Course Syllabus
Honors Physics / CP Physics
2017-2018
Instructor: Mr. Ronald Richter
Course Description:
The major topics of study in this lab-oriented course are mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, thermodynamics, fluids, heat, wave motion, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism. Some topics in modern physics are considered at the end of the year. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of fundamental quantities and the principles, which are used to organize and comprehend physical events. Honors Physics will include more depth of material and mathematics with increased free response/open ended questions compared to CP Physics on major tests and lab reports.
Course Objectives:
Using chosen areas of Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics from the textbooks mentioned above, the course objective is to develop the student's abilities to; 1) Read, understand and interpret physical information. 2) Describe and explain the sequence of analysis of a particular physical phenomenon. 3) Use basic mathematical reasoning in a physical situation or problem. 4) Perform experiments and develop projects and interpret the results including assessment of experimental uncertainties.
Major Concepts:
Newtonian mechanics-motion in different dimensions, forces, circular motion, work and energy, momentum, equilibrium, nature of waves, sound
Fluid mechanics and thermal physics-fluids, temperature, heat, kinetic theory, thermodynamics
Electricity and magnetism-electric charge, electric field, electric potential, electric energy, electric circuits, magnetism, magnetic induction, Faraday's Law, AC Circuits
Waves and optics-electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, physical optics
Course Requirements and Expectations:
*Familiarize yourself with the Antonian Student Handbook’s expectations regarding student behavior and choices. These expectations will be upheld within the learning environment.
1. Students will be in their seat, in proper uniform, and prepared for class before the tardy bell rings. You will be marked tardy if this is not followed.
2. Students are expected to participate in all activities.
3. Students will speak and behave in a way that is respectful to the teacher, his/her classmates, and school property. You are to speak in complete sentences at all times. Behavior, which prevents any student from having an opportunity to learn and succeed, will not be tolerated.
4. The teacher releases the students, not the bell.
5. No food, drinks (except water), or gum allowed.
6. Students must follow all safety rules in the laboratory.
7. Cell phones, toys, make-up, music devices, etc. have no part in the instructional process unless specifically required by the teacher for a particular lesson. If seen, they will be confiscated and may be turned in to the front office.
8. Doing homework for any subject other than my class during the time allotted for classroom activities will not be tolerated. I will collect the work, deliver it to your teacher, and issue a detention.
9. Backpacks, purses, laptop cases, etc. are not allowed in the classroom. Please leave them outside of the classroom in the hallway as demonstrated by the teacher. (Also, please place your books, pens, etc., underneath your desk. If you have a pencil case, it is not to be placed anywhere other than the floor/under the desk. If it is on your desk or lap, it will be confiscated.)
Grading Policy:
55% Test/Major Assignments
35% Labs/Quizzes
10% Daily Work/Homework
Tests/Major Assignments –55 %
Tests are administered after each unit of material. Each test consists of these types of questions:
1. Multiple-choice questions
2. Free-response problems
3. Lab-based question: may include questions on labs done in class or questions on a lab that was not performed in class.
4. Problems
Labs and Quizzes–35 %
Labs: Most of the lab experiments are open-ended: The students are given an objective and a list of equipment.
The allotted time is for conducting the experiment and recording the pertinent data. Depending on the type of lab, the students may perform the data analysis and complete the lab report at school and/or home.
Quizzes: Quizzes may contain questions and/or problems from the homework, the reading assignments, and/or viewed videos recently covered.
**Journal Writing: You will be keeping a journal in the composition book over each unit covered throughout the year. The journal will be a K-W-L. At the beginning of the unit, you will write about what you think you know about the topic and what you want to learn about the topic. The day prior to your test, you will write about what you have learned. This will be collected the day before your test. This should be grammatically correct – grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Homework–10 %
This grade reflects in and out of class problem-solving exercises. Homework assignments are given as needed to help strengthen and clear misunderstandings.
* Grade Improvement:
For students who score less than a 60 on their exam, test corrections will be mandatory during tutoring hours for a modified grade up to a 60. Tutorials are necessary. Students will write out the question, write the answer they initially chose, and write the correct response explaining why that is the correct response. An oral retest may also be given. Corrections are due 2 days from the return of the test. Tutorials must be scheduled for completion.
* Late work:
Labs and Projects: 10 point off the 1st day
15 points off the 2nd day
20 points off the 3rd day
No credit after the 3rd day late
Daily: 10 points off the 1st day
No credit after the 1st day late
Note: If the material has already been checked and answers given out an alternative assignment from the teacher will be given.
Make Up Assignments
Students are allowed to make up homework and class-work on a 1:1 basis for excused absences. All long term assignments that have been given an advanced due date will still be due on the assigned date. In the case of an absence on a test day, students are expected to take the announced test on the day they return to school. Please see the Student Handbook for all other details regarding these policies.
Student Name______Class Period______
This page must be signed by you and your parents and returned to your teacher. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
After you have read the attached Syllabus document, please fill out, sign, and return this sheet in for your first daily grade. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your teacher by email at .
I have read and agree to follow the procedures and guidelines outlined in the Honors Physics Syllabus document.
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