Honors Physics
Wellesley High School
2011-2012
Mr. Brian P. Finn Tel: (781) 446-6290 x5076
Office Hours: block 1 on days 1,2,3 email:
Office: 78 web: www.FinnPhys.Wikispaces.com
Course Description
In this course we will be surveying a variety of topics in classical and modern physics. While we will be using the same textbook as AP Physics, we will not be bound by the College Board’s curriculum. The same level of rigor will be expected – and we will be covering many of the same topics in much the same way as AP Physics – but we will be doing many things that they will not. While this will be a survey course (which means we will cover a broad array of topics in order to see the “big picture”), we will devote part of the course to developing problem solving skills.
The topics we will cover are:
Classical Mechanics
Kinematics
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Gravity
Energy and Momentum
Waves
Sound
Light
Electricity
Electromagnetic Fields
Circuits
Modern Topics
Relativity
Quantum Mechanics
Standard Model of Particles
Mathematics
This course will assume proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. It will be assumed that everyone will be able to solve simple algebraic equations, quadratic equations, systems of 2 or 3 simultaneous equations, and use the definitions of the basic trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan). Consequently little class time will be spent explicitly on solving mathematics. Full and detailed solutions (including all of the mathematical details) will be posted on the class web site.
It is also expected that everyone can draw proper graphs, draw lines of best fit, and compute the slope of a line. Statistical techniques such a linear regression are very useful and you will be introduced to these techniques, but they will not be required. Likewise, familiarity with Excel is useful, but we will cover any required topics will be covered in class.
Calculus will not be required in this course, but many of the key concepts in physics are best expressed using calculus. Reference will be made to concepts in calculus for those interested but no calculus will be required for any tests or quizzes.
Class Web Site
A web site will be maintained at http:// www.FinnPhys.Wikispaces.com. It will include: assignments and due dates, class handouts, solutions to homework problems, calendar of class activities for each unit (updated during the unit), a list of links, and a list of missing work. You will be assigned a random code that you can use to determine if you have any work that is missing. If you are absent (for example, due to a college visit), you are expected to check what is being done in class so you will not fall behind.
Although solutions to all assigned homework problems are posted, it is recommended that you do not refer to them until you have attempted to complete them on your own. Use them only to check your work. In class, we will review only some of these problems so you should check the posted solutions to see if you have any questions before class.
Requirements
· Unit exams: At the end of each unit there will be an exam that will cover all of the material in that unit and will take one period to complete. There will be approximately 3 exams per term – or one every 3 weeks. Collectively exams will constitute 40% of the term grade.
· Homework assignments and HW quizzes: Regular assignments will be given, including both readings and problem sets. Selected HW problems will be reviewed in class and the solutions to all problems will be posted via the class web site (PDF files). After the assignment has been reviewed in class, there will be a short (5-10 min) quiz, worth 6-12 points, drawn directly from the HW. The quiz may be on the day the assignment was due on shortly afterwards. HW as such will not be collected. These quizzes collectively will be worth 15% of the term grade.
· Lab reports: Each week, you will do some experiments. you will be doing approximately half-dozen “lab activities” per term, but these activities will be brief experiments with questions/conclusions to be completed in class. Labs collectively will be worth 20% of the term grade.
While lab groups may use the same data, each student will write his/her lab report individually. Answers to questions and conclusions should be your own and written in your own words. The first evidence to the contrary will receive a warning, the second will require all involved to re-write the report, and any subsequent incidents will result in grades of zero for the lab.
· Essay: Each term you will write a short (2-3 page) essay on the nature of science. During Term 1, the essay will focus on describing a model for a “black box” and how it might produce a pattern in the water that emerges. Similar essays will be assigned each term. These essays will be worth 10% of the term grade.
· Class participation: You are expected to come to class punctually and prepared. Warm up exercises. During each unit we will review the assigned reading by considering conceptual (i.e., non-mathematical) problems in small groups. These activities will be called “ConcepTests,” and you will get much more out of this class by reading the material in advance – even if you did not fully understand it. Whiteboard activities Class participation is based on attendance, punctuality, involvement in ConcepTests, questions asked, and behavior. Class participation will be worth 15% of the term grade.
Textbook and Supplies
Douglas Giancoli, Physics, 3rd edition (Prentice Hall, 1991) ® No need to bring to class
scientific calculator (graphing calculator preferred)
notebook (any type)
writing implement
graph paper (some will be available in class, but you should have some)