Course Description: Physics 1 is a comprehensive introductory physics course covering the major topics of classical physics including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electromagnetism, and atomic theory. The emphasis is on understanding the concepts of physics, why things happen the way they do, without getting confused with a lot of complicated mathematics.
Math and Calculators: Mathematics is the language of physics, and so some math is necessary. However, we will limit the mathematics to the most important concepts. Still, a good background in algebra and trigonometry is essential for student success -- completion of algebra II is recommended. A good scientific calculator will be essential; graphing calculators are often helpful, but not necessary. Sharing of calculators on tests is not allowed.
Required Supplies: Scientific calculator, metric ruler, protractor, 3-ring binder, notebook paper, pencil, pen, colored pencils or markers
Laboratory: An important part of the study of physics is laboratory work, and we will complete at least one lab for each major topic. Often these labs will involve activity, sometimes going outside the classroom. Laboratory work can be fun, but must be done with a serious approach. Careful measurement and following the lab procedure is important for good results. Labs will be graded stringently. Lab work is usually done in small groups with one report turned in for the group. It is each group member's responsibility to be sure the report is complete, correct, and on time as each member will receive the same grade. Lab quizzes may be substituted for the lab report for grading purposes. Proper behavior in the lab is a must. Horseplay in the lab will not be tolerated. Equipment is checked out to each lab group and must be returned, with work area cleaned up before leaving the lab. Lab safety is a primary concern, and all students must be familiar with safety procedures and equipment.
Homework: Homework will be assigned frequently, in the form of worksheets or questions from the book. Each student must turn in his or her own work; papers obviously copied from others will be given no credit. Due dates for all assignments will be given when assignments are made. Daily homework assignments will not be accepted late. Extended assignments, including some labs, will be accepted late with a 10 point per day penalty up to three days. Incomplete or failing assignments may be completed or corrected for a 70 in tutorials. I will drop the lowest daily grade in each grading period (including a zero).
Tutorials: Tutorials for make-up, remediation, or extra help are held before or after school according to a schedule posted in the classroom. One tutorial session is required before a test retake. Remediation of daily work is only allowed in tutorial sessions. If you need help, don't hesitate -- come in for tutorials.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given occasionally over reading or lab work. They may be announced in advance or not so students must keep up with reading and be involved with all parts of labs.
Tests: Tests will be given at the completion of units, and announced in advance. They will include multiple choice, free response, and short answer questions. The material is cumulative, and often will require using material from earlier units. Retakes for failed tests can be taken only after attending a tutorial and must be taken on a specified day within a week of the original test date. Retakes are not multiple choice.
Projects: Each six week grading period a project is assigned, for a test grade. Specific guidelines are handed out at the beginning of the six weeks, with the project due date usually the last Monday in the grading period. These projects usually involve construction of some device illustrating principles covered in class. They are meant to be educational but fun, and all involve minimal expense. Special projects which are actually field trips may be scheduled. These trips involve additional expense; alternate projects are available for those not able to attend.
Notebooks: All students must keep all their work in a notebook (3 ring binder), dedicated to this class only, divided into sections for class notes, daily work, and tests. Arrange your notebook in the following order:
Daily work must be kept for the six weeks grading period. This ensures that all grades are verified by the actual assignment in case a question arises. Class notes and tests must be kept for the entire semester. This gives the student a complete record of the material included on the final exam. Focus assignments and journal entries will be checked periodically and given a separate grade. Notebooks are checked at the end of the fifth week of the grading period for completeness and order, and given a grade which counts as a test. This can easily be a very good grade and should help boost everyone's average at the end of the six weeks.
Class Procedures: Class will usually begin with a focus assignment or journal entry to be placed in the notebook. Students are expected to begin work promptly after the bell. Homework assignments are collected during this time and placed in the designated bin at the front of the classroom. Lecture material and demonstrations will follow. Students are expected to take notes. Practice on concepts is in the form of worksheets or questions from the text which can often be finished in class. Class discussion is also an important part of the learning process and will be used extensively. Participation in discussions, demonstrations, and group activities will be considered when grades are submitted for report cards. After an absence, refer to the calendar on the bulletin board for missed assignments which will be found in a file at the rear of the classroom. Additional information, notes, assignments, calendar, email, and other useful items can be found on our website: www.geocities.com/rhsphysics
Attendance: Overall, physics is a challenging course for most students. The range of material is broad and the pace is quick. The text offers good examples and illustrations, but is still difficult for many students to comprehend on its own. Therefore, classroom attendance and attention are crucial for thorough understanding of the concepts and techniques that must be mastered. If you are absent, refer to the class calendar on the bulletin board to find out what assignments you missed. Worksheets and handouts are located in designated hanging file. Absent work must be completed according to district guidelines.
Expectations:
Conclusion: Physics is a broad and exciting field of study. It is the basis of so many important elements of our modern lives: television, music, computers, energy production, automobiles, airplanes, space travel, medical technology, and electronics, just to name a few. I look forward to working with you and introducing you to what I feel is the most important field of study in our modern, technology-based society. I hope, for some of you, it will be the beginning of a long and successful journey in one of the many careers based on the study of physics.
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