Syllabus For Physics

Texts    Physics, Giancoli (1998), Conceptual Physics, Hewitt (2002).         

Materials

• Class:  Binder.  There will be notes and a lot of handouts that you need to keep organized. All handouts will be 3-hole punched.
• Lab:  Composition Book for lab reports, tape or glue sticks (as desired) to attach graphs and other diagrams.
• Science Fair Project (if choosing this option): Separate binder, folder, or composition book.

Overview

   Physics is the result of the efforts of humankind to explain our world and our universe. We will study physical phenomenon of motion and forces, work, power and energy, sound and light, electricity and magnetism. This class is an honors course; expect appropriate pacing and assignments and commit to getting the most out of this experience. (Physics also includes other topics such as nuclear physics and astronomy, although we will not emphasize with these aspects in this course.)

Grading

   Grades will be based on points. Earned points divided by the total possible points will determine your “average”. The points may be earned as follows.

Homework:  Homework will be assigned most days.  Homework is checked at the beginning of class.  Longer assignments will be worth more. A reasonable amount of time to spend outside of class (completing assignments or studying) for each period in class is the time it takes each individual to prepare for the next class.

Quizzes:  Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced. Announced quizzes will vary in points, depending on the material; pop quizzes will be based on homework assignments or notebook contents.  Announced quizzes need to be made up if you are absent.  Pop quizzes are not made up.

Labs: Your class will meet for lab during the double period on day 4s. Lab reports are generally 30 points each.  Five points are for your pre-lab preparation in your lab book; five points are for your participation the day of the lab activity; and the other 20 points are for the report in your lab notebook, which will be turned in. You will work on the labs in groups (usually in twos), but your write-ups are to be done on your own.  Lab notebooks are due at the beginning of class on day 6s. Labs are late if you are not ready to hand it in as soon as you walk in the door.

Tests: Tests will generally cover a set of chapters and will vary in length and importance.  You will receive a review sheet before each test and a fair warning of the test date.

Science Fair:  There will be several shorter assignments ultimately leading up to The Science Fair, which will be held in March.  Time-lines and detailed expectations for the science fair will be handed out soon.  Start thinking about topics which interest you now.

 Note about late assignments: Penalties will be assessed based on lateness; first day is 50%, subsequent days are 25%. Some assignments may still need to be completed without credit.

Daily Procedures: 

• Please enter class prepared to work. This means you have your notebook, something to write with and the assignments that are due. You will not be allowed out of the class to retrieve things from your locker. Have your homework due that day out on your lab bench.
• Usually, homework will be checked by a quick walk around the room, so please have your homework in plain view as soon as you sit down. Unless told otherwise, you do your homework in your class notebook. Some homework assignments will be collected, but you will know ahead of time if it is to be collected.
• Your homework assignment(s) will also be written down at the beginning of class. Write down your assignment.
• Look on the board for daily instructions. Proceed as indicated.
• Successful participation in this class will involve both listening and speaking. Listening politely generally looks like your eyes are on the speaker (unless you are writing in your notebook) and sounds like only one person at a time is speaking.   Always ask when you have a question.
• If you finish with an activity and are waiting for your classmates…
  • Work on your lab report.
  • Read in your textbook or other available reading found in the classroom.
  • Work on your Science Fair project.
  • Ask what other way you might be of assistance. 
• Dismissal time:  If it’s time to go and class is still proceeding, continue proper participation procedures.  Class will wrap up quickly, in plenty of time to proceed to your next class. Wait until the end of class is properly signaled.
• At the end of class, please push your stool under the lab bench and check your area for your belongings, and trash that you need to drop off in the garbage basket on your way out the door.  Don’t leave trash in the sinks. 

Procedures for special occasions:

• I will be available for extra help on every day from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., except Wednesdays, and other times by appointment.  Tuesdays have been designated for science classes. Let me know if you plan on coming in for extra help. 
• If you are absent or tardy, please see me outside of class.  You are responsible for finding out missed work.  You are also responsible for turning in work that was due the day you missed.