Course Expectations - CP1 Physics

Course Expectations - CP1 Physics

Course:4406 Physics (CP1)

Instructor: Dr. Jacalyn Crowe

Office: 304

PhoneExtension: 69330

email:

Course Site: TBA (new website under development)

Texts:

Holt McDougal Physicsby Serway and Faughn (2012)

Workbook Physics-Mechanics by C.A. Abbot and J.A. Crowe, Ball Square Press, Somerville, MA, 2005.

Course Prerequisite: Algebra 2

General Goals and Objectives: Physics is the most basic of sciences. It deals with the behavior and structure of matter and energy. Physics relies heavily on measurement and mathematics. The overall goal of this course is to expose students to the basic content and processes of physics. This course will include central concepts, laws, principles, and basic factual material and vocabulary in the following general areas: mechanics, electricity, and optics.

Physics requires both conceptual and quantitative understanding. Therefore, emphasis will be placed on the connection between mathematical representations and the actual behavior of physical systems. The principle aim of all sciences, including physics, is generally considered to be the search for order in our observations of the world around us. Observation and careful experimentation are critical to this process, and will be central to our coursework. Students will be required to think critically to assess the reasonableness of results, both in problem solving and laboratory work.

Course Content:

1-D and 2-D kinematics

Vectors

Newton's Laws of Motion

Friction and two-body dynamics

Circular motion

Gravitation

Momentum

Work, Energy and Power

Electrostatics

Electric circuits

Simple harmonic motion, waves and sound

Geometric optics

Student Responsibilities:

Students are expected at all times to abide by the Lexington High School Honor Code, a copy of which may be found on page 89 of the Student/Parent Handbook. It is your responsibility to respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher. This includes but is not limited to: Taking adequate notes, participating in classroom discussions, raising your hand to ask or answer a question, turning in assignments on time, seeking the extra help you need outside of class and, of course, prompt attendance.

Attendance and punctuality are essential to success in this course. Absences and tardies will be dealt with in accordance to the Lexington High School Attendance Policy. If you do come in late please leave your pass on my desk in the front of the class and talk to me briefly at the end of the block. If the late bell has rung and you are not ready to start class, you are late. If you have an excused absence you will have the number of days absent to make up any missed work. In all cases speak to me to verify that you have the correct assignments.

Evaluating Student Achievement:

What you have learned will be assessed in three primary ways: Homework, Labs, and Tests & Quizzes. Your final grade for the course will be determined using the following guidelines:

Quarter 1: 25%

Quarter 2: 25%

Quarter 3: 25%

Quarter 4: 15%

Final Exam: 10%

The grading breakdown for each quarter will be the following:

Tests & Quizzes: 60%

Labs: 15%

Homework: 15%

Punctuality and Participation: 10%

Quizzes and Unit Tests:

Tests and Quizzes are designed as an opportunity for you to find out how much you have learned. They are not designed to see if you have memorized every word or formula from class or program a calculator. Tests are based on a whole unit of material and should require some study/review. Quizzes are more frequent and are based on the skills you learn in class and practice as homework.

Quarterly Cumulative Examinations:

At the end of each quarter there will be a cumulative quarterly examination. This exam will assess your understanding of all of the material learned during that quarter. Your score on this examination may be used to replace a lower test score from that quarter.

Laboratory Work:

Labs are designed to give you practical understanding of the concepts and formulae presented in class. The real world application of Physics principles can be the most useful and fascinating part of this class. This work will usually involve groups and those groups will change as we move through the year.

Homework:

Homework is designed to give you practice with the concepts we learn in class and is vital for a lasting understanding of Physics. Don’t let these problem sets bog you down but work through each of them asking yourself at each step if you understand why you are doing it. Just plugging numbers into a formula will not help you understand the material. Instead always try to understand what kind of an answer you will get before you begin.

Punctuality and Participation:

This grade will be determined based on your active participation in the classroom and your ability to arrive to class on time on a regular basis.

Assistance:

If you ever have additional questions please ask. I am available most days during my free periods and after school. If you find me I may be able to talk with you. If you make an appointment, I will certainly be able to help you.

Late Work and Makeup Tests:

Late Homework (not makeup from an excused absence) will not be accepted for credit. Late lab reports or other longer term assignments will drop a letter grade for each school day it is late.

If you have an excused absence on the day of a test (emergency) talk to me as soon as you return to schedule an after school makeup. If you have a family vacation or other planned absence on a test day tell me well in advance so you can take the test before you leave.

Again if there are any questions please let me know. Some of this information may be subject to changes if that will benefit our learning experience.

Have a great year.