Physics Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Lori McKenzie
Email: lmckenzie@redeemer-oakmont.org
Schedule: M W 12:03 - 1:30 PM; F 12:53 - 1:40 PM
Room: 203
Afterschool Assistance: Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 at Idaho campus
Course Overview: Students will develop a greater appreciation for God’s creation as they learn about forces and
energy in the universe. Students will learn and apply skills such as observing, predicting, inferring, analyzing, and creating models. Through an inquiry-based, hands-on approach, students will gain a deeper understanding of how God’s universe works, including aspects such as motion, inertia, force, work and energy, magnetism, and electricity.
Pennsylvania State Standards:
The following Pennsylvania State Standards (Grade 11) are covered in this course: 3.2.P.B1 Motion; 3.2.B.P2 Conservation of Energy and Momentum; 3.2.B.P3 Convection, Conduction, and Radiation; 3.2.P.B4 Electricity and Magnetism; 3.2.B.P5 Waves; 3.2.B.P6 Predictions and Models; and 3.2.B.P7 Evaluation of Theories. Detailed information about these standards can be found at: http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views#0|0|713|0
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the fundamental laws of motion, energy, forces, waves, electricity, and magnetism and their applications in real-world scenarios
Interpret, construct, and manipulate algebraic and graphical models to solve quantitative physics problems
Plan and carry out laboratory experiments, collect and analyze data, evaluate sources of error, and draw evidence‑based conclusions
Break down multi‑step physics problems, select appropriate formulas or representations, and justify their reasoning using scientific principles
Evaluate how physical principles underpin modern technologies, natural phenomena, and engineering solutions, demonstrating the relevance of physics to society
Course Materials
Binder with loose-leaf paper
Two different colors of pens, pencils
Calculator (graphing calculator NOT necessary)
Text: Exploring Creation with Physics, 2nd Edition (Wile, 2009)
Class Handouts
Course Activities: small group work, lecture and discussion, guided practice, lab activities
Types of Assignments: homework, quizzes, unit tests, lab reports
Assignment Values
25% Homework
25% Lab Reports
50% Tests (including Unit Tests and Final Exam)
Homework: Students will have two to three homework assignments per week. Students are expected to complete homework on time and to the best of their ability. Students may redo all or part of any homework assignment one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. For example, if a student initially scored a 0/5 on a homework question and re-submitted the question with a correct answer, the student would receive 2.5 points. Homework must be redone and submitted by the following class period.
Lab Reports: Students will complete one to three lab reports per unit. The majority of these reports will be informal; however, students will complete at least one formal lab report during the course of the year.
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Tests: Students will take three to four tests per trimester and a final exam at the end of the third trimester. As with homework, students may redo all or part of a test one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. Unit tests must be redone and submitted within 48 hours. However, students will not be able to make corrections on the Final Exam.
Late or Missing Work: Students will receive a 25% deduction for each day an assignment is late. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances. Missing work will be accepted for up to three days after the original due date; students will receive a 0% after that time.
Extra Credit: The school’s academic policy does not allow for extra credit.
Teacher Expectations
To treat all students with respect, dignity, and caring
To return graded assignments and tests within two days
To announce quizzes with at least two-days' notice and tests with a one-week notice
Student Expectations
To come to class prepared with a binder, paper, and pens/pencils
To complete assignments on time and accurately using original work
To engage in the learning process and take responsibility for learning
Classroom Expectations
Treat peers and the teacher with respect and dignity
Follow school rules
Ask for permission before leaving the classroom
Clean up after yourself!
Course Calendar
Unit Topic Time Frame (Days)
1 Foundational Math Skills for Physics 5
2 Motion in One Dimension 12
3 Motion in Two Dimensions 15
4 Newton's Laws 15
5 Uniform Circular Motion and Gravity 10
6 Work and Energy 12
7 Momentum 12
8 Periodic Motion 15
9 Waves 10
10 Optics 10
11 Electricity 25
12 Magnetism 10
Review & Final Exam: 5/18 - 5/29/26