COURSE DESCRIPTION: Physics studies the elementary interactions of the things in this Universe. Topics include Kinematics, Dynamics, Conservation Laws, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism. Physics is fun and challenging class that strongly emphasizes both concepts and math.
GRADE BREAKDOWN:
Unit Tests: 40%
Homework and Labs: 40%
Practical - Final Test: 10%
Multiple Choice - Final Test: 10%
GRADING SCALE:
90% < A < 100%
80% < B < 90%
70% < C < 80%
60% < D < 70%
F < 60%
HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK: All assignments are to be submitted by the time you START the unit exam. Submissions received after the start of the exam will be reduce by the same percent as you received on the exam. It does no good to practice for the exam after the exam. "Response Editing" has been turned on, so students should do corrections on the ones they missed to be fully prepared for the exam. The actual final score will be put into the gradebook. This is not just a participation grade!
CHAPTER TESTS: Emphasis is placed on being prepared for the exam, so corrections are allowed on the practices, but not the exam. Test questions will include material covered in classroom lectures, homework problems, and laboratory activities. The lowest chapter test will be dropped to allow forgiveness for one time of lack of preparation.
LABORATORY: Periodic laboratory activities will be done during class time.
FINAL TEST: A final test will come at the end of each semester. It will follow the same format as the chapter tests except it will be cumulative over the entire semester.
TARDIES: Coming to class late is disruptive to the academic environment and unfair to your fellow students. Please make every effort to be on time! The tardy policy will be the same as the school wide policy which will include after school detention and/or in school suspension.
CHEATING: Cheating will result in a zero for that item regardless of how it impacts the final grade. Additional consequences will be the same as the school wide policy which may include after school detention and/or in school suspension. Cheating is rarely an isolated event, and it will only boost one’s grade when it is done continually. This is a terrible habit to get into because you are not learning the material and you will be ignorant of things that you really can be fluent in. Many colleges and corporations often have a zero tolerance policy toward cheating. Develop good study skills now so you won’t have regrets in the future.