Physics Syllabus

TEXT:  Holt Physics, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1999

DESCRIPTION:

This class will cover several different aspects of physics such as:  forces, motion, collisions, energy, gravity, heat, electricity, magnetism, sound and light.  All of these areas though different all have one thing in common, something is moving.

RATIONALE:

There are two basic reasons for studying physics.  First, it is the study of some of our attempts to understand our world and the universe.  Second, its applications have and continue to produce changes in our society.  Even if you do not enter in to a physics intensive field, you will have gained a deeper understanding of our ever-changing world.

SUGESTED MATERIALS:

• Three ring binder (at least 1≈ size) in which you will keep: class notes, assignments, and anything else done in class. √ it will be checked periodically.
• Lab  notebook as indicated by the teacher.
• Scientific calculator.

• Maintain a portfolio of work (in a separate 1in. binder) with one of the following from each quarter along with a reason for each assignment being selected:

• Reflection Paper
• Lab Summary
• Weekly Articles
• Daily Work Example
• Test

• Write an article summary each week over a current (within two months) article about the current topic in class.

• Use the EBSCO database to find the article.
• Article summaries will be e-mailed to me along with the address of the article.
• Articles summary must be at least 500 words in length, describe what the article was about and what importance it has.

• Write a research paper and give a presentation of the paper each semester.
• Requirements:
  
  • Cover page: name, date, class and topic
  • 4 pages of text: double spaced, 12 pt. Times font and standard margins, written in MLA format
    
  • Inventor and when invented
  • Major changes and advancements
  • How it works: the physics behind the machine
  • Future: what are some possible changes ahead
  • Bibliography
  • 4 sources minimum
  • At least 2 must be text
  • Timeline
  • 5 events minimun
  • Visual aid;
  • Power Point or Poster
  
  

• Semester test given at the end of each semester.
  

 GOALS:
The student will:

• Apply the steps of the scientific method.
• Communicate scientific data to others.
• Investigate and understand:

• the effects of forces on the motion of object.
• that gravity is an attractive force that exist between all object.
• electrical force exists between any two charged objects.
• total energy in the universe is constant and cannot be destroyed.
• the difference between kinetic and potential energy.
• the different types of heat transfer.
• that systems become more disordered over time.
• that all waves posses and transfer energy.
• that wavelength and frequency of waves are inversely related.
• that energy can change forms.
• electrical circuits and how different components change the system.

• Develop proficiency and safety in the use of laboratory equipment.
• Develop physics specific vocabulary and language skills.

• Keep their notebook up-dated, and papers out of the book.
• Come to class ready to work. (notebook, paper, pencil)
• Work together cooperatively in their group.
• Participate in labs and class discussions.
• Make good use of their study time, avoid procrastination.
• Do their best everyday; strive to reach the fullest potential.
• Formulate and ask questions.
• Participate in class everyday.
• Expect some difficulty.

• Test and quizzes:  Test will be given at the end of most chapters and quizzes will be given periodically.  Any test or quiz missed must be made up before or after school.

• Labs:  Many different labs will be done in this class and all students are expected to participate.  Any labs missed will be made up before or after school, or with a research paper.  The length of the paper will be determined by the teacher but will not be shorter than one page (typed, double spaced, 12pt font and 1in. margins)

• Daily work:  Daily work will consist of any homework, worksheets and any other assignments done in class.

• Projects:  This will consist of your portfolio, research paper and presentation, weekly article writings, and any other projects done in class.

• Class participation:  Each student will begin with 100 points.  Every time you are absent 6 points will be deducted from your grade.  Once all work indicated by the teacher is completed, points will be returned.  If the absence was due to a school activity or illness all points will be returned.  If the absence was for other reasons only five will be returned.  Points will also be deducted for not meeting class expectations and these cannot be regained. 

• L to J Quizzes: Quizzes will be given every week over random picked questions from a predetermined list.  Students will track their own scoring through out the semester and see their progress.  These quizzes are not counted as grades.
  

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