Barren County High School
Course Syllabus
Course Title: Conceptual Physics
Instructor: Mr. Ken Cook
Contact Information: (270) 629-5505;
I am available at the following times:
Mornings 7:30 am – 8:00 am and afternoons 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm by appointment.
Planning Period – 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Class Supply List:
Three-ring binder or Folder with metal prongs
Notebook/Loose-leaf paper
Pencil or Pen (Blue or Black)
Colored Pencils
Inexpensive standard calculator **Note: I do not have calculators that you can borrow!!
Course Objective and/or Description:
Welcome to Conceptual Physics! This course focuses on concepts and applications of physics, including laboratory investigations, and the use of basic algebra skills. The students will gain an in depth understanding of the laws of physics that surround them. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts underlying the phenomena of motion, force, energy, matter, sound, electricity, magnetism, light and the atom. Conceptual Physics presents concepts of the major themes of physics. There are two ways that beginning students of physics can understand the topic: (a) through mathematical models, and (b) through concepts. This course takes the latter approach. Mathematical approaches will be used when they are deemed as guides to thinking. Basic algebra skills will be all that is required. The students will know the historical origins and evolution of the laws of motion and energy. Especially important are the historical figures of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Joule, and Faraday.
Writing Component:
This course will require students to take notes, respond to Constructed Response questions and respond to On Demand prompts. Students will also engage in real world writing experiences.
Classroom Rules:
Rule #1 Be Respectful
Rule #2 Be Prompt
Rule #3 Be Prepared
Consequences:
Verbal Warning
Teacher /Student Conferences
Parent Contact
Office Referral
Grading Policy:
A total point system will be used for calculating grades. There will be approximately 600 points available per nine-week grading period. Students who accumulate 90% or more of the total points possible will receive an A; 80-89% of possible points will receive a B; 70-79% will receive a C; 60-69% will receive a D, and below 60% will receive a failing grade. You will be able to earn points in the following areas:
Quizzes/tests
Lab activities and reports
Daily work/homework
Projects
Writing assignments
Binder checks
Cheating Policy:
Any student found to be cheating on any course work will receive a 0% for the course work in question. Any student allowing another student to cheat will also receive a 0% for the course work in question.
*Note: Assignments and Grade Values are subject to change per teacher.
**NOTE: Late assignments will be accepted only in the event of an excused absence from class.
Make Up Work Policy: Students will have the same number of days to arrange for make up work as they miss per excused incident, which also includes all school related absences.
Example: Student who misses two excused days for sickness; will have two days to arrange for make up work.
Semester Test Policy: All students will be required to take end of semester exam. This will be calculated as 15% of your final grade.
Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty Policy: Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be his/her own effort. Students must give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas or interpretations taken from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage after having changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also plagiarism. Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade in that portion of the course work. Acts of academic dishonesty will be reported to the administration.
Student Name (Please print): ______
Date: ______Class/Period: ______
: This is an introductory course that will focus on Chemistry, Physics, and Space Sc topics.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.