Concepts of Physics Syllabus

2015-2016

Mr. Kϋffer

  1. Introduction to Physics
  1. About Science
  2. What is Physics?
  3. A Mathematical Toolkit
  1. Mechanics
  1. Describing Linear Motion
  2. A Mathematical Model of Motion
  3. Vector Addition (Trigonometry)
  4. Projectile Motion
  5. Newton’s Laws – Forces
  6. Forces and Motion in Two Dimensions
  7. Momentum and its Conservation
  8. Energy, Work, Power, and Simple Machines
  9. Circular Motion
  10. Rotational Mechanics
  11. Universal Gravitation
  1. Waves and Light
  1. Waves and Energy Transfer
  2. Sound
  3. Light
  4. Color
  5. Reflection and Refraction
  6. Mirrors and Lenses
  7. Diffraction and Interference

Concepts of Physics2015-2016

Mr. Kuffer

  1. This course is intended for college bound students who are interested in a non-science career. Students will study the following topics: classical mechanics (motion, energy, gravitational concepts, etc…), waves, sound, light and optics, electromagnetism and current electricity. Although the class stresses concepts over computations, a basic understanding of Algebra and Geometry is required.
  2. This is an activities based and student-centered course, so I suggest that you keep absences to a minimum. Missed activities are to made-up before school or by appointment (On your time not class time)
  3. It is in your best interest to keep your notes, handouts, etc. in a three-ring binder. This will facilitate your study and organize your progress. This will be graded intermittently, Neatness Counts!

General Physics Outline

First Semester:Second Semester:

August: About Science and Math Review
(Ch. 1)
September/October: The Study of
Motion (Ch. 2-3)
October/November:Forces and Motion
(Ch. 4-6)
Conservation of Momentum & Energy
(Ch. 7&8)
November: Gravitational Concepts
(Ch. 10-14) / December/January: Circular Motion & Rotational Mechanics
(Ch. 9&11)
Feb/March: Gravitational Concepts
(Ch. 12-14)
April: The Nature of Waves - Sound and Light
(Ch. 25-28)
May/June: Optics
(Ch. 29-31)

Grading Procedures

The North Allegheny Grading Scale is used. To figure your grade…

Your pointsThe percent will fall under one of the

Total pointscategories listed below.

Grade Approximations:NA Grading Scale:

A89.5 – 100

60% - Tests, Quizzes and LabsB79.5 – 90

30% - Homework / NotebooksC69.5 – 80

10% - Midterms/FinalD59.5 – 70

E0 - 59.4

Classroom Rules and Procedures (abstract)

  1. NO Cell Phones! Refer to Cell Phone Policy.
  2. Make-up work / Test: If a student is present until the day of the test, he/she should take theMAKE UP TEST on the day of return. In excess of three days excused absence, test and work must be completed within three days of the students return to school. MAKE-UP WORK IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT! Tests can be made up during study hall, or by appointment.
  3. Materials needed for class everyday.

a)Textbook: Physics: Principles and Problems

b)Notebooks: Students are strongly advised to have a 3-ring binder with paper! Students are required to bring this binder to class every day!!

c)Pen or pencil

d)Scientific Calculator

  1. Late Work: 50% per day for each day late will be deducted for late assignments. No work after two days will be accepted for points.

Mr. Kuffer’s Schedule 2015-2016

Period / Times / Course / Room
1 / 7:30 – 8:12 / AP Physics 1 / 333
Homeroom / 8:12 – 8:28 / AP Physics 1 / 333
2 / 8:32 – 9:14 / AP Physics 1 / 333
3 / 9:18 – 10:00 / AP Prep / ---
4 / 10:04 – 10:46 / Concepts of Physics
5/6 / 10:50 – 11:32 / AP Physics 1 / 333
7/8 / 11:36 – 12:18 / Concepts of Physics / 333
9 / 12:22 – 12:48 / Lunch / 333
10 / 12:52 – 1:34 / Concepts of Physics / 333
11 / 1:38 – 2:20. / Prep / ---

Student Information Sheet

Concepts of Physics

Mr. Kuffer

Name:______

Grade:______

Book #:______

Math class you are currently taking:______

Are you taking another science class? ___ If yes, what is it? ______

In my previous science classes, I absolutely hated it when…

In my previous science classes, I absolutely loved it when…

Future goals (college education, college you might attend, technical school, major/minor, etc…)

Activities / Hobbies:

Grade you expect to EARN:_____

AP PHYSICS 1& CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS

Mr. Kuffer

North Allegheny Senior High School

Cell Phone and Test Taking Policy 2015-2016 Academic Year

Because of the technological advancement of Smart phones and i-phones a strict policy must be upheld in the classroom in order to ensure integrity and fairness to all students. The North Allegheny School District has outlined the phone policy in the Student Handbook. In short, phones are NOT to be used in the class room for obvious reasons. In the past there have been instances of students using their phones to gain an unfair advantage over other students. I want to make sure this doesn’t happen in Concepts of Physics or AP Physics1.

Students are NOT permitted to have their phones out during instruction for any reason. They should be engaged in learning for all 42 minutes that they are in this class. If they need to use the internet for research, a computer will be provided for them. The bells will indicate when to change classes so there is no reason to use their phones to check what time it is.

During the course of the Academic year the student may miss a quiz or test. They are permitted to make the test/quiz up according to the North Allegheny School District policy. However, they must do so in the required time and in the morning before school under my supervision. There will be no make-up times during the Academic day. If a student does not make up the test or quiz in the allowed time, they will receive zero points for the assignment.

This policy is for the student. It makes them accountable, it ensures that all students are treated fairly and in the same manner and it eliminates disruption of the learning process. I look forward to your understanding and adherence to this policy during the Academic year. Thank you.

Mr. Kuffer

Concepts of Physics

AP Physics 1

______

Student SignatureParent/Guardian Signature

Computer Usage

Concepts of Physics

AP Physics 1

Mr. Kuffer

North Allegheny Senior High School

Academic Year 2015-2016

Here at North Allegheny we are fortunate enough to have carts loaded with computers for use in research and analysis of data collected in the many labs done throughout the course of the year. Students will be assigned a computer number that they will keep for the entire academic year. All school rules and policies apply in this class. Misuse of the computer will lead to the suspension of computer privileges but not to the assigned work. In short, if the student has his/her privilege revoked they must complete the assignment on their own time.

We will use the Excel program to graphically analyze data. It is a very good, easy to use program. There is an in-depth handout that explains how to use the program. Early in the year we will practice graphing data and then you will be expected to be able to use it for the remainder of the year. Get familiar with Excel from the start of the academic year.

I, ______understand the North Allegheny School District computer policy and plan to abide by it throughout the Academic Year.

______

(Signature of student)

Computer number