Physics

This course will focus on conceptual physics to understand the world around us! Math (equations and graphing) will be used to solve problems to clarify the concepts, but math will not be the focus. An understanding of physics and problem solving is the goal, not doing complicated detailed math. You will learn to think in a new logical way.

Files and links will be posted on Google Classroom. I will email you a code (or you can email me at bradley.knockel@aps.edu for the code)!

Reminders and other communication will be posted on Remind. To get access to our Remind, a code will be posted on Google Classroom. You can enter the code directly into your account via the Remind app or website.

Units...

  • Unit 1: Measurements, motion, and Newton's laws

  • Unit 2: Conservation of momentum and energy

  • Unit 3: Rotation and orbits

  • Unit 4: Waves (sound and light)

  • Unit 5: Electricity and magnetism

  • Unit 6: Earth and space

Materials

To fully participate, you must bring the following materials regularly to class!

  • Bring your physics binder or folder! At the end of each unit, a complete set of notes, handouts, work, your own personal reflections, etc. are expected to be in your binder or folder. Put everything in the order that it was covered in class according to the "Loc" number of each assignment. I have noticed a strong correlation between an organized, complete binder or folder and being a successful student, so why not put a small amount of effort into being organized now for large payoff later?

  • Bring a scientific calculator! A graphing calculator is not necessary, but your calculator should be able to do things like scientific notation, pi, cosine, and exponents. I recommend the TI-30X IIS or the TI-30XS Multiview. Your phone probably comes with a scientific calculator (if you turn the calculator app's screen horizontal), but you obviously cannot use your phone during tests, though I have some calculators for you to borrow during tests. Even at home, always using your calculator can be a good way to get familiar with it before the test! We may sometimes do graphing in class, and you can just get the free Desmos app on your phone, which you can use only when I give permission to use phones.

I have a class set of a textbook written by Hsu to be used in my classroom, so you don't need one. Better yet, I am transitioning to this free online physics textbook by OpenStax.

Expectations

Physics is hard because it takes a lot of practice! My primary expectation is that you will meet the challenge. I strongly believe that you can understand and do physics.

  • Respect each other regardless of differences. We will have fun, but never at another's expense.

  • No cellphones (unless given permission). If you are expecting an important call or text, be mature and communicate that to me before class!

  • No cheating on tests or projects. First offense is typically a warning, though I reserve the right to give a zero. Next offense is notifying parents (or administration if parents cannot be reached). By the way, the appearance of cheating is enough to be considered cheating, so be mindful of your gaze, head attire, where you place your test on table, phone location, backpack location, etc.

  • Orderly usage of hall pass. One student at a time and not when I'm speaking to the entire class. Take the hall pass and sign in and out of class. Also, sign in if tardy.

  • Distracting class is rude to your fellow students. Disruptive behavior tells me that you are trying to communicate to me that you are confused or need more of my attention!

Thank you for helping make our class enjoyable and effective!

Course Grade

The course grade for each semester will be calculated by (1) adding all of your test grades, your lab grade, and your homework/binder grade then (2) dividing by the number of grades. That is, it is an average.

For example, if there are 3 tests and a final exam, you will have 6 grades that will be averaged: test 1, test 2, test 3, final exam, labs, and homework/binder. Add up the 6 grades, then divide by 6.

Which of these grades is the most important? Is it the test grades? Sort of, because most of grade is from the tests, but I actually think the homework/binder grade is the most important. Without fully participating in class, how can you do well on the tests? Student(s) will be selected at random to work homework problems on the board for the class to critique and/or assist. A large fraction of your homework/binder grade will be completing your homework by the due dates (later if you have an excused absence), and much of the rest will depend on you having everything together at the end of the unit.

If you miss class, get notes from a classmate (for example, someone can text you a photo of their notes) and check Google Classroom. If Google Classroom is not updated or you have questions, please communicate with me to see what else you need to do. By the end of the unit, all of your work must be in your binder or folder, but falling behind is not wise because catching up is much more difficult than doing timely work. If you do not have homework done when you return and you were in class when the homework was assigned, I reserve the right to give you half or no credit.

Tests may include some "show your work" problems that are "all or nothing" (that is, no partial credit!). However, for these "all or nothing" problems, you will be allowed to rework similar problems on future date(s) until you get the full credit! I may also allow you to rework your test to, if you can explain your errors, make up for up to half of missed points.

If you miss a test, you have 1 week to make it up. This is so that I can return tests to all your fellow students. Also, we do not want you to fall behind!

You will be allowed a calculator and formula card on tests. If the calculator is not allowed on the SAT, it will not be allowed for use on my tests. The formula card cannot be larger than 3" by 5", and the front and back can be filled with hand-written notes. Having a well organized formula card is a good predictor of good score on the test! You will learn a lot as you carefully decide what to put on your formula card (and decide where to put it). You will be allowed to use all your previous formula cards on the semester final exam, so do not throw them in the trash!

Grading scale...

  • A (90% or above): advanced proficient

  • B (80% to 89.9%): proficient

  • C (70% to 79.9%): nearing proficient

  • D (60% to 69.9%): not proficient

  • F (below 60%): incomplete

If I see improved behavior or performance, I may award you with "physics bucks". I may also give everybody one to start. You may ask for favors (such as extensions, fixing an incorrect test question, using your phone, bad-day pass, etc.) with physics bucks! Just ask me!

Communicating with me regarding your grade is welcome! I may allow you to recover missed points by coming to my tutoring or giving a short presentation to the class. However, doing this at the end of the semester is far too late, regardless of pleading and excuses.

Resources

  • Your classmates are a resource! Ask your group questions during class. Call/text each other if you cannot figure something out or if you missed class! Getting connected is an important part of caring about your success! Working together is encouraged, but be sure that your goal is to understand the material rather than just copying the answer.

  • I am a resource! At any time, during or after class, ask a question! I am sure that many other people are confused about whatever question you have, so ask it. I will happily provide tutoring after school (or maybe during lunch), so just talk with me! I can also help you with study skills if you are feeling stressed.

  • The Internet is a resource! Just Google anything, and you can find YouTube videos and other help. Check out Khan Academy! If you find something useful on the Internet, please share it with me and the class!