Honors Physics

3rd Block

Our Canvas Course

Access our Honors Physics Canvas course here: https://cms.instructure.com/courses/377462

Learn more about how Canvas works:

English: https://youtu.be/oLLzRGEl50c

Spanish: https://youtu.be/a6HSzkdnQLs

Additional Resources: bit.ly/CMSstudentparent


Course Description

Physics is the most fundamental of the scientific disciplines, as a deeper understanding of physics allows us to better understand other science subjects, as well as the natural phenomena we observe every day. This is an algebra/geometry-based, laboratory intensive course.


Course Objectives:

The learner will . . .

  • Develop abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry

  • Explore physical phenomena through laboratory exercises

  • Analyze data to draw conclusions and make predictions

  • Develop an understanding of the connections between daily life and principles of physics

  • Develop skills to represent data mathematically, graphically, and numerically

Class Materials

  • CMS-provided Chromebook (required)

  • Notebook paper (required)

  • Graph paper (required)

  • Pencils

  • 2 inch binder

  • Calculator (at least Scientific. Graphing calculators are not required but may be used)

  • Tab Dividers (not required, but recommended for your personal organization)

  • Physics Reference Tables (print and keep in your binder for easy reference)

*Even though the class is now virtual, you will still be responsible for completing certain assignments by hand. For this reason, I require that you have loose leaf paper and graph paper. Your notes will be kept in our Canvas course in OneNote, but you may want to keep a physical notebook or binder for personal organization.

Additional Resources

There will be many resources available to students in class and before and after school. If students would like extra help from online resources, I recommend the links below.

This website has interactive simulations for nearly every unit we'll discuss this semester. Use them to gain a better understanding of topics such as motion, friction, waves, electricity, circuits, and more.

(via YouTube) This will link to Khan Academy's Physics playlist. There are example problems and review videos for nearly every topic we'll cover.

This links directly to Khan Academy's online physics course (it's free!). It will oftentimes have additional explanations to go along with videos and includes practice problems with immediate feedback.

Tips for Success

Be persistent!

Physics can be difficult the first time students see it, as it requires more critical thinking and problem solving skills. To be successful:

  1. Participate in class and ask questions as you have them.

  2. Take notes during class and review them frequently outside of class.

  3. Always attempt every homework problem, even if it seems difficult. Homework is for practicing, not for getting it perfect.

  4. Come in for tutoring and extra help. Mrs. McGinnis is available every morning before school, and on select afternoons, by appointment.

  5. Do your best and don't give up. If you feel like you're falling behind or aren't doing as well as you want to, speak to your teacher.