Physics Course Syllabus

" The most incomprehensible fact about the universe is that it is comprehensible.” -Albert Einstein

Stayton High School                                                                                     Science Department 

Instructor: Mrs. Duncan                                                                             Grade Level: 11- 12

Prerequisites: Intro to Physics                                                                          Units of Credit: 1

E-mail: nduncan@nsantiam.k12.or.us                                                                Phone: (503) 769-2171

 

Course Overview: Physics is much more than its content (moving objects, waves, light, sound, heat, magnetism, and electricity).  Physics is a powerful way of investigating and understanding the universe, which has a huge impact on our culture.  The core belief of physics is that very careful study of the physical evidence will lead us to identify understandable patterns. This approach is especially useful in fields such as business, journalism & communications, health occupations, law & criminal justice, science & natural resources, and technology.

 

Course Content/Goals: See Attached Calendar 

 

Student Materials Required:

§         Scientific Calculator

§         Writing Utensil and Paper

§         Ruler with metric rulings (a short one is fine)

 

Course Curricular Resources:

§         Textbooks: Glencoe: Physics: Principles and Problems. (2002). Glencoe/McGraw Hill. (Replacement Cost is  $81.00)

§         Videos and Guest Speakers (TBA) All materials will be approved by the district. If materials are sensitive a note will be sent home to parents and an alternate assignment can be assigned.

 

Assessment:

§         Final Grades are given according to the scale outlined in the SHS Handbook.

§         Grading in this class will be done on a point basis.  We don't use a "curve", and it is possible for everyone in the class to get an A if they meet the standards for high proficiency.

§         It is your responsibility to keep track of your grade. If you have a question of concern about your grade, you must make an appointment with me after class, during lunch, or before/after school.

DO NOT ASK ME ABOUT YOUR GRADE DURING CLASS TIME.

 

§         Course Breakdown for grades will closely follow

Course Component

% of Grade

Participation  (100 pts/quarter)

10%

Homework, In-Class Assignments

15%

Labs

20%

Projects

25%

Tests, Quizzes

30%

 

 

Assignments/Make-Up Work:

§         Turn in all assignment on the day that they are due. Partial credit is better than none at all.

§         Tests/Quizzes (30%): Calculators and approved handouts may be used on some exams. Be prepared, bring these materials to class because they will not be provided for you. 

MAKE-UP WORK: Tests/Quizzes must be scheduled with the teacher within one week of an excused absence and will be done outside of class time.

§         Homework, In-Class Assignments (15%): Make your work easy to read and leave obvious clues about the thought process you used.  I’m more interested in your thought process than the perfect answer.   It's OK to not have an answer as long as you record the possible ideas that you tried.  A blank is not OK.

§         MAKE-UP WORK: It is your responsibility to get the work that you missed.

 

 

§         Labs (20%): There are several lab assignments in this class. Each student is expected to be in class during laboratory work, and to be safe.

MAKE-UP WORK: LAB MAKE UP CAN ONLY BE DONE BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL AND WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THE MISSED WORK. It is recommended that the absent student bring a lab partner who did not miss the class for help.

§         Projects (25%): Projects may need to be typed and the extended labs may require some outside class time to complete. It is expected that the student will make arrangements to complete all projects and extended labs on time despite if an absence is excused. You MUST make arrangement to get the assignment to me, if you are ill or cannot attend school you must have a friend, parent, or electronically submit the assignment before the time of the class period that you attend. NO EXCEPTIONS!

§         Participation (10%): Because labs and other hands - on activities are a major part of this class, attendance and participation in class are very important. A significant percentage of your grade is based on participation such as projects, daily assignments, and attendance.

§         Students excused for school-sponsored activities will be expected to complete work BEFORE the absence for the activity. To all those involved in athletics, extra-curricular clubs, and choir or band: Your schedules are especially demanding but missed assignments or late work will not be excused. Be responsible. Plan ahead.

 

Attendance/Tardies:

§         This is a laboratory and activity based class, therefore it is imperative that you attend class regularly and arrive promptly.

§         If you are absent, you are expected to make up the missed assignments! It is your responsibility to schedule make - up work.

§         Tardies are disruptive to class.  See SHS Handbook for school policy. A student is tardy when he or she is not seated and ready to work when the bell rings. 

§         Late Work: Labs and other projects will be marked down 10% for each day the assignment is late, up to 5 days.  After this, the lab or project may be turned in at any time for a maximum of 50% credit.

 

Specific Class Rules/Behavior Expectations:

§         The rules for this class are very simple. Respect yourselves, your classmates, your instructor and the classroom itself.

Be Responsible

§         Come prepared to actively learn. Bring appropriate materials and take bathroom breaks BEFORE class. (Classes are only 50 minutes long it is crucial that you attend every minute) 

§         Cheating will not be tolerated, each student is responsible for his/her own work and it will be dealt with according to current SHS policies. There are no exceptions to this rule, and a failing grade could be given to the offending student(s).

§         Stay on task: Never assume you have "free time." You should be doing the assigned science work at all times. See instructor if you have everything completed.

Be SAFE

§         Follow Instructions: Whether written or verbal, do as directed. This is to ensure the safety of every student in the classroom. I’m very serious about safety in the lab. I will teach you the techniques of safe use of the equipment and expect you to follow them without exception.

§         DISCPLINARY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN FOR ANY STUDENT WHO IS SEEN IN DIRECT DEFIANCE OF ANY SAFETY INSTRUCTION GIVEN IN CLASS!

Be Respectful

§         Please do not engage in disruptive behavior (talking, moving around the classroom, etc…) while I am talking.

§         I absolutely insist that my students show a positive attitude of respect and support toward all other people. Classroom discussion will be an important part of this class- raise your hand to participate and listen quietly to your classmates as they make a statement or ask a question.

§         Use polite, adult speech.  ‘Put-downs’ or other degrading comments are not allowed.  Remember to respect yourselves and your classmates.

§         Leave all food and drink (except water) outside the classroom.  Turn off all communication and music devices at the door.  Keep them turned off and out of sight or I will take them for the remainder of the class period.

§         The teacher dismisses the class not the bell.

 

 

 

Career Related Learning Standards:

Personal management, problem solving, communication, teamwork, cooperation, career choices and skills will be addressed in this class.

 

CIM WORK SAMPLES AVAILABLE IN THIS CLASS:

§         A Science Inquiry Work Sample can be provided, a conference should be held early with the teacher to make arrangements.

 

Office hours: 

I am available 4th period (10:50 – 11:40). I am also available from 7:30-8:00 a.m. or after school from 3:00 - 4:00 PM. You can reach all staff via the school website at www.staytonhigh.com, all emails will be returned within 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHS encourages parental involvement and comments.  For that reason, I’m requiring that my student take this home and have it signed by a parent or guardian.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 769-2171.

 

We have 1.) read,  2.) discussed, and  3.) understand the above material and the corresponding section in the SHS Handbook:

 

Parent signature: _______________________________   E-mail (optional): ____________________

 

 

Student signature: _____________________________     E-mail (optional): ____________________

 

Unit

Topic

Approx. Class Periods

Introduction

 

5

 

Safety

 

 

Graphing

 

 

Lab Reports

 

 

                                    Unit Analysis

 

Mechanics

 

50

 

Linear Motion

 

 

Vectors

 

 

Force

 

 

                Motion in Two Dimension

 

 

                                Newton’s Laws

 

 

                                                Inertia

 

 

Kinematics

 

 

Projectile Motion

 

 

Momentum/Impulse

 

Energy

 

40

 

Work

 

 

Power

 

 

Kinetic/Potential

 

 

Pendulums

 

 

 

 

Machines

 

5

 

Simple

 

Rotational Mechanics

 

10

 

Rotation vs. Revolution

 

 

Forces

 

Waves

 

45

 

Energy Transfer

 

 

Sounds

 

 

Doppler Effect

 

 

Light

 

 

Optics

 

Electricity

 

30

 

Electric Potential