Course Expectations
Physics
Instructor: Mr. Bull
LVHS Room 907
Phone: (702) 799-0180
Email:
Class Website: https://sites.google.com/site/mrbullsphysicspage/
School Website Address: lvwildcats.com
Course Scope:
This one-year course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra I and who exhibit an interest in science. Topics included are the following: laboratory procedures, mathematics applications, laboratory safety, waves, optics, relativity, kinematics, dynamics, energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, and atomic structure. Physics is a course that informs students about the interconnectedness among different types of forces and energy transformations. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences are an integral part of this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to our society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the science credits toward high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.
Course Goals:
1. To develop skill in using symbols, terms, equations, metric system measurement, and mathematical calculations to express physical processes. [NS: N.12.A]
2. To develop safe laboratory techniques. [NS: N.12.A]
3. To develop skills of scientific inquiry. [NS: N.12.A]
4. To use principles of physics to analyze the motion of objects. [NS: P.12.B]
5. To explore the dynamics of moving objects. [NS: P.12.B]
6. To examine how energy is transformed from one form to another. [NS: P.12.C]
7. To study applications of heat, thermodynamics, and kinetic molecular theory. [NS: P.12.C]
8. To analyze the characteristics and behaviors of fluids. [NS: P.12.C]
9. To recognize that energy may be transferred through wave motion. [NS: P.12.C]
10. To explore the characteristics and behavior of light. [NS: P.12.C]
11. To recognize that the conditions of matter can be described in terms of electrical and/or magnetic fields. [NS: P.12.B]
12. To develop an understanding of the nature of the atom. [NS: P.12.A]
13. To recognize fundamental differences between classical and modern physics. [NS: N.12.B]
14. To develop an awareness of the vocational opportunities in areas related to physics.
[NS: N.12.B]
15. To develop an understanding of character, ethics, and manners as appropriate for this course. [NS: N.12.B]
Textbooks
There will be a class set of textbooks used throughout the year. If you wish to check out a text book there are some available for that option as well.
Student Supplies
Students are expected to have and maintain the following supplies all year:
1) A notebook for this class will be needed to keep notes and any other important papers for the year.
2) A Basic Scientific Calculator ($15.00 or less) is to be purchased
Tardy Policy
Tardiness is a serious disruption to the educational program. Every student is required to be in his/her seat when the tardy bell rings and understands that the Las Vegas High School Tardy Policy will be strictly enforced.
o First tardy, the student will be warned;
o Second tardy, the parent will be contacted;
o Third tardy, a thirty-minute teacher detention will be assigned;
o All subsequent tardies will result in a referral to the deans’ office.
(Important to remember that more than two tardies in one semester will eliminate you from the 2-2-2.)
Grading Policy
Academic Expectations
Students are expected to complete all assignments. It is impossible for a teacher to measure student mastery without the completion of assignments and missing assignments hinders the success of all students. Therefore, Las Vegas High School has implemented a strict assignment policy and all teachers are required to follow the policy. This policy will result in an extension of the school day (Academic Opportunity Period), when the student fails to complete any assignment.
Level of Mastery: 90% - 100% Accuracy = 4.0 – 5.0
80% - 89% Accuracy = 3.0 - 3.9
70% - 79% Accuracy = 2.0 - 2.9
60% - 69% Accuracy = 1.0 - 1.9
51% - 59% Accuracy = 0.1 - 0.9
Below 50% Accuracy = 0
Grade Breakdown: Formative Assessments = 70%
Summative Assessments = 30 %
· Summative assessments- Tests, Labs and Projects account for a larger portion of the student’s grade as these show the student’s mastery of standards. Students will have the opportunity to retake/revise any of these assignments (test, quiz, lab, project) in order to demonstrate an increase in mastery. Students can expect a quiz every week and a test every other week. Quizzes will be based on at least two daily assignments and tests will be based on at least two quizzes.
· Formative assessments- Quizzes, Homework and Class Work: Assignments will be given 2-4 times a week, and quizzes once a week. These are considered practice towards mastery of standards and therefore account for a smaller portion of the student’s overall grade. For these assignments to be effective, they must be completed and turned in on time.
· Classroom participation will be counted towards the students’ citizenship grade (see Citizenship below) rather than their academic grade.
Semester Grades:
· 45% Quarter 1/3 Grade
· 45% Quarter 2/4 Grade
· 10% Semester Examination
· Students are expected to try their best on each assignment. It is expected that students turn in neat work free from grammar and spelling errors.
Homework Component
Students will be expected to complete all homework. To be successful in science, it is important to apply what you learn and to practice independently. These goals are achieved by completing homework. Homework may be given up to 2-3 nights per week and will include problems from class work, problems form the text, reading assignments, and completion of lab reports. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 3-5 hours a week studying and completing the course readings, lecture notes, homework sets, discussion tasks, weekly quizzes and examinations. Students must be self-motivated and inclined to keep a regular schedule in order to not only keep up with, but to achieve success in this rigorous course. The instructor may randomly select and grade questions/problems on each student’s homework for accuracy. Use the class website to print any lost/missing assignments.
Reading/Writing Component
Students will be required to read textbook information, articles, and other documents pertaining to science. Students will also complete vocabulary activities as part of this component. In doing so, the student will employ reading and writing strategies such as Multi Pass Reading. Also, in keeping with the preparatory nature of the class, all written submissions are to be grammatically free of all spelling, punctuation and syntax errors, as well as legible. Work neatly.
Make-up Work, Late Work, and Attendance
Make-up procedures- After an absence, students will be expected to check the weekly assignment calendar for assignments missed. Make up work will not be addressed in class. Students will be given a guidance pass or an after school appointment to receive information regarding missed class work or assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to make up missing work (CCSD policy is 3 days for an excused absence), retake tests, and check their progress during the year.
· Hours of Availability- Students may come in for any help before or after school.
We DO NOT allow missing assignments at Las Vegas High School so if you do not complete an assignment, you will be assigned to Academic Opportunity Period.
Attendance
Attendance is required for students to experience maximum academic growth. After the seventh unexcused absence the student will be referred to the deans’ office and a conference will be scheduled with the parent. After the tenth unexcused absence, the student will lose credit for the course.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
Classroom Rules
1) Come to class on time, prepared, and ready to participate
2) Listen quietly/attentively while teacher is talking
3) Remain in seat and work productively until dismissed
4) Follow teacher’s directions immediately
5) Adhere to all school rules
Other
1) Do not interfere in any way with the instruction of the class or the learning process of classmates.
2) Be aware of and follow all safety precautions and procedures as well as specific lab rules.
3) Be on time, ready to work, and actively participate in class (no tardies) until dismissed.
4) Be respectful and courteous at all times to both teacher and other students.
5) Inappropriate, abusive, and/or offensive language will not be tolerated.
6) Keep hands, feet, objects to self.
7) NO DISRUPTIVE TALKING. If you have a question or comment please wait your turn and raise your hand.
8) Adhere to the school dress code.
9) No passes will be given unless extreme emergency.
10) Do not work on material from another class until you can demonstrate satisfactory completion of your science work. Other work will be confiscated.
11) Do not mark on desks.
12) Food or Drink is not permitted in the classroom at any time (exception Water).
13) Quiet during announcements; moment of silence.
14) Cell phones must be turned off at all times. The calculator application on cell phones is not permitted in class.
Consequences
1) Warning
2) Seat relocation
3) Detention/Phone call home
4) Counselor referral
5) Dean’s referral
Citizenship:
Citizenship will be determined by classroom behavior. Two or fewer infractions will result in a citizenship grade of O (outstanding). Three to five infractions will result in a mark of S (satisfactory). Six to eight infractions will result in an N (needs improvement). More than eight will result in a U (unsatisfactory).
Infractions will include: tardy to class, eating in class, class disruptions, talking without permission, etc.
BEHAVIOR CITATION
NAME ______
Date ______Period _____
· Food, drink, gum, candy
· Using phone/I-pod in class
· Talking w/o permission
· Disrespectful actions/words
towards teacher/student
Signature ______
Receiving two citations will result in a phone call home.
Receiving three citations will result in a 30 minute after school detention.
Receiving four citations will result in a second phone call home and a second detention.
Receiving five+ citations will result in a referral to the Dean’s Office.
The citations will also result in a downgrading of the citizenship mark given for each quarter: Outstanding = 0-2 citations Satisfactory = 3-5 citations
Needs Improvement = 6-8 citations Unsatisfactory = >8 citations
This page intentionally blank
To read the entire course syllabus please go to my website located at: https://google.com/site/mrbullsphysicspage/
Please complete this page, remove from packet and return to the teacher by September 16, 2016.
Acknowledgement of Course Expectations
Physics
We have read and discussed the course description and expectations.
______
Student’s Name [last, first] Student’s Signature
______
Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature
______
Home phone Work/Cell phone
Parent Email Address: ______
As a parent, I understand that that following are requirements to ensure I am taking an active role in my child’s education:
o Support the school’s policies and procedures (assignments; behavior; tardies; attendance; etc.) as they have all been put into place to ensure the success of your child.
o Check ParentLink at least weekly to monitor child’s progress
o Attend important meetings and various events/activities that are held throughout the year
o Engage in ongoing conversations with the school, as we too want to ensure your child is successful
o Visit lvwildcats.com regularly for important information and messages.
If concerns arise about your child, socially or academically, please contact the counseling office at 799-0180 x4300 to speak to or make an appointment with your child’s counselor.
Las Vegas High School Page: 1