SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL



PHYSICS P

COURSE SYLLABUS

2011 - 2012

Instructor: Ms. Reardon Location: S - 101

mreardon@

(310) 395 - 3204 Ext. 71121

Website:

Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s leading theoretical physicists, once said,

“My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the

universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

Welcome to physics class! We too will strive for an understanding of how the universe works as we explore the world around us. I have very high expectations of all of you, both academically and personally. Each day when you enter the classroom you must be prepared to think and ask questions. Together we can make this a course you will never forget.

Course Outline

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Graphical Analysis of Motion Electricity & Magnetism

1D Motion Waves and Sound

Projectile Motion Optics

Forces and Newton’s Laws Simple Harmonic Motion

Conservation of Energy & Momentum Circular Motion

Class Materials

Notebook: A three ring binder accommodates the large number of handouts the best, but a spiral notebook accompanied by a folder also works.

Calculator: Graphing or scientific – the one on your cell phone isn’t an option. There will be no sharing of calculators during a test so don’t forget to bring your own.

Textbook: Physics by Giancoli. Unless I tell you ahead of time, you do not need to bring this to class.

Writing Implements: Pens, pencils, and a colored pen or highlighter.

Class Rules

• Do not cheat. I will catch you and you will be sorry.

• Arrive to class on time and prepared.

• Observe the school’s electronic device policy.

• Do not eat any food that will attract mice or ants.

• Clean up after yourself.

Late Work Policy

Late assignments will receive a maximum score of 50%. Late assignments will only be accepted within one day of the due date.

“The most incomprehensible thing about the world

is that it is comprehensible." – Albert Einstein

Grading System

Grades will be calculated using total points. Every unit is worth 100 points and so is the semester exam. With six units each semester, the semester exam will count for approximately 14% of the semester grade.

Each unit grade will have the following scoring breakdown:

10 pts – Quiz #1

15 pts – Quiz #2

30 pts – HW and Labs

40 pts – Unit Test

5 pts – Citizenship

HW and Labs

Doing all of your assignments is the key to success in this course. I cannot stress this enough. At the start of each unit you begin with a 100% in this category – 30 points. This is your grade to keep or lose. Throughout the unit I will check the assignments due for completion and effort*. You will receive a deduction of -3 or -2 in my grade book for any assignment that is not completely done up to standards. This can turn into a -1 if the assignment is fixed promptly. At the end of the unit I will add up all the deducted points and reduce your grade of 30 by that amount. At the start of each unit I will provide you with a schedule that shows which assignment is due each day. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to show me any assignments I checked while you were gone.

* If you cannot figure out how to arrive at a given answer, come to S-101 to take advantages of the resources there. I am free to help you before school, during lunch, and after school. There is also a notebook that I keep for our class that has the solution to every problem assigned for you to use whenever you need it.

Quizzes and Tests

Quizzes are very straightforward assessments that take less than twenty minutes. The questions asked will be very similar to ones that you have seen in warm ups, labs, problem sets, and worksheets. Sometimes they will even be identical. They will help make sure that you are up to speed on your assignments, and they will help me to determine what students need additional help on certain topics. If you are absent the day of a quiz, it is your responsibility to make it up the day you return.

Tests are given at the end of each unit and are more challenging than quizzes. Tests must be completed within the class period unless a student is legally entitled to extended time. Again, if you are absent the day of a test, be prepared to take it the day you return.

A cumulative semester exam will conclude each semester.

Grading Scale

The minimum percentage for each letter grade is given below:

A+ 97

A 93

A- 90

B+ 87

B 83

B- 80

C+ 77

C 73

C- 70

D+ 67

D 63

D- 60

Class policies may be modified during the school year as needed.

I will inform the class if and when that becomes necessary.

“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right.”

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