INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Mr. Scott G. Shoaf Email:
School Phone: 980-343-5800 For more contact information see the class wiki.
After School Tutoring: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2:20 -3:20
Email is the most efficient way to contact me. Thank you.
Course Objectives: (as given by the College Board)
· Read, understand, and interpret physical information.
· Describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical phenomenon or problem.
· Use basic mathematical reasoning in a physical situation or problem.
· Perform experiments, interpret the results of observations, and communicate results, including uncertainty assessment.
CLASS WIKI
Information for parents & students can be found at www.myersparkphysics.cmswiki.wikispaces.net . Upcoming due dates, guided notes, class assignments, and online help can be found on the class wiki.
Remind
Students should and parents can get text reminders for class by signing up through Remind. Send the text @ap1-2017 to 81010.
Textbooks
We will be utilizing two textbooks in AP Physics 1. The “College Physics” textbook you will take home and use as a resource there. We will also use an online textbook called “Essential Physics”. These books are available online at http://www.essential-physics.com/NC/sbook or just google essential physics.
Student Access Code: 6220232844
Grading Policy
Formal Assessments 70% Informal Assessment 30%
Test (5) Informal Lab (3)
Formal Lab (3) Homework and class work (1)
Quiz (1)
A formal assessment is a test, quiz, project, or formal lab. An informal assessment is homework, class work, and informal labs. In each category the assignments will be weighted differently.
Grading scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F below 60
Course Topics
Kinematics in 1-D
Kinematics in 2-D
Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion
Work, Power, and Energy
Linear Momentum
Circular Motion and Gravitation
Rotational Motion
Oscillations and Simple Harmonic Motion
Mechanical Waves and Sound
Electric Charge and Circuits
Tests & Quizzes
There will be a test at the end of each unit. Test dates will be announced and posted on the class wiki at least seven calendar days before the test. Tests will be formatted to mimic the AP test; there will be multiple-choice and free response questions. Some questions will be based on lab experiments. Quizzes may be dispersed throughout the unit. The Midterm Exam will be between January 12-20, 2018.
Homework
These assignments will be on handouts, online (only online homework assignments will be graded), and students will need internet access to obtain the work and turn in your answers. You DO NOT, however, need to be on a computer to work on the assignment, nor do you need to answer the questions in order or all at once.
Homework is an extension of the class lesson and is vital to successfully mastering advanced physics material. You need to work on problem sets every evening, not just the day before it is due. At least one class period per unit will be devoted to homework discussion. On those days you will work in small groups to write a comprehensive solution to an assigned problem. Since you will have different values for your variables you will have to demonstrate your ability to work with variables. These solutions will then be presented to the class as a whole to help others with their homework. On these days I will provide some feedback on your solutions, but you should be prepared to work with each other to develop solutions on your own.
UT Homework Information
Getting Started
a) Log on to the following address
http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student/ or go to the class wiki and use the provided link.
b) Get your UTEID by following the instructions at the given link. Then log back in to the system.
c) When you view "My Courses", if you don't see any courses listed, click "Enroll in new course".
Obtain the unique number for your class from your instructor and enter this when prompted. Your instructor will be notified that you want to register, and you will see a status message indicating that your enrollment is pending.
Your number is 10817
d) Viewing and submitting your assignment
Choose My Courses to view your course listings, and then choose a course to see the assignments associated with that course. Click on an individual assignment to see problems and a form to submit your answers. Problems have many different variations, so your assignment will be different from another student in your class. All assignments have due dates and your instructor has the option of displaying a solution after the due date has passed.
Information on how to choose and enter answers along with a scoring sheet is located on the class wiki.
Laboratory
Lab experiments will be conducted throughout the year. Most labs will take 45-180 minutes to complete. Thus at least 25% of instructional time is devoted to lab.
Labs begin with a presentation of a question or problem. A class discussion then takes place during which students develop hypotheses. Students then form groups and create procedures to test their hypotheses. At this point, groups proceed to the laboratory and are able to carry out their procedures and collect data. Next students analyze their data and form conclusions. Each student will generate their own original lab report for each lab experiment.
Lab Reports
A lab report must be written for each lab. Some reports must be typed and should follow the format of the Formal Lab Report Format. Reports will be kept in a neat, organized, lab notebook.
Absences
In the event a student is absent, it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to find out about and turn in any assignments missed – I will not remind you. You have five days from the date you return to school to turn in make-up work. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn in the assignment on the day you return. If you miss a lab, test, or quiz due to an excused absence, you must complete and submit a test/quiz make up form 24 hours before your planned make up day. Students will not be allowed to make up work during class time.
AP Test
Students will be expected to take the AP Physics test which is scheduled for May TBA, 2017.
Class Materials
These items must be brought with you to class every day:
· Folder or binder with paper
· Pencil and colored pencils
· Scientific calculator
· 4 X 4 quadrille (grid) notebook for lab write reports
Grade Updates
Parents can view their child’s grades at any time on the Power School Module. If you are unable to access this program, please feel free to contact me at any time.
HAVING TROUBLE AND NEED HELP?
1. Try reading the section in your textbook that corresponds to the material being covered in class.
2. Go to the class wiki and link to the online review for topic that corresponds with the material being covered in class.
3. Come to tutoring afterschool on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday of each week or make an appointment.
If you have tried these three things and are still having difficulty, please see me as soon as possible to explore other alternatives.
Behavioral Objectives
I expect you to adhere to the following rules while in our classroom:
· Be on time: in your seat and ready when the bell rings
· Be prepared: have necessary supplies and completed assignments
· Be respectful: raise your hand to speak and listen when others speak
· Be attentive: listen and follow directions the first time
· Be honest: follow the school’s academic honesty code
· Be safe: always follow all lab safety rules and directions
Students who do not follow the safety rules in the lab will be removed from the lab and will receive a zero for the activity. If you cause an unsafe situation for yourself or others, further consequences may also result.
If you break a piece of lab equipment out of carelessness, or because you were not following directions, you will be held responsible for that equipment.
AP Physics 1
Name: ______Block: _____
Course Guidelines / Grading Policy:
My signature below indicates that I have been provided with a copy of the course syllabus for AP physics. My teacher has reviewed these policies with me and I understand what is expected of me to be successful in this course. I also understand how my grade for this course will be determined. I agree to abide by these rules and guidelines.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
To the Parent / Guardian:
It is important that you are also familiar with these guidelines given to your child for use in the science classroom. Please review these policies carefully with your student and sign the statement below.
I have read the guidelines on course expectations and grading that were provided to my child. I have read and understand the steps my child should take if they are having trouble. I understand these guidelines and will support their use in ensuring my child’s success in AP physics class this year.
Parent Name: ______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
Place a check in the box and write your email address on the line below if you would consider
PROCTORING EXAMS at Myers Park High School in January or June. Thanks!
______