Physics introduces students to the central concepts of physics as they relate to things and events familiar to the everyday environment: motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light,  and the inside of the atoms.  The course emphasis, in lab work as well as in lecture, is on comprehension rather than computation.

Making the Grade in Physics

Classroom Rules

Classroom Procedures

Making the Grade in Physics

.  Your score out of 100% will be a weighted average of 5 categories.

A.  Homework will be 20%.

1.      All homework assignments will have a specific due date.

2.      Everything must have Name, assignment description, and period number on the top.

3.  When doing problems, relevant information should be copied from the book.

4.  Show work!!!!!

5.  You receive 60% credit for work one day late, 25% before that chapter test.

6.      You are allowed one extra day for each day you are absent.

7.      After an absence it is your responsibility to obtain makeup at an appropriate time.

            8.  Each 6 weeks I will give you credit for keeping an organized notebook.  Remind me to do this!!!!

9. You will receive points in this category most days during class.  These can be lost by not participating appropriately.  If you are not here you can't participate.  If you are absent you must see me to find out what you must do to earn the points from that day.

B.     Labs will be worth 20%.

1.        Labs should be in handed in 2 days after data is taken, unless indicated otherwise.

2.        Major labs are worth 20-30 points.  Activities will be worth 10-20 points.

C.  Your quiz grade will be worth 10%.

1.  You will be told about a major quiz at least one day before it is given.

2.  Quizzes will be worth 15-30 points, but they will all count equally toward your quiz grade.

3.        There may be closed lab report quizzes.

4. Your test grade will be worth 30%.  Each test will be for a unit, so it may be over more than one chapter.

   E.  Final Exam will be worth 20%.
 

II. Your letter grade will be based on your final percentage.

A  90% - 100%               D  60% - 69%

B  80% - 89%                 F  59% and below

C  70% - 79%

Topics in Regular Physics

Linear Motion – Kinematics

Projectile Motion

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Momentum

Energy

Circular Motion

Gravity

Waves

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity

Light and Optics

Electricity

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Classroom Rules

1.  Get the class started correctly.  When the bell rings you should …

·        have your textbook, calculator, notebook and pencil ready for use.

·        your book-bag under the table where no one will trip on it.

·        get started on the opening activity.

2.      Show respect for others and the facilities.

·    Speak only when it is your turn to speak.

·        Treat others as you would wish to be treated.

·        You will pay for mistreated equipment.

3.      Be in the appropriate place during class.

Failure to abide by rules 1-3 will be considered an educational disruption.  The following interventions will take place.

·          First offense – Teacher/Student conference.

·          Second offense – Teacher/Parent conference.

·          Third offense – Referral to Dean, after school assignment.

·          Fourth offense – Referral to Dean, Saturday assignment.

4.      Follow all safety rules.  This includes eating or drinking in the classroom.  Breaking a safety rule will result in…

·        First offense – Loss of activity points and contact with Dept. Chair and parent.

·        Second offense – Referral to Dean, possible removal from the class.

5.      Be to class on time. 

·        First Tardy – Warning.

·        Second Tardy – Parent contact and 30 minute detention.

·        Third Tardy – Dean contact and 1 hour detention.

·        Fourth Tardy – Referral to Dean.

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Classroom Procedures

Make up work due to absence.

·        You should find papers in the hanging file-folder drawer in the front of the room.

·        Please see your physics teacher concerning missed participation points outside of class instruction time.

 

Work that is not done on time.

·        I will accept work one day late at 60% value.

·        Work should be clearly labeled and placed in the tray for your class.

·        Consideration will be given to students who stay after school the day an assignment is due to get extra help.  Effort must be shown at the time the assignment was due.

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Qualifications For The Physics Day Fieldtrip


You will be allowed to participate in the fieldtrip to Great America if you meet the following criteria:

1.  Earn a passing grade for First Semester.

2.  Earn at least a C for your cumulative Second Semester grade at the time your money is due.

3.  Your grade is still at least a C one week prior to the trip.*

*  You will receive the ticket you purchased.  This ticket can be used during the summer, but you will forfeit the bus money.

4.  You have completed all pre-trip assignments.


**  The science department reserves the right to exclude a student from this trip based on their behavior during class or on previous fieldtrips.
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