Embedded Files
General Science: Physics
Preparation
Preparation
Physics is often perceived as a difficult subject, but I have observed that almost anyone with the prerequisites and sufficient time on task can succeed.
Mental Resources: The writing prerequisite for this course is listed here. You should be able to use a calculator for arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponent, square root, and scientific notation). You should be competent with web browsers (Chrome, Explorer, etc.), word processors (Docs, Word, etc.), and sceenshot software (Snipping Tool, Snip and Sketch, etc.). You will also use spreadsheets (Sheets, Excel, etc.) and Audacity, though you will be instructed on their use.
Temporal Resources: You will need to regularly commit a significant amount of time each week to complete the work necessary to master the physics topics. Chemeketa's guidelines state that you should spend 12 hours per week on a 4 credit class, though most of my students report spending 8 to 10 hours per week.
Other Resources: In addition to paying for the required tuition and fees, you will need to procure a variety of other resources to complete this class. Please consult the following list:
You will need to use a computer (and have the ability to add software) for one of the labs and perhaps a few other activities; normally a chromebook or even a tablet (with internet access) will be sufficient.
An inexpensive calculator for about $10 (you will not be allowed to use your phone or computer calculator on any proctored or in-class tests)
A hard copy of the textbook from Amazon (4th, 5th, or 6th edition) for about $10 or the Chemeketa library (free for the term)
A GS104 lab kit from the Chemeketa bookstore (about $15). It contains the following: spring scale, 2 balloons, thermometer, pendulum bob, magnet, 2 cups, wood block, food coloring, string, and the box itself.
Supplies from the Chemeketa bookstore (or obtain on your own): tape measure, tape, and a protractor. You may print out a protractor instead of purchasing one.
Household items: faucet with hot and cold water, knife or scissors, large measuring cup, paper, dense objects (coins, nails, washers, etc.), staircase, rock, and a secure place to tie a string (such as a ceiling hook, closet rod, or eye bolt).
A phone with the following:
camera
magnetometer
no magnets (some cases and some phones have magnets in them; you can test this by putting a magnet near them and seeing if there is an attraction or repulsion)
stopwatch and phyphox apps
One of the labs requires running up stairs and carrying weights (20 or more pounds). You will need to arrange to have an assistant do these things for you if you are not able to do so. Some of the other labs also might be done better with an assistant, but this isn't necessary.
A proctor for exams (online students not able to access a Chemeketa campus)
Tips for Success
Tips for Success
It is difficult for me to give advice on how to succeed, given the different experiences, preferences, and aptitudes of students. But here are some ideas:
Do
Do
Regularly check in and go to the modules on Canvas.
If you are in an in-person lecture, then substantively participate in the group work. If you find the work easy and your teammate doesn't, then take the time to explain what you are doing or saying (this helps both of you). If you find the work difficult and your teammate doesn't, then ask questions until you understand. Always share the workload and work on one problem at a time.
Start your work in advance of the due dates so you have time to seek out help if needed.
Recognize that there is never a single way to determine anything in physics. It always depends on the information that you have. For example, acceleration can be determined from a kinematics equation, inferred from free-fall, or calculated using known forces and Newton's second law.
Use the discussion or office hours when you encounter problems. Ask specific questions as often as necessary.
Use office hours wisely. Here are a few things I can do:
Provide guidance on how to manage your work for the class
Explain general principles regarding the topic for the week
Help you with specific parts of class assignments when you are stuck
Refer you to help with personal problems such as finances or mental health
Give advice (and/or make referrals) regarding your academic or professional plans
If you find a particular topic or chapter difficult, then spend some time reviewing your work, including the solutions to the written homework available on Canvas.
Reach out and find study or lab partners in the class.
Consider joining a student club or attending an athletic event, musical performance, or play. Persistence in college is correlated with participation in campus activities.
If all of the above doesn’t seem to be enough, then consult with me. I want every student to succeed!
Don't
Don't
Ask me what to focus on for quizzes or exams. The chapter(s)/topics covered by the quiz or exam are what you should focus on. I find it an unethical question to ask; it is essentially asking for me to give you an unfair advantage over other students or implying that some of the work you do in this class is unimportant.
Ask me to "look over your homework" or "look over your lab" before turning it in. You should ask specific questions instead.
Use Chegg or similar websites. It is a violation of academic honesty with serious consequences if I catch you. And it will not help you to learn.
Use ChatGPT or similar websites. It frequently provides wrong answers and it is a violation of academic honesty if you use it without citation. While it isn't banned, it is unlikely to help you learn.
Page updated
Report abuse