Physics I - Whitney High School



Physics I

2013 – 2014

Course Syllabus

Mr. Hanna

jhanna@rocklin.k12.ca.us

(916) 632-6500 x6665

Tutorial Hours: 7:15-7:45 AM

Intervention

2:45-3:15 PM

Mrs. Johnson

ecrivelli@rocklin.k12.ca.us

(916) 632-6500

Tutorial Hours: 7:15-7:45 AM

Intervention

2:45-3:15 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Physics is the science that explores how the universe works. It is the most fundamental science and covers a huge range of topics. Some of the topics we will explore include motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and modern physics. Though these areas of study appear to be separate topics, you will soon discover that they are all connected to each other.

The course is based around hands-on investigations and solving problems. Class activities will center on developing your critical thinking skills. My goal is that you will leave the class encouraged to experience and discover the physics going on around you every day.

Students successfully completing physics with a grade of A, B or C will satisfy the laboratory science admission requirement (d) for the University of California and California State University systems.

TEXTBOOK

Conceptual Physics, Paul Hewitt

MATERIALS

The students are required to have the following for class:

• 3 Ring binder or File Folder (can be odd/even binder, does not have to be specifically for this class)

• Spiral bound or composition notebook for physics notes

• Pencils and pens (blue or black ink only)

• Colored pens or pencils for self-correction (not blue or black)

• College-Ruled Paper and Graph Paper

• Scientific calculator (*min requirements: scientific notation and trig functions. Cell phones, PDAs, etc are not calculators)

CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

Below are specific rules that apply to this class, though proper behavior is not limited to just these rules. You are expected to be respectful to the instructor, school staff and your classmates. You are also expected to follow the school rules and to comply when directed by the instructor. Consequences for not meeting expectations can consist of a warning, parent contact, referral to a counselor or an administrator depending on frequency and/or the severity of the offence.

• Be in your assigned seat with all required materials before the bell rings.

• Take care of personal needs outside of class (e.g. eating/drinking, using the restroom, grooming).

• Keep electronic devices off and out of sight unless prompted by teacher.

• Stay focused on your Physics work during class.

• Speak when given permission, using respectful language.

• Leave the classroom facilities and equipment in better condition than when you arrived.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Essential skills follow the California State Standards (see ). All students must demonstrate mastery of the Essential Skills and Concepts for Physics I in order to pass the class. Students will be offered several opportunities to demonstrate mastery of Essential Skills.

GRADING

In order to pass Physics I you must earn at least 70% of the possible points and demonstrate mastery of all essential skills and concepts. Class grades are based on a weighted point system.

• The Semester grade is determined as follows:

o 80% - Tests and Quizzes

o 20% - Classwork & Homework

**Please note that it is possible to show mastery of all Essential Skills and earn less than 70% of the total points and still earn a grade of No Credit (NC). A grade of NC means you must retake the class.

TESTS

A test will be given at the end of each unit (approximately every 2-3 weeks). If you plan to be absent on the day of a test, you need to give prior notification so that a make-up test can be scheduled. If you are absent the day of the test, the student needs to be prepared to take the make-up test on the day of his return unless prior arrangements were made. Tests which are not taken will receive a “NM” in the gradebook.

CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK

Classwork will consist of performing lab investigations, taking notes and practice assignments. Homework may consist of textbook reading notes and practice assignments (some of which may be online based). You should expect homework to be assigned every day and due at the beginning of the next class. Assignments will be posted in class. In order to receive full credit on an assignment, the work must be complete and on-time.

You are required to keep all of your assignments organized in some fashion. Your grade will be based on completion of your work. Work will generally be graded on a 2 point scale: 2 points if complete, 1 point if at least half done, 0 points if not completed. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Notes are to be taken in your physics notebook. There will be periodic notebook checks to ensure participation.

ABSENCES

If you are absent from school, you are required to make up any work that you missed. You are responsible to obtain class notes from a fellow classmate and complete all work for the days you are absent. It is your responsibility to take care of the above items. I will not remind you, nor will I do it for you.

EXTENDED LUNCH STAMP

In order to receive an extended lunch stamp in their planner students must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• completion of homework for that class period

• must be currently passing all Essential Skills

• a 70% grade, or better, in the class

TARDY POLICY

You are required to be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings. If you do not meet these criteria, you are considered tardy. Tardiness will only be excused with official school passes or direct notification from a WHS staff member, no exceptions.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Plagiarism is defined as the false presentation of another person's work as your own. This can include copying homework, communicating during exams and providing information about exams to students who have not yet taken the exam. Many group assignments contain individual components which must be unique and represent your own work. Plagiarizing/copying assignments from lab partners is not acceptable. I will strictly enforce the integrity policy of Whitney High School. Please see your student handbook to review this policy.

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Grading Scale**

A 90-100%

B 80-89%

C 70-79%

NC 69% or lower

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