Ms.Amboji’s 2012-2013 Physics I Class Syllabus
Mary Amboji, High Rise Room 605
832-484-4254
http://classroom.kleinisd.net/webs/mamboji1/
"If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been due to patient attention, than to any other talent."- Sir Isaac Newton. It is through diligence you will master physics.
Materials: All materials should be brought to class daily. You should also keep your textbook on campus, NOT AT HOME. It will be used in class.
1. Textbook (Conceptual Physics)
2. A spiral-bound notebook for this class only.
3. Something to write with – NEATLY
I will provide calculators in the classroom, but you may use your own calculator in class (except for tests).
Course Topics:
Fall Semester:
· The Science of Physics & Measurement
· Motion in One Dimension
· Motion Vectors
· Motion in Two Dimensions
· Dynamics
· Circular Motion & Gravitation
· Work, Power & Energy
· Momentum
Spring Semester:
· Thermal Physics
· Waves & Sound
· Electromagnetic Waves
· Reflection & Mirrors
· Refraction & Lenses
· Electrostatics
· Current Electricity & Circuits
· Electromagnetism
· Modern Physics
My website will have class information and the assignment calendar. I will also periodically post documents that you can access at home. Not all assignments will be posted to the webpage.
Class Rules: In addition to adhering to those regulations in the 2012-2013 KISD Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct, students will be responsible for the following rules:
1. Be prepared. Bring all materials to class daily and have everything ready before class begins.
2. Stay in your assigned seat; don’t walk around in class without first asking permission. The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does.
3. Be respectful. I expect you to exhibit courtesy and respect toward all teachers, peers and school property at all times. This includes not being disruptive to other student’s work and learning.
You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all Laboratory Safety Rules, which will be covered in class.
If you CHOOSE to break a rule: The district’s policies on discipline are listed in the KISD Student Handbook. Some behaviors will warrant an immediate Disciplinary Referral, but in general, violations of the basic rules will be dealt with as follows:
1st incident - Verbal warning
2nd incident - Second warning, individual conference & parent contact
3rd incident - Referral to assistant principal
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices of any kind (including, but not limited to, iPods, cell phones, and MP3 players) is prohibited in the classroom. Having a device out or using one during school hours will result in its immediate confiscation. Your device can be retrieved by a parent and the payment of a $15 fine at your principal’s office. Please see the KISD Student Handbook for further details.
Tardies and Late Arrivals: If you are not in the classroom and ready to work when the bell rings, a pass will be required for entry. You obtain tardy passes from the “Tardy Center,” located downstairs in the fist floor of the high rise.
Attendance and Make Up Work: I f you are absent for anything other than a school-sanctioned activity, you MUST come to class with a blue admission slip from attendance. If you do not have it, you will be required to go to attendance to get one and take a tardy. You have as many days as you were absent to make up any missed work. It is YOUR responsibility to inquire about any missed work or assessments, regardless of the reason for your absence. If you miss a test, you must schedule a time to make it up upon your return. You will receive a zero for any work you do not make up. An unexcused absence voids all make-up privileges. If you are going to be out for school related activities, I expect you to request work before you leave.
Grading: Each six weeks will be based on the following split:
· Tests and major projects 60%
· Labs; quizzes; class work & homework 40%
Assignments: Class work & homework is given to strengthen and enhance your understanding of course material Homework (and daily work taken home to complete) is due at the beginning of class, but can ALWAYS be turned in later for partial credit (until the cutoff date for each six weeks). The amount of partial credit is based upon whether the assignment has been graded/returned.
· Assignments turned in late, but before the unit is tested: lose 30% (max score is 70%)
· Assignments turned in after the unit is tested: lose 50% (max score is 50%)
Tests and Quizzes: Quizzes can (and will) be given at any time, and don’t have to be announced. Be prepared! Bring your notebook every day and pay attention in class, and you will be successful. Tests will be given on Mondays and Wednesdays unless special circumstances arise, and I will notify you about a week in advance of each test.
Second-Chance Testing is available for any test or major grade for which you earn less than a 70%. To qualify, you must not have any missing assignments for the unit being tested, and you must complete an alternate assignment. The Second Chance Test will be given before or after school during the determined testing window, and may be administered by another Physics teacher.
Academic Dishonesty: If you are involved in an academic dishonesty (cheating) incident, you will receive a zero for the work and are subject to a P or U in conduct. You will also be referred to the assistant principal for possible disciplinary action. Please note that talking or using an electronic device during a test or quiz is considered academic dishonesty, and will result in the above consequences. Please see the KISD Student Handbook (pg. 57) for further information.