: what is it?

Registration

The book

Grading, studying, and exams

Other questions