Physics I Syllabus
Physics I
Course Information Sheet
2018-2019
Mrs. Amy Johnson
Room 307
480-484-7100 ext. 5307
This course is designed to appeal to both the science and non-science oriented student. The program includes concepts of motion, forces, energy, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. The relationship to other sciences and the physical world is discussed, along with some of the history and philosophy of science. Extensive lab work and engineering-type projects are integral to the course. Successful completion of Algebra I is a prerequisite for the course.
MATERIALS
- Pencils – Tests, homework and labs must be completed in pencil. You will need to have a pencil in class every day.
- Calculator – You will need a scientific calculator for class every day. Your calculator must have the inverse trig functions (i.e. sin-1). Graphing calculators are allowed, but not required. Graphing calculators are a useful tool because the order of computation input is generally easier to understand, plus the larger screen will show all your keystrokes so errors are easier to catch. If you choose to get a graphing calculator, I suggest you stick with the TI bring and get a TI-83 or better model.
- Red pens – You are required to use a red pen for test corrections.
- Two-pocket folder – There will be some class handouts and assignments that you will need to carry with you each day. A small 2 pocket folder should be sufficient. If you choose, you can keep your papers in a larger 3 ring binder.
- Notebook/Comp – Class notes must be taken in a bound notebook. Examples include a spiral notebook, composition notebook, etc. This notebook should be dedicated to physics as I may collect it periodically.
TEXTBOOK
We will be using on online textbook call the Discovery Education Techbook. You may also be checked out a book from the bookstore. This book if for at home reference. You will not need to bring it to class.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
· When you walk into class, all of your belongings will be placed on the shelves at the back of the room except for your class materials. Unless further instructions are given, you are expected to bring your folder, notebook, pen or pencil and calculator to your seat each day. All other bags and other class’s materials must be placed on the shelves. Cell phones and headphones should be put away and out of site before you get to your seat. While there may be times that you are allowed to be on your phone it is never a) at the beginning of class b) while I instructing the class as a whole or c) when you are expected to be working with others.
· As you enter class, check the board/screen for instructions.
· There will be a seating chart. You must begin each class in your proper seat or you will be marked absent.
· If you need to use the bathroom, sign out on the clipboard and take the pass with you. You must sign back in when your return. One at a time to the restroom, if the pass it out, you must wait. There will be no leaving to use the bathroom in the first 10 minutes of class (barring an emergency).
· Everything you need (staplers, pencil sharpener, etc.) is on the tables on the west side of the classroom. Familiarize yourself with this area and where to turn in/pick up papers. Do not remove any items from my desk.
· I am part-time and only teach periods 2-6, this means that I am not often on campus before or after school. I am generally available during lunch for extra help and make-up work. I would be glad to come in if you need to see me before or after school but we will have to set up an appointment.
· We use a lot of equipment in this classroom during laboratories. This equipment is difficult to obtain even if it is not expensive. I will not tolerate abuse or misuse of this equipment.
GRADING
Each semester contains five units of study. I do not break grades at the 9-week grading period, and your 9-week grade is nothing more than a progress report and is not a part of your permanent record in high school. Your first semester grades do not carry over to the second semester. Grades are weighed based on the following scale.
Assessments 64 %
Checks for Understanding 16 %
Final Exam 20 %
Assessments – The assessment category will include major labs, unit tests and projects.
Checks for Understanding – The check for understanding category will include minor labs, homework, quizzes and classwork.
Final Exam – There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of each semester.
Scope and Sequence
The units that we will study are listed below.
First Semester Second Semester
Unit 0 – Variable, measurements and mathematical tools Unit 6 – Mechanical Energy
Unit 1 – Forces Unit 7 – Electrical Energy
Unit 2 – Force and Motion Unit 8 – Mechanical Wave Energy
Unit 3 – Describing Motion Unit 9 – Electromagnetic Wave Energy
Unit 4 – Motion in two dimensions Unit 10 – Nuclear Energy
Unit 5 – Circular Motion
Homework
You will be assigned homework for each unit. There will be 2-5 assignments per unit (depending on the length of the unit). You must make your own decision on how much time and effort you will place on homework. If you are unable to get a correct answer, it should be your indication that you do not completely understand the problem and need to come in for help. It is important that you develop a habit of diligently completing all assigned homework. Homework is your practice for the test and vital to understanding the material. Most homework assignments will be completed online using WebAssign.
Laboratories
There will be labs to complete for each unit. Some labs will take less than one full class hour, and others will take several days. Missing class on a lab day will result in difficult make-ups. Lab groups will be assigned and will change each quarter. Most labs have accompanying worksheets to be filled out as you complete the lab. All labs will require each group member to complete and turn in his or her own worksheet. I will randomly choose which member’s worksheet will be graded, and the entire group will receive that grade. Everyone in the lab group is responsible for understanding and actively participating in every part of the lab. Some labs will also have a quiz following the lab. Quizzes are done individually and worth more credit than the lab worksheet. You will be allowed to have your lab worksheet with you when you take the quiz.
Tests
A test will be given in class at the end of each unit. The tests will mostly contain word problems, but may also contain multiple choice, short answer, true/false, graphing/diagraming and similar type questions. Usually, tests are broken into two parts (written and multiple choice) and taken over two days. A calculator will be required for all tests. You may NOT share a calculator with another student during the test and you may not use your phone as your calculator. You may use a 3 x 5-inch note card with information hand written on one side for each test. This note card must be turned in with the test. It will be returned to you later. You will not be allowed to keep your tests but will be allowed to review them in class. Test corrections may be done in order to earn back some of the points that you may have lost on the test. You may use all of the material in your notebook to help you with your corrections, but you may not use other people or their tests. Test corrections must be done on the test in RED ink, and all work must be shown. Credit will only be awarded back if the question is answered correctly (no partial credit). If test corrections are completed, scores will be recorded in the gradebook followed by a “C” code (meaning “corrected”).
Projects
Projects are the most fun and exciting part of the course. Projects are done in groups, and much of the work is done outside of class. You are given several weeks to complete the work, and the projects usually culminate in one exciting class day when your final product is put to the test. While projects are a very fun part of the class, they can be frustrating and time consuming if you wait until the last minute to work on your project. You will be given plenty of time to complete your project. Don’t procrastinate. We will complete 3 projects this year.
Group Work
Trust me; I fully understand the benefits and the drawbacks of group work. Working in groups is an integral part of a laboratory science class and cannot be avoided. To make the most of group work, I want you to understand my expectations of each group member. Failing to meet these expectations can result in a loss of credit. First and foremost, all group members are expected to fully participate in all aspects of an assignment. While it may seem fair to divide the work, choosing to not be actively involved in all parts of an assignment defeats the purpose of doing the assignment in the first place, and uses your group as a means to cheat. Second, any work completed by one person in your group will be assumed to have been completed by all members of the group. This is why you must ACTIVELY participate in the entire assignment. If a group member cheats or performs poorly and loses points because of it, all group members lose the points. Working in a group can be a very positive experience. Having multiple viewpoints and people to bounce ideas off of is invaluable for many of the labs and projects that we do. Also, working together with your peers, even when you do not always agree with them, is a necessary life skill. When you chose to not be a good group member you chose to 1) say to me, this assignment was not worth your time, 2) have gaps in your knowledge and 3) take the points (good or bad) earned by your group members. I will be happy to help any student or group that is having difficulty working together. Lab groups will be assigned, but you will be able to choose your own project groups.
Late Work and Make-up Work
We believe that student attendance in class is critical to high levels of student learning. Thus, any absence from class has natural consequences and some (unexcused absences/truancies) have behavioral consequences. A student who is absent will be permitted the same amount of time he/she was absent to complete make-up work. All work must be made up; all work will be assessed on the quality of work. Full credit will be given if full credit is earned based upon the content and standards being assessed. If you miss class please see me immediately upon your return to determine what you missed and when you can make it up. If you have a planned absence, you should attempt to make up work in advance of your absence.
If you miss class on the day of a test, you will take the test during class the day you return. Be prepared. Also, if you have had absences leading up to a test but have not missed any of the material covered on the test, then you will not be allowed to put off the test to a later date. Missing the review day will not allow you to delay the test. Review material is online and will need to be done on your own time.
Late work will be accepted for 90% credit up to one day late. Classwork that is done in class and turned in at the bell cannot be turned in late if you were in class.