Physics - 2 Policies and Information

 

Course Description and Objectives

Physics is the study of the relationship between matter and energy.  This course is in Newtonian (Classical) Physics.  Major areas of study are kinematics, Newton’s Laws, wave mechanics, and electricity and magnetism.    Students will gain an intuitive understanding of physical laws through laboratory work and mathematical problem solving.  Laboratory work is the basis for the development of the major physical concepts that are studied.  The student’s ability to use mathematics in the solution of physical problems is also developed.

 

Course Requirements:  In addition to a pen and paper, please bring the following to class:

 

Text: Glencoe Physics:  Principles and Problems  by P. W. Zitzewitz, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2002.  ISBN # 0-07-823896-X.

 

Note Book: Each student must have a three-ringed loose-leaf binder for your journal entries, notes, handouts, and labs.  Alternatively, a 6-part folder may be used if properly organized.

 

Lab Manual/Workbook: Workbook Physics Mechanics by C. A. Abbot and J. A. Crowe, Ball Press Square, 2005.  ISBN 0-9772186-0-0.

 

Additional items: Calculator, graph paper, protractor, and metric ruler.

 

Homework Every Night

You will have “homework” every night. Most evenings you will be asked to read a part of your text in addition to working on physics problems.   Before labs, you may have a pre-lab assignment.  After labs, you will be asked to turn in lab reports or calculations. Even on those nights when you are not asked to read or write something, you will have homework: review your notes.  If you want to succeed, you will work on Physics every night.

 

Late Policy

1. Lab reports are due two class days after the lab is completed in class.  Under extenuating circumstances, extensions will be granted.  If a lab is late one letter-grade will be subtracted for each day of lateness.  Normally lab reports will not be accepted after one full cycle.

2. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you are to submit it on the day you return to school. After that day, the same penalty associated with lateness will apply.

 

 Absences 

If you are absent during the performance of a lab, you are responsible to get the data from another student and copy it into your lab notebook. Please document this person as a source. Alternatively, you may set up a time with me to perform the lab yourself.  Refer to the late policy for additional information.


Tentative Course Outline

 

 Quarter1: Kinematics

            - one dimensional kinematics

                        -- constant velocity

                        -- acceleration and falling bodies

            - vectors and two dimensional kinematics

                        -- vector math

                        -- projectile motion

 

Quarter 2:  Newton’s Laws and Work

            - Newton’s laws

                        -- inertia

                        -- force

                        -- interacting forces

            - Work and Energy

                        -- kinetic energy

                        -- potential energy

            - Momentum

 

Quarter 3: More Motion

            - Circular motion

            - Gravitation

            - Periodic Motion

 

Quarter 4:  Electricity and Light

            - Electricity

--current and voltage

                        --series and parallel

                        -- magnetic fields and motors

            - Light

                        --fundamentals

                        --reflection and refraction

                        --mirrors and lenses

           

 

 

 

 


 

Laboratory Safety Agreement Form

 

1. I agree to perform laboratory work only when the teacher is present.

2. Before starting any laboratory I will read, the procedure, and read all safety guidelines.

3. I will be familiar with the use of all safety equipment in the lab, including the safety shower, eyewash, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, exits, and Material Safety Data Sheets.

4. I agree to wear use the safety equipment recommended in the lab directions including goggles.

5. My lab bench will be clear of all unnecessary material such as books and clothing before starting.

6. I agree to check all labels twice to make sure I am using the correct substance, the correct concentration of solutions, and I will read all chemical formulas before starting work.

7.  I will avoid all rough, unnecessary movements and inappropriate conversations during lab.

9. I will report any laboratory accident, however small, immediately to my teacher.

10. All equipment, chemicals, aprons, protective goggles, and glassware will be cleaned and returned to their original location after all lab activity.

11. If I am unclear or confused about the proper safety procedures, I will ask my teacher for instructions.

12. I understand that exhibiting misconduct, disregarding safety in the laboratory, or mishandling any equipment will result in my expulsion from the lab and further disciplinary action.

 

By signing below, the student and parent or guardian indicates that they have read and have agreed to follow these rules as well as the course policies.   The student is expected to follow these rules as well as any additional printed or verbal given instructions.

 

Student Signature _____________________________________

 

Parent Signature ______________________________________

 

Parent Email  ___________________________         Phone ________________________ 

                                                           


Grade Sheet –____ quarter

 

It is your responsibility to record your grades either on this page in your notebook or in you planner. If you do a good job with this, you should have no problem at all calculating your letter grade at any time during the quarter.

 

Tests and Major Quizzes 50%

Labs, Homework, Projects, Notebook, pop or homework quizzes 50%

(Note:  Disruptive behavior that continues after being asked to stop, will result in a loss of points)

 

Tests/Major Quiz

Labs

HW

Pop/HW quiz

Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To calculate grade: 

Average all tests and quizzes together

Average all other items together

Find the average of these two averages

 

Letter Grade Equivalents

³  93

A

89 – 92

B+

85 – 88

B

81 – 84

C+

77 – 80

C

73 – 76

D+

70 – 72

D

£  69

F