BeechwoodHigh School

Physics Course Syllabus 2016/2017

Mr. Clark

(859) 331-1220 ext: 6309

Course Title

/

Physics

Department

/

Science

Course Goal

/ Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts in physics through a variety of related topics by using an inquiry approach to experimenting, solving problems, and answering questions.

Textbook

/ Holt Physics by Serway and Faughn

Required Supplies

/ Scientific calculator, 3-ring binder with paper, graph paper, pencil

Grading Proportions:

Description /

% of Final Grade

Written Tests / 75

Non-Test Assignments

(labs, homework, quizzes, etc) / 25

The grading ranges are the standard for Beechwood High School:

A: 92 – 100; B: 84 – 91; C: 76 – 83; D: 70 – 75; F: below 70

Class Rules and Policies:

  • The Golden Rule: I expect all students in my class to be prompt, prepared, and polite.
  • Discipline will be handled as follows:
  • 1st offense: warning
  • 2ndoffense: notification of parents/in-room detention
  • 3rdoffense: office referral
  • Serious conduct issues may bypass some or all of these steps
  • Make-up work will only be allowed in the event of an excused absence.
  • If you are absent, it is your responsibility to meet with me to discuss make-up work.
  • You will have three days per day of excused absence in which to complete make-up work unless another arrangement is agreed upon. After this time, a zero will be recorded for missed work. However, this rule does not apply to long-term projects, labs, etc.
  • Due Dates are absolute. Late work (excluding homework) may be turned in, but a deduction will be applied for late work as follows:
  • 1st Day Late: 20% Deduction
  • 2nd Day Late: 50% Deduction
  • More than 2 days late: no credit
  • Assignments and Due Dates will be posted on the boardat the front of the room.
  • Homework will be assigned daily.
  • Labs are done with partners, but lab reports are not. Each student is responsible for writing their own lab report.

Content Scope and Sequence:

1st Nine Weeks

  • Unit One: How Things Move (Kinematics)
  • Philosophical Underpinnings of Physics
  • Scientific Measurement and the Scientific Method
  • Motion in one dimension
  • Vectors
  • Two-dimensional Motion

2nd Nine Weeks

  • Unit Two: Why Things Move (Dynamics)
  • Forces and Statics
  • Work and Energy
  • Momentum and Collisions
  • Rotational Motion and Gravity

3rd Nine Weeks

  • Unit Three: Electricity and Magnetism
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrostatics
  • Current and Resistance
  • Circuits
  • Magnetism
  • Unit Four: Vibrations and Waves
  • Waves
  • Sound

4th Nine Weeks

  • Unit Five: The Nature of Light
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Properties of Light
  • Geometric Optics
  • Unit Six: Fluids, Heat, and Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Temperature and Heat
  • Heat and Work
  • The Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Entropy
  • Unit Seven: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Recommendations for Success:

Physics is an inquiry-based science course in which students must be able to utilize problem-solving skills. In order to be successful, students must 1) be willing to work hard both inside and outside of class on a consistent basis, 2) be present on a daily basis, 3) be able to complete all lab assignments, and 4) be able to complete all classwork and homework assignments. I am available almost every day both before and after school. If you are having trouble with anything, please do not hesitate to come see me! Finally…

DON’T MEMORIZE…UNDERSTAND (then memorize)

Parent’s Signature: ______Date: ______