Honors Physics I
Course Syllabus
11th grade
Physics is the study of the natural universe and the models that predict natural events. In 11th grade Honors Physics I, students learn how to approach, investigate, and think critically about the concept of mechanics. Measurement, data analysis, linear motion, statics, and dynamics are the projected topics for first semester. Our second semester will include projectile motion, work, energy, power, momentum, rotational motion, and mechanical waves.
Investigations of these concepts develop in the student:
A sense of wonder and curiosity about the physical world
Understanding of the primary laws of nature
Ability to apply mathematical modeling to physical events
Communication skills around physical concepts
In order to achieve these objectives, students first learn to make careful observations about the natural universe around them. Each instructional unit will begin with a lab-style experiment designed to challenge observation and thinking skills. During these labs, students identify which aspects of physical phenomenon can be measured. They learn how to design and perform experiments to witness and study the relationships between measurable variables. Students will then create mathematical models to clarify the result of their observations. These models will then be applied to new circumstances to allow prediction of outcomes. Students will learn and demonstrate the ability to convey their findings to each other using the terms of physics.
Physics can be challenging. To truly achieve the objectives of this course, students will need to think deeply and wrestle with their work. I am confident that students who invest in this process will be rewarded with a profound gain in understanding of the laws that govern the universe. As a pioneer of many of our concepts, Sir Isaac Newton, once stated, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of the giants.” As a class, we will work together to climb those giants that have come before us and witness together the wonders that can only be seen from that height.
Our class text is Physics: Principles and Problems. A copy will be provided to you. This is to be kept at home. Extra copies can be found in the classroom for work while at school. Do not remove these copies from room 210.
Fall Semester:
Scientific Thinking in Physics: measurements, dimensions and units, experimental design, data collection, graphing and graphical interpretation, mathematical modeling, expressing results in lab reports.
Motion in One Dimension: choosing a reference frame, understanding and differentiating motion concepts (distance, position, and displacement; time instant and time interval; speed and velocity), multiple representations of motion (diagram, graph, algebraic), kinematic equations, freefall analysis.
Newton’s 1st and 3rd laws: forces and changing velocity, agents and victims of forces, force diagrams, vector analysis, analysis of static behavior of objects, object interactions.
Newton’s 2nd Law: forces and changing velocities, force diagrams, analysis of dynamic object behavior, static and kinetic friction.
Spring Semester:
Projectile motion: review freefall, velocity vector analysis, motion in two dimensions.
Uniform Circular Motion: relationships between centipetal force, speed, mass, and radius of motion, distinction between centripetal and centrifugal force, motion maps and force diagrams for circular motion, Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
Energy, Work, and Power: Hooke’s Law for elastic meia, defining a system, elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, conservation of energy, the work/energy theorem, power.
Momentum and Impulse: definitions of and relationship between momentum and impulse, conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions.
Rotational Motion: Rotational dynamics, torque, moment of inertia, angular momentum
Behavioral Expectations: “The philosophy of the Academy is that students are young adults in the making who will learn civil, polite, and respectful conduct by the example of their teachers…Several very obvious signs of such respect are a student's willingness to refrain from talking in class when others have the floor; a respect for the property of the school and of other students; [and] a willingness to refrain from sarcastic or critical comments towards others. In conjunction with parents/guardians, the Academy has the goal of developing not only habits of good scholarship and critical inquiry, but the character traits of courtesy, promptness, forgiveness, self-control, responsibility, diligence, courage, generosity, and magnanimity.” (Family Handbook, p. 41)
Class Participation: This includes coming to class rested and with the proper materials and mindset. Be ready and eager to think and work. Take chances in discussion and recognize the progress that occurs when we are wrong. Regard the teacher as a coach who can help you develop skills and progress in the right direction. Take ownership of your own progress. Be mentally and physically present. Group work, including labs, will be a significant part of our time in class. Every student is expected to contribute as equally as possible to the group effort and discussion. Doctor appointments and vacations should be planned with respect for the value of an Arete education. Missed classroom time can never be fully replaced in tutoring and hinders learning progression. Your participation will be enhanced by your study at home. Participation grades will also reflect the student’s attitude toward the subject and their depth of inquiry and wonder expressed.
Homework: Commit to neatly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly completing all assignments. Submit them on time. Students should discuss any missed work with the teacher at a time that does not interrupt class. Keep all returned assignments and notes in an organized system. Students are encouraged to work and study in groups. All submitted homework must be the student’s own work and must be repeatable by the student submitting.
Materials required daily:
Sharpened pencils with erasers. All HW is to be done in pencil.
Colored ink pen for corrections.
Three-ring binder, dedicated to Physics use, with extra paper and room to store this syllabus and assignments as well as notes taken in class.
Scientific calculator and graphing calculator. Graphing calculators will not be permitted on tests and quizzes. Calculators will not be provided for students and may not be shared during tests and quizzes.
Graph paper. Much of our work will require accurate graphical modeling of data. Sloppy graphs lead to inaccurate science.
Behavioral expectations:
The philosophies and guidelines outlined in the Family Handbook will be followed in the classroom. Students should review the handbook regarding attendance, tardies, electronic devices, dress code, etc.
Leaving class:
Students are expected to minimize the leaving of class to the extent possible. Plan ahead. When leaving is required (bathroom, etc.), students will log their time out of the room as instructed. If a student leaves more than three times in a quarter, classroom time must be made up with the teacher during Lyceum or tutoring. Instructions for that will be given in class.
All work must be shown as proof of understanding the process and as proof of the answer itself.
Course Work
Percentage
Participation
20%
Tests
30%
Quizzes
10%
Homework/Classwork/Notes
20%
Labs and Projects
20%
TOTAL
100%
School-Wide Absent/Missing Work Policy: In the case of an excused absence, students have the same amount of days missed to turn in missed assignments for full credit. For any absence, students are responsible for getting notes or assignments that were missed via a conversation with the teacher or the class website. Any arrangements for receiving grades during an unexcused absence must be arranged individually with the teacher and may or may not be granted. Homework turned in late is also at the discretion of the teacher and may or may not receive credit. Students are always encouraged to complete work, even if late, in preparation for continued learning and assessment. Missed tests will be made up outside of class time with school-provided times to be announced.
Test Corrections Policy: Any opportunity for test corrections will be announced following the test. This may or may not happen and should not be expected by students. Prepare well for each test and do your best as there will likely not be an opportunity to increase the grade once complete.
I have reviewed the Physics I Syllabus and agree to abide by it. If I have questions, I will ask my teacher.
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Student signature Date
I have reviewed the Physics I Syllabus and understand that my student will be held accountable for all that it relates.
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Parent/guardian signature Date