Physics
Text: Physics: Principles and Problems – Zitzewitz Instructor: Mr. Kaczmarczyk GTCHS, Greenville, SC
This is a physics course covering mechanics, states of matter, waves and light, electricity, and modern physics. The TI-83 (or higher) graphing calculator can be used throughout this course for data analysis and it would be highly beneficial, but not mandatory. Calculator memories will be cleared before each test. The instructor may require the use of a “substitute” calculator (to be provided) for each quiz / test.
Tests and Quizzes / Make up Work
Tests will be given at the conclusion of each 2-week period, which will cover 2 chapters. Make-up tests should be scheduled, in advance, so that the make-up will be taken one week prior to the next chapter test. If you are absent from class, you have five (5) school days (not class meetings) after your return to school to make up missed work. No make-up work will be accepted after this time. Work not turned in on time for any reason other than absence will not be accepted late. Daily quizzes will evaluate the previous day’s material.
Lab Reports
Each student will submit a lab report for each lab activity. The lab report will include, but not be limited to, a description of the activity, the data gathered, graphs and charts, data analysis, conclusions and discussion. A set of questions will be given to each student to be answered as part of the report.
Homework
Homework is indicated for each class on an assignment sheet. Homework will be collected and graded. Students are responsible for insuring that all questions about homework problems are answered. Homework is required to be kept in a spiral notebook. Homework must be kept in a spiral notebook.
Quarterly Project
Write a quarterly report incorporating concepts learned in class such as frequency, wave length, speed of light, reflection, refraction, diffraction, effects of a magnetic field, etc from an assigned topic list.
Quarter Grades SEMESTER Grades
Chapter Tests 60% First Semester Grade 45%
Lab Activity Reports 10% Second Semester Grade 45%
Homework 10% Semester Test 10%
Quizzes 10 %
Quarter Report 10 %
Extra Help / Office Hours
The teacher will be available for extra help. Office hours consist of two thirty-minute sessions each week: (Wednesday 7:15 am – 7:45 am and Wednesday 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm). The sign-up sheet will be posted outside my door. It is the student’s responsibility to sign up to see me during office hours when he/she needs extra help. Office hours are a time for students to ask questions and receive extra practice. This is not a time for make-up work to be done. If there is a conflict, it is the student’s responsibility to make other arrangements with me.
Retesting
You will have the opportunity to improve your grade on tests through retesting. (Tuesday 2:30 – 3:15 pm one week after a test) A notification slip will be provided. Parent signature is required.
Compliance with School Rules
Compliance with school rules is expected from all students in a Physics class. This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
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I, ___________________________ (Student’s name) have read and understand the policies for
Mr. Kaczmarczyk’s Physics class.
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_____________________________ (Parent/guardian Home telephone number)
_____________________________ (Parent/guardian Work telephone number)
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