Course syllabus for States of Matter 101.

1. States of Matter 101
Course Syllabus
Fall 2013

2. Instructor Information
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Instructor: Katherine A. Hill
Email: kh03349@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: (229) 881-5899
Office Hours:
3:15-4:00 (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)
4:00-4:30 (Tuesday/Thursday)

3. Course Description
Matter, Matter Everywhere! is an online course
designed as an introduction to the three states
of matter. In this course, learners will
investigate the three states of matter through
a variety of online learning experiences.
Learners will use the information gained
throughout the course to create a States of
Matter presentation using Prezi. The intended
audience for this online course is second grade
students. This course is completely online and is
accessible through PBworks and KidBlog.

4. Georgia Performance
Standard
S2P1. Students will investigate the
properties of matter and changes
that occur in objects.
a. Identify the three common
states of matter as solid, liquid,
or gas.

5. Course Goals
By the end of this module, students will
be able to:
~Use correct vocabulary when defining
and explaining properties of the three
states of matter.
~Determine whether an object is a
solid, liquid, or gas.

6. Course Objectives
After completing the tasks in this module,
students will:
~Define solids, liquids, and gases.
~Describe the properties of a solid, liquid, and
gas.
~Classify pictures of matter as a solid, liquid,
or gas.
~Create a States of Matter presentation
following a rubric (see Module 3) that will
demonstrate their understanding of the 2nd
grade standard S2P1. (a).

7. Prerequisites
~Students will need to know how to write a complete sentence.
~Students will need to know how to read and follow a given set of
directions. Directions will be provided in audio format for students
who are not able to read on a 2nd grade reading level.
~Students will need to be able to classify pictures of objects into
groups that are alike.
~It will be understood that adult supervision is a prerequisite for this
online course due to each student’s age and the fact that they are
having to access websites and search for pictures on the internet.
~Students will need to create a Prezi account, if they do not already
have one, prior to taking this online course. Directions on how to
create a Prezi will be included on the course website for students
who need additional help.
~Students will need to post and reply to discussions using KidBlog.
Directions on how to access and navigate throughout KidBlog will be
included on the course website for students who need additional help.

8. Course Activities
Module 1 (Week 1):
~Listen to the Getting Started Video.
~Read through the Syllabus.
~Listen to the podcast that provides overview of the content in
this course.
~Follow instructions for completing the communication activity.
~Complete Syllabus Quiz.
Module 2 (Week 2):
~Read the States of Matter article.
~Watch the Study Jams video and complete Test Yourself quiz
after watching the video.
~Watch the States of Matter BrainPOP Jr. video and complete Easy
and Hard Quiz.
~Complete online picture sort.
~Follow instructions for completing the communication activity.
~Take online States of Matter Quiz.
Module 3 (Week 3):
~Create a States of Matter presentation using Prezi. Please
follow the instructions and rubric listed under Course Activities.

9. Course Project
A States of Matter presentation will be created using Prezi. Students
should follow the instructions below. The rubric used to grade this
presentation is provided on the next slide.
Instructions for completing the States of Matter presentation:
~Open Prezi and start a new presentation.
~Frames should include the following (Students will only be allowed
to use images within Prezi for this presentation).
~Title of presentation and student’s first and last name
~Information about Solids - definition, and properties of solids,
at least 3 images that represent a solid.
~Information about Liquids - definition, and properties of
liquids, at least 3 images that represent a liquid.
~Frame(s) that include information about Gases - definition,
and properties of gases, at least 3 images that represent a
gas.
~At least two additional resources not listed in the online
course. These resources may be videos, websites, articles,
etc.
~References.
~Prezi should be saved and include a title and student’s first and
last name. States of Matter presentations will be shared by
posting the presentation URL on KidBlog.

10. States of Matter Presentation Rubric
Category
Attractiveness
3
Makes excellent use of font,
color, graphics, etc. to enhance
the presentation.
(6 points)
2
Makes use of font, color,
graphics, etc. but occasionally
these distract the content of
the presentation.
(4 points)
1
Use of font, color, graphics,
etc. but these often distract
the content of the
presentation.
(2 points)
Content
All components of the project
are included.
(9 points)
Student includes at least 2 out Student includes 1 out of 3 of
of 3 components of the
the components.
project.
(3 points)
(6 points)
Multimedia
Effective use of
images/videos/links to enhance
and support content.
(6 points)
Prezi includes adequate
photos, videos, and/or links to
support content.
(4 points)
Little to no photos, videos,
and/or links are included in
the Prezi.
(2 points)
Spelling & Grammar
No spelling or grammatical
mistakes.
(9 points)
Minor spelling or grammatical
mistakes.
(6 points)
Spelling and grammatical
mistakes hinder clear
communication of ideas.
(3 points)
Originality
Content is original and in the
student’s own words.
(9 points)
Most content is original. All
content is in the student’s own
words.
(6 points)
Content is not original and
not in the student’s own
words.
(3 points)
Organization
The path moves logically from
one idea to the next. Ideas are
grouped in a way that makes
sense.
(6 points)
The path moves in a seemingly
arbitrary way. Ideas are not
grouped or are grouped
arbitrarily.
(4 points)
There is no path and/or
grouping.
(2 points)

11. Grading Information:
Grades are based on a scale of 100 points and are distributed among major assignments as follows:
Assignment
Weekly KidBlog Participation
Syllabus Quiz
States of Matter Quiz
States of Matter
Presentation
End of Course Survey
Percentage Value
20%
5%
25%
45%
5%
Weekly KidBlog Participation:
Participation in discussions must be completed within the week assigned. Our primary means of
interaction this semester will be through discussions using KidBlog. This will count for 20% of your
final grade.
Syllabus Quiz:
Students will take the Syllabus Quiz at the end of Module 1. This will account for 5% of your final
grade.
States of Matter Quiz:
Students will take the States of Matter Quiz at the end of Module 2. This will account for 25% of
your final grade.
States of Matter Presentation:
Students will complete the States of Matter presentation during Module 3. This performance
requirement is fully described under the Course Assignments section of this syllabus.

12. Expectation for Use of Technology:
~Watch the following video to learn about Netiquette http://www.netsmartzkids.org/LearnWithClicky/BadNetiquetteStinks
~Guidelines for Course Discussions:
~Each discussion post should be thoughtful and demonstrate an understanding
of the topic.
~Be nice classmates.
~Refrain from inappropriate language and personal attacks.
~Avoid using slang.
~Access to Tools:
Computer/laptop with internet access and internal/external speakers
~Cyber Safety:
Watch the following video to learn how to be safe online http://www.netsmartzkids.org/LearnWithClicky/BeSaferOnline
~Parent Guidelines:
Please review the details included in this syllabus with child so that you will both be
familiar with the expectations and policies incorporated in this online course. Please
feel free to assist your child in completing the assignments. However, completing
assignments for your child is more harmful than good. Any assignments that are
completed by anyone other than the student in this class will receive NO CREDIT.