Physics Student Information

Goals:

-     Learn basic principles of classical physics: mechanics, heat, light, sound and electricity.

-     Explore physics through hands-on demonstration and laboratory work.

-     Apply the scientific method to laboratory work.

-     Have fun - physics is cool.

Classroom Expectations:

-     Be curious, ask questions, set high expectations for your own learning. This is a senior level class, so be prepared to work.

-     Read the assignment or prepare the lab for the day BEFORE coming to class.

-     Come to class prepared - with assignments up to date, text, notebook, pencil and paper.

-     Show enough work to explain your reasoning for all problems, even if you are using a calculator. Someone else reading your paper should be able to understand how you arrived at your solution. You will not get full marks for your homework unless you show your work.

-     All assigned work for a chapter, including problems and lab reports will be due at the beginning of the period on the day of the chapter test. Keep up with your work on a DAILY basis. You will find it very difficult to catch up if you don't.

-     All late work will be subject to the JMPS late policy.

Grading:

-     Homework - about 20%

-     Labs - about 20%

-     Tests - about 35%

-     Trimester final - about 25%

Supplies:

-     Notebook (spiral OK) for class notes. This book should be used only for your physics notes. Quad-ruled is good because your notes will include diagrams and graphs.

-     Hardcover, bound, quad. ruled lab notebook. The school will supply this.

-     Graph paper. Quad. Ruled paper is OK.

-     Pencil, pen, ruler, paper, calculator.

Tests:

-     Tests will include both multiple choice and written response questions.

Labs:

-     Most units will include one or two labs.

-     Students will follow all lab safety rules and follow all lab instructions.

-     There will be a lab report due for each lab.

Study Tips:

-     Review the "Chapter Review" page at the end of the chapter.

-     Study your class notes.

-     Outline the chapter.

-     Review previously assigned problems and try some new ones.

-     Reread the chapter.

-     Pay particular attention to the "blue" and "orange" boxes in the text. The blue boxes summarized important information. The orange boxes highlight important formulas.

-     Use www.scilinks.org for additional reference information. You can set up a student account on this site. Each chapter in the text has a code, e.g. HF2012 on page 11, which you can use to link to additional information with useful information about that topic.

E-mail me:   [email protected]

Call me:   480-345-2306