Class Documents


 

 
 
Physics Syllabus and Guidelines for Success
Mrs. Christine King
What is Physics?
Welcome to Physics!  Physics is the study of the world around you and how it works.  You already know something about physics every time you drive a car, throw a ball, watch TV, feel you stomach flip as you drop on a rollercoaster, or watch a fiery sunset blaze across the sky.  Expect to be challenged and to enjoy yourself as you study physics – you will soon be solving problems with skills you have perfected and seeing the world around you with a deeper perspective and understanding!  Please keep these guidelines for you reference as success in physics!
Materials Needed:
        Textbook: Fundamentals of College Physics, Peter J. Nolan.
        Daily Planner or similar Assignment Calendar
        #2 lead pencils (recommended mechanical pencils)
        Scientific calculator
        Ruler (metric – centimeter)
        Protractor (for measuring angles)
        Notebook paper (loose-leaf)/Graph paper
        3-Ring Binder for organizing papers and notes
        Your brain, ready to think!


Please bring your supplies to class every day unless told otherwise!  These are your tools for success!
 
Grading:
A grading policy should be a way of encouraging success as well as rating a student’s progress; therefore, BCHS uses the following grading scale:
             100 – 92.5% A               79.5 – 76.5% C+
             92.4 – 89.5% A-            76.4 – 72.5% C
             89.4 – 86.5% B+           72.4 – 69.5% C-
             86.4 – 82.5% B              69.4 – 64.5% D
             82.4 – 79.6% B-             64.4% and below Incomplete (E or I)

 
Semester grades will be determined by the following equation:         2(a) + 2(b) + (c)                                                                                                                                                                      5                              
a = First nine weeks grade                b = Second nine weeks grade               c = Semester exam grade

Behavior and Attitude:  You will be treated as, and be expected to behave as young adults.  Please be respectful, responsible, prepared, positive, and hardworking.  Above all, always “Do the Right Thing”! You can expect likewise from me.  Behavior that interferes with any other students’ learning will not be allowed. 
Extra Credit: Extra credit will only be allowed if the student has no zeros or NHI’s
Laboratory Work/Homework:  You will be given many opportunities in physics to perform laboratory experiments as well as work with a variety of interesting equipment.  It is essential to be safe, responsible, clean and informed working with sometimes expensive, sometime potentially dangerous equipment.  If you are being irresponsible or leave your lab area disorderly you may be removed from that day’s activities and receive a “zero” for that assignment. 
In this class, you should expect that you will be doing physics related homework every night.  Whether is it observing, reading, or problem solving.  In order to receive full credit, each assignment turned in must satisfy the following. 
1.      All work must be turned in on time. Work is to be handed into your class’ hand - in box at the beginning of the period. 
2.      All problems/questions must be attempted.
3.      All work must be shown and follow the problem solving process. (just answers  = zero)
4.      Properly labeled with your name, date, and assignment.
It is important that you keep all papers for this class until the end of the semester, (preferably organized in your binder J)!
Late work: Because concepts build progressively in physics, it is important that you do quality work on time – on time meaning any homework assigned is to have been completed before you walk in the door.  Any late work (turned in at anytime after called for) will receive 0% credit but will be recorded as handed in and will be corrected.  Major projects will be given a one-day grace period in which the student will receive 50% of total points earned if turned in within one class period of the due date.  Any incomplete, low quality work will not be accepted!  Please see me before if you have any extenuating circumstances or pre-planned absences and we will work something out. 
Tests/Quizzes/Projects:
Tests, and quizzes will be given periodically and will be a combination of conceptual questions and problems.  Students will be given adequate notice. If you are absent, make-up tests will be given during school seminar hours arranged by the student and myself.  There will be at least one project per marking period.

Attendance: Physics deals with experiences; daily attendance is expected for your success.  If you are absent you will miss out on some of these experiences, which will hinder your learning. It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed during your absence, and get your assignment. Find a “physics buddy” or two! All BCHS policies regarding attendance and discipline will be followed; you are expected to know and abide by these policies.
Computer Use: You will follow all school policies when doing research or using the computers for data collection.  There will be no gaming, chat, or blogging. 
Personal Note:  Students, I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you this year, and hope that we all can learn a great deal.  My desire is for you to be successful, and I will do everything in my power to make this happen.  I need you to take some responsibility for your learning and work with me.  Daily participation, hard work, and a positive attitude are essential for your success! Try things out and don’t be afraid to do whatever helps you learn best! I am available during seminar, and after school for questions of any kind.  Please see me as soon as possible if you fall behind – a few minutes of extra help to get you up to speed is definitely worth it!

 

The important thing is not to stop questioning. – Albert Einstein

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