Chandler High School – Physics
Instructor: Kirticia Jarrett E-mail:
Course Description: This is a lab-oriented course that studies energy in its many forms. Topics include mechanics, electricity, waves, and light.
Modeling Instruction: You are going to be a part of an exciting research-based approach to learning called Modeling Instruction in Physics. In this approach, tested and shown very effective by physics teachers throughout the nation, you will be confronted with a series of situations in which you will decide what factors might be related, how you can go about measuring them, then collect the data. You will learn how to use a computer to help you graphically analyze the data and you will learn how to clearly describe the relationships you found, using a variety of representations. You will then go on to explore how the relationships you discovered can be applied to a wide variety of new situations. So, in this approach, you will derive from your experiments most of the equations you will use in physics. Equations are not the means of understanding physics, but the result.
Methods of Assessment: Each Quarter grade will be calculated as follows:
Labs: 35% Homework/Classwork: 15% Tests and Quizzes: 50%
At the end of the semester grades will be calculated as follows:
Qtr 1: 40% Qtr 2: 40% Final: 20%
Labs: Almost everything you learn this year in physics is based on the results of your experiments. We will begin most units with a paradigm lab. In your lab group you will develop your procedure and then run your experiment collecting data and developing model for the phenomenon. You will receive two grades for the lab: a notebook grade and a report grade. Some lab activities will only be assessed in the lab notebook.
Lab Notebooks: It is good scientific practice to keep up notes for personal reflection during all phases of the lab. Including pre-lab notes, data collection, and post-lab notes.
Labs Reports: It is also good scientific practice to create a formal lab report. Every student is responsible for his or her own lab report. The lab reports should be typed should be the student’s own work.
Homework/Classwork: We will regularly have homework and classwork worksheets. After working through the problems on your own we will then meet in groups of 2-3 students to whiteboard and present problems. You will receive 5 points for completing the assignment on time. Then you will make corrections during and after whiteboarding and turn in worksheets and homework on the day of the unit test. At this time you will receive 10 points per worksheet for correct work on your homework.
Quizzes: Throughout each unit we will have one or two quizzes, some will be announced and others will not.
Tests: We will have a test at the end of every unit.
Final Exam: There will be a final exam at the end of each semester. See the attendance policy for details about exemptions.
Required Materials:
Ø A three clip folder with loose leaf paper or composition notebook, to use for a lab notebook.
Ø Scientific Calculator (should have sin, cos and tan), preferably a graphing calculator.
Ø Other normal classroom materials: pens, pencils, paper, student planner
Tardies:
Administration and Security will be sweeping students who are not in class on time.
If you are ‘caught in the sweep’ and you missed a quiz or a test:
· You must make up the quiz/test after school the same day in Ms. Jarrett’s classroom or your test grade will result in a zero. You must show up to Room 718 right at the end of the school day to take the quiz/test.
If you are ‘caught in the sweep’ and an assignment or lab is given or checked in:
· You must make live contact with Ms. Jarrett (an email or note does not count) the day you are swept to find out the given assignment and to check in the assignment from the previous class.
You must show up to Room 718 right at the end of the school day to get/check in/ turn in assignments and make arrangements for a time to make up the lab.
· It is your responsibility to check with a classmate and get all relevant notes, examples, and/or homework corrections from the day you missed before the next class.
*These above procedures if you are caught in a sweep also apply for days spent in ISD, evening school, or if you are going on a field trip.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
*If you have an unexcused absence and an assignment is due, you will not get credit for any assignment due that day.
*If you have an unexcused absence, and a homework quiz, quiz or test is scheduled that day, you will receive a zero.
ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
If you have no more than 4 absences (excused or unexcused) with a grade of 75% or better in the class, you may opt out of taking the final exam. 1 sweep = 1 absence and School Sponsored events are not counted as an absence for this incentive.
All students must be present for the final exam, even if the student is exempt from taking it. If you are not present for the final exam, you will lose your exemption status.
Getting Help:
Ø The science learning center is available Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 603.
Ø My office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 2:15-3:15 in room #718. Please let me know if you plan to come in even during office hours as sometimes I have meetings scheduled during my office hours.
Please return this page to school. By signing this page you are agreeing that you have read and understand the syllabus.
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