Physics I Honors

Physics Honors is a college prep course with emphasis on analytical, conceptual, and algebraic calculations. Students should have a working knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. This course is equivalent to pre-engineering physics course for university students. The emphasis in this course is on understanding and building conceptual knowledge to solve problems.

Textbook: Holt Physics. Raymond A. Serway and Jerry S. Faughn, 2009 Edition

Quizzes will be given every Tuesday. Test Schedule below:

Test 1 September 20, 2019

Test 2 October 18, 2019

Test 3 November 15, 2019

Test 4 December 13, 2019

Test 5 Midterm Exam

Test 6 January 24, 2020

Test 7 February 14, 2020

Test 8 March 13, 2020

Test 9 April 17, 2020

Test 10 May 15, 2020

Final Exam

Grade Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

Grading Policy

Tests, Projects Notebook Check 60%

Minor Grades 30%

Homework 10%

Homework Policy

Homework will be given on a regular basis in this class. Homework is due the day after it is assigned. Place all homework in the tray on the lab station upon entering the room. Homework will be graded on process and proficiency. You need to email me if you are going to be out. I will check my email at 6:00 PM every night. I will have compassion for the next day only. If homework is not received during the week of the assignment, it becomes a zero. mgates@greenville.k12.sc.us

Attendance Policy

Greenville County requires all students in a year-long class not to miss more than 10 unexcused absences. Please limit your absences as much as possible.

Missing Quiz or Test Policy

If you miss a quiz or test, you must come during the Power Hour to make up the work. The test or quiz will not be given to you during the class period. You will be allowed 2 days to make up the test or quiz. You received a copy of all tests dates on the first day of school.

Performance Policy

If your grades slip below a C in this class, I will notify your parents immediately for a scheduled conference. Doing your best work is important to doing well in life regardless of your career path. Persistence pays off.

Acceptable Behavior Policy

All students should behave in a respectful manner every day. You should respect the teachers and staff, students, and yourself every day. Please refrain from all vulgar and abusive language in class. You are expected to follow all school, class, and lab rules. Come to class prepared to learn something new. Help others in need. Show kindness and compassion on others. Smile often. Do what is right.

Consequences Policy

Minor infractions will receive detentions up to three after school detentions. Major offenses will require referral and parent contact.

Units of Study:

I. Unit I. Inquiry-Math Unit 1 week

· Trigonometry Review

· Algebra II Review

II. Unit II. Kinematics-Study of Motion 8 weeks

· One dimensional motion

· Projectile Motion

· Two dimensional motion

· Circular Motion

· Rotational Motion

III. Unit III. Forces and Newton’s Laws 9 weeks

· Forces in 1-dimension

· Forces in 2-dimension

· First Law Application

· Second Law Application

· Third Law Application

· Law of Gravitation

IV. Unit IV. Mechanical Energy 6 weeks

· Work and Energy Theorems

· Conservation of Energy

· Momentum and Collisions

V. Unit V. Wave Characteristics 4-5 Weeks

· Simple Harmonic Motion

· Properties of Waves

· Sound

· Light

VI. Electricity and Magnetism 6 weeks

· Electric Charge, Electric Field

· Electric Force

· Electric Potential

· Current, Power, Resistance

· Circuits

VII. Nuclear Physics 2 weeks