COURSE FOCUS and PACING (Dates Are Approximate)
SYLLABUS
2017-18
COURSE: Physics and Physics Honors 1st& 2ndSEMESTERINSTRUCTOR: Mr. Clark
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This advanced course provides a rigorous study of the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. The content includes kinematics, dynamics, energy, work and power, heat and thermodynamics, waves, light, electricity, magnetism, nuclear physics, and sound. Laboratory investigations of selected topics include the use of the scientific method, measurement, laboratory apparatus, and safety.
COURSE FOCUS and PACING (dates are approximate)
TEXTBOOKS: Zitzewitz, Paul W., et al. Physics: Principals and Problems.New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2005.
Hewitt, Paul, Conceptual Physics. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2012
ACADEMIC GOALS (Content Standards)
In order to receive credit for this course, students must:
- Demonstrate an understanding of Newton’s Laws of Motion and Universal Gravitation
- Explain and describe the properties of rotational and circular motion
- Demonstrate knowledge and interpretation of Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity
- Solve basic problems related to the interaction of forces in different types of motion
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major theories that define the study of forces
- Explain the behavior of waves, sound, and light
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the relationships between electricity and magnetism
- Correctly interpret the standard atomic model and quantum mechanics
- Explain and solve basic problems related to the relationships between solids, liquids, and gases
- Solve problems related to the interrelationship of heat and pressure
- Understand and apply the laws of conservation of mass and energy to solve basic problems
- Explain and describe electric fields, the transfer of charge, and electrostatics
CLASS RULES:
Students are expected to practice both the spirit and intent of the class rules. Rules and procedures are in place to maximize individual student learning within the class period and insure that a student does not disrupt the learning of other students. By definition, if classroom instruction stops for any reason to address the off-task behavior of a student or group of students then the learning of others is being disrupted and disciplinary action is required.
- Behavior that disrupts the learning of other students during class is not permitted at any time.
- Be prompt, polite, and prepared for the day’s activities. Come to class prepared. Put away electronics before entering the classroom. Stop talking when the bell rings. Have books, notebook, paper and pen ready before the bell rings.Book bags or personal items should not be on the desk during class.On time for class means you are in your seat ready to work at the bell.
- Begin completing the daily bell ringer as soon as you sit down in the classroom.
- If you arrive late for class report directly to the cafeteria per school policy.
- Respect your fellow students.Raise your hand to speak and wait to be called on. Do not talk when someone else has the floor. When you are talking, you are not listening, and when you are not listening, you are not learning. We all learn from each other!
- Please do not touch the property of another student or the desk of another student.
- No horseplay during class.
- Observe safe lab procedures at all times. When in doubt ask before acting.
- Off task behavior by one student does not permit similar behavior by other students.
- Heads are not allowed on the desk and heads should remain in an upright position at all times. Students are not allowed to sleep in class.
- Follow all rules as found in the Student Code of Conduct; especially in regards to the District uniform Policy and the DHS dress code. Cell phones, MP3 players, ear buds, headphones and other electronic devices may not be used or in sight during class unless specified for use by the instructor to access the BYOT network for academic purposes only.
- Students are required to participate appropriately in class as assigned by the instructor. This includes taking notes, completing assignments, working in groups, carrying out labs, and participating in discussions.
- No arguing with the instructor in class for any reason.
- Class materials are not to be put away at the end of the period until permission is given to do so.
- Class is dismissed by the instructor, not the bell.
CLASS MATERIALS:
- One pen and two pencils brought daily.
- Ruler and protractor
- A 1” 3 ring binderor spiral bound notebook dedicated solely for use in physics class, unless the student is enrolled in the AVID program. The notebook and something to write with are to be brought to class every day.
- Basic four function calculator. However, a scientific calculator would be helpful
HONOR CODE:
Honesty, integrity and ethical conduct are central to the student body of Deltona High School. And every student has the right to pursue an education uninterrupted by academic dishonesty. With these rights comes the responsibility of each student to be: punctual and properly prepared for class, to respect public and private property, to appreciate the rights and feelings of fellow students and teachers, to use honesty and integrity in all decisions that are made.
GRADING POLICY:
Students will receive an “A, B, C, D, or F” for a final grade. For individual assignments and exams, numeric values for credit earned will assigned against a maximum point value for that assignment. A blank or and “x” in the Gradebook system indicates the assignment has not been turned in or is yet to be graded. An “x” can also indicate a student has been excused from completing that assignment. A score of 10% indicates the assignment has been graded, the student was present to do the work, but no assignment was turned in. A score of “0” means the student had sufficient time to complete the work but did not turn it in or complete it. Extra credit can be earned on certain assignments, but no assignments are given simply for extra credit.
Weekly “In Class” grade. On some weeks student will work on a series of small assignments that individually would not merit a grade but collectively can be assessed as a measure of a student’s academic progress for that week. This is not a completion, attendance, or behavioral grade. The grade is formative and carries a very small point value, but provides valuable feedback to the students and their parents of the student’s academic progress and focus for that week. The grade may not be given every week.
Formal Lab Reports: in science, the formal lab report is an important literacy based assignment and is a critical part of a student’s academic learning in the class. For the first quarter all formal lab reports are formative. For the remaining quarters, a lab report can be either summative or formative depending on the learning targets and standards the lab addresses.
According to Volusia County’s grading policy, grades will be assigned as follows:
Formative Assessments – 40%: These assessments are in the form of skill development, pre-tests, in-classwork, worksheets, review tests, homework, informal literacy assignments, quizzes, labs, and drafts of special projects accounting for 40% of the total grade.
Summative Assessments – 60%: These assessments consists of unit exams, formal lab reports, formal study guides, literacy assignments, special projects as assigned, final projects and/or presentations, and will comprise 60% of the total grade.
HOMEWORK POLICY:
Homework is given as an essential part of the curriculum to reinforce student skills and assess student learning. Believing homework is important to promote student success, homework will be assigned as appropriate to the course objectives and assessed to provide timely feedback and for both completeness and accuracy. Homework will be assigned to the formative category within the grading guidelines.
EXAM RETAKES:
Deltona High School follows the Volusia County Proficiency Model for student excellence. 60% of a student’s grade is derived from Summative Assessments and they are expected to achieve a grade of 70% on exams to demonstrate proficiency in all course standards. The District grading policy places a premium on test preparation, content familiarity, and student achievement on Unit exams.
Accordingly, students are allowed to retake one exameach quarterto have the opportunity to improve their course grade. Students must receive re-instruction prior to retaking the exam and the retake must be completed before the next summative unit assessment is scheduled.If the student scores lower on the retake exam, the score on the original exam will remain as the recorded grade.
ABSENSE POLICY:
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missing assignments and complete them. Daily student attendance is expected to be successful in any core academic class.
a) Students will have one day “per day absent” to make up missed assignments of equal or greater rigor.
b) Students are required to take the unit exam on the day assigned even if previous classes have been missed for any reason. Prior arrangement with the instructor are required if a unit exam is to be taken at a time other than the one scheduled.
b) If a student is absent during a scheduled classroom unit exam or quiz, the student is required to complete that assessment or one of equal or greater rigor, within 5 class days from the day the student returns to school. If the exam is not made up after the five school day allowance, the student will receive a grade of zero. A student can use the exam re-take option, if not already used, to complete the exam after the five day period.
LITERACY INITIATIVE:
Deltona High School’s Literacy Initiative will be supported within the context of the topics to be covered in this course. During the course of study, students will be presented with regular opportunities to enhance their reading, writing, reasoning and speaking skills. Proficiency of the components contained within the Literacy Initiative and delineated in the Common Core Standards for literacy in the sciences content area must also be demonstrated during the course of the year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:My email is:
Parents or guardians may contact me through e-mail, the school or through your child. If at all possible, I will return your e-mail within 24 hours.
A LETTER TO ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
To each parent and guardian,
Thank you for sending us your very best – your children. It is my privilege to serve as their instructor for theirPhysics class. Remember, parental involvement increases a student’s chances of success.My goal is to set each and every student up for success. However, I cannot do it alone so I’m asking for your help. Often, just some support or a few words of encouragement will make a big difference. And daily attendance is a big contributor to a student’s success in the class. Please use the on-line Pinnacle grading site to follow your student’s attendance and academic progress. Please review the new grading criteria as reflected in the grading section of the syllabus.
Please review the class rules, homework, and grading policies carefully. It is extensive so please review it fully. As a parent or guardian, you are asked to sign below as indication that you have reviewed and understand the information contained within the syllabus. Your child has signed below indicating that they have received and understand the syllabus information for the class.
By your signature, you are also authorizing your student to view selected educational video clips and short, edited segments from theatrical films or television documentaries as part of their in-class learning. These video clips are an essential component of the learning curriculum within this class. Many scientific principles and experiments are best demonstrated in this manner. On a few occasions, a short segment from a theatrical film or television documentary will be utilized to enhance key learning points. These clips will come from films or programs rated G or PG-13 only. By your signature, you are also authorizing your student to use the computers and Internet capabilities in my classroom to conduct research on assigned class projects. However, a separate from for internet use in the media center is required by school policy.
It is your child’s responsibility to make sure you sign below and then return the letter to me by the deadline for a grade credit. Please accept my thanks, in advance, for your contribution to your student’s classroom success.
Sincerely,
John Clark
Science Instructor
DeltonaHigh School
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STUDENT’S SignaturePARENT’S or GUARDIAN’S Signature
______
Print student namePrint parent or guardian’s name
DATE:______DATE:______
Parents: Please provide your e-mail ______
Parents: Please provide your phone number______
Deltona High School School year: 2017-18
Department: ScienceTeacher: Mr. Clark
Course: Physics Honors and RegularEmail:
Please complete, sign, and return the following to Mr. Clark.
Internet Permission: Please check one.
My student has my permission to use the Internet for school assignments.
I prefer that my student use alternative reference sources and not use the Internet.
My parents and I have read and understand the rules and syllabus outlined for Chemistry. If there are any questions we will address Mr. Clark for clarification. This can be done via e-mail or by phone.
Student name (print) ______Period ______
Student signature __Date______
Parent signature (print) ______
Parent signature ______Date ______
Home phone ______Best time to call ______
Cell phone ______
Student’s e-mail ______
Parent’s e-mail ______
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Physics Syllabus 2017-2018
1st and 2nd Semester
Instructor: Mr. Clark