Physics 10 On Line Syllabus/Introduction

August 6, 2013

Ken Cheney

Never too soon to start teaching!

CONTENTS:

A. Introduction:

  1. The Joy of Physics
  2. What the course is like
  3. Why the course is constructed as it is.

B.Micro Syllabus

C. Student Constructed Syllabus [short (relatively) and colorful] thanks to Mr. David Holmes

D.A Traditional Syllabus by me: [long, complete, and (mostly) monotone]

1.General

2.Grading (Part One)

3.Class Organization / Sections

4.Activities / Groups

5.Grading Scale

6.Sample Work For Student Mary

7.Why The Course Is Constructed As It Is

8.SLO

9.Quick Reference

A.Introduction

1.The Joy of Physics

What you will learnabout :-)

Black Holes - Do they suck?

The birth of the Universe - over and over!

Arguably humankinds most successful endeavour -after making babies..

What's smaller than atoms,-smaller than that,evensmalleryet??

Is anti-matter real-orjust on Star Trek?

How to get more out than you put in - or can you?

Death by electrocution - orstudy andlive long and prosper :-)

The most accurate calculations humans have ever made- and we don't understand them :-(

Extra Terrestrials-where are they?

All in one short sessionwith never an equation inview! -"What,never?","No never", "What, never","Well, hardly ever!":-)

2.What the Course is Like

To get the most out of this course it will be helpful to know what I have in mind for you!

It would be nice to learn all Physics during the course but you may suspect that this is not practical. Anyway, this is a Physics Appreciation course not a “How to build your own hydrogen bomb” course.

Instead we will attempt to learn something of what Physics is (more a philosophy-with insistence on experimental checking- than a collection of equations), some concepts (conservation of energy, why is Einstein revered?) and (most important) how to keep learning for the rest of your life. The last assumes that my course doesn’t convince you that for your mental health you should avoid Physics for the rest of your life...

People learn many different ways so the grading scheme is designed to let you learn in the ways you find most efficient and most enjoyable. On the other hand the grading scheme design also encourages you to try new things.

If you prefer to take quizzes you can get most of your points that way.

If you prefer to do research, attend lectures, or visit museums you can get most of your points that way.

I’ve been told that some learn best by talking about the subject until they understand it. You can even get many of your points that way!

If you have many probing questions or clever answers you can earn many of your points that way!

If you enjoy constructing presentations for others in the class you can get many of your points that way!

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3.Why the course is constructed as it is.

Toward the end of this rather long Syllabus is an explanation of the rationale behind the unusual construction of this course. This construction is primarily based on what research can tell us about what activities actually result in the best student performance on tests. And secondarily the course construction is based on some of my personal observations (actually common knowledge) about the retention of knowledge long after a class is over.

B.Physics 10 On Line Micro Syllabus 2014 01 05

Ken Cheney

Description: Physics appreciation, little math

Text Books:No required text

Reference:

"Physics 10 Lecture Notes" (The Book Mart, kbcheney.com), tutorials included in the course, other on line courses

Books to read:

Feynman "Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman" and Watson "The Double Helix"

Grading:

  1. Multiple Guess or short answer (on "Books to Read") quizzes every week
  2. Do it yourself Activities for most of the points
  3. Optional Final to replace Multiple Guess tests

To contact me, in order of preference:

  1. Questions by/for students in Group 1 in Discussions (Home)
  2. Reply to my reply to your entry in Discussion Activities (Home)
  3. InBox in Canvas, upper right.
  4. My office phone 626 578-7134 , Division 626 578-7140
  5. Any time you find me on campus, even during labs!

To Start:

  1. "Home"
  2. "Start Here", follow the instructions!
  3. Turn in your personal information to Group 11
  4. Read "Bits about Science"
  5. Start doing fun Activities found in Discussions or Activities or Modules
  6. Check "Syllabus" for more detail about the course!

To prepare for a quiz Multiple Guess type:

  1. Look at “To Study” (Home) for the quiz.
  2. Read my essays on the topics for the quiz.
  3. Look at “Calendar” for the content, time, and date.
  4. Look up the topics and practice those topics in the “Test Bank”.
  5. If you don’t understand from my summaries look up topics in the book or on line (Wikipedia, Google, UCB on YouTube, . . .)

To prepare for a “Book” Quiz:

  • Read the book!
  • Practice with the Test Bank questions for the book.
  • Use the required format for your answer.

C. Student Constructed Syllabus

Short (relatively) and colorful

Thanks to Mr.David Holmes

INTRODUCTION

TONE:Physics 10 is anappreciationcourse with very little math.

GOAL:Learn what Physics is, some concepts, and - most importantly - how to continue lifelong learning.

GETTING IN CONTACT WITH CANVAS

Log on to Canvas using since it ismuch more reliablethan the pasadena.edu portal. You must use the same student I.D. required to log on to any system here at P.C.C.

Once connected with Canvas: Explore LOTS, Start with “Start Here”

BOOKS FOR THE CLASS: TWO FORREFERENCE, TWO FOR THE BOOK TEST

P.C.C. LIBRARY: Paul Hewitt,Conceptual Physics Fundamentals, any Editionfrom Pearson Addison Wesley. This is afree resourceand useful reading for this class; however, students cannot check-out this book. Ask the Circulation Desk where to find this book. Or you can buy at the Book Mart etc.

BOOK MART: Ken Cheney,Physics 10 Lecture Notes and Sample Questions. Purchase at the Book Mart located across Colorado Boulevard in front of P.C.C.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: Richard Feynman,Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!ISBN# 978-0393316049 and the other book by James D. Watson,The Double HelixISBN# 978-0743216302. Students can borrow or purchase these books wherever possible (multiple libraries, Book Mart, half.com, amazon.com, iPad, Kindle, etc.); either way, you must read thembeforetaking the two separate book tests!

CLASS SCHEDULE

There are sixseparateSections. Each week ends with a quiz. The first five Sections are worth a nominal 100 points (100%) the last Section is worth a nominal 50 points.

There is no makeup (except the final can replace the Multiple Guess Quizzes) once a Section is over.

The Sections start the first day of class and at midnight after some Quizzes. The Sections end at midnight after some Quizzes and the final.

See the Calendars for the exact dates and Quiz topics.

NAVIGATING CANVAS

These are the parts of Canvas you will see when you log-on.

COURSE CONTENT: Begins withBits about “Science”which is necessary to answer most questions in Discussions, * Tutorials for individual Sections, * Quiz study material, * Test Bank containing mostpossiblequiz questions, * Feynman/Watson Sample Questions for book tests, and ends with * Final Exam study material.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: This is where I will remind the class of upcoming events such as quizzes as well as important issues or concerns.

QUIZZES: Here is where you will take your individual quizzes. Quiz 0 is a practice test I highly recommend you try before actually beginning your first quiz; it saves time and reduces anxiety. Also, you must be ready beforehand since time is a critical component of the tests.Quizzes are only 30 minutes or less long. If you are not done when time expires, Canvas willforceyou out. Unfinished and/or unsaved answers will be marked incorrect by the computer system. All quizzes/tests are given on Sunday, all 24 hours of Sunday.

CALENDAR: Quizzes, tests, and when to earn Early Bird Extra Credit are noted on this feature. Check the Calendar link if you forget about an upcoming quiz or test.

CHAT: Instant message other students who are online.I give points/credit to students who help each other. Multiple points can be earned using this tab.

ACTIVITIES/DISCUSSIONS: You can earn points in each of the ten Groups (from 1 to 10), with each Group allowing only one entry per Section, except Group 1; thus, answering from multiple Groups accrues more points. Utilize various methods of earning points since, considering quizzes and tests only,you CANNOT get an A or B in the class without doing some Activities; besides, Activities also act as buffers from bad grades on individual quizzes or may completely replace Section credit altogether wherein full credit is earned through Activities alone. Activities, either alone or coupled with quizzes, can earn the maximum of 120 points (or 120%) per Section!

SYLLABUS: You can review this syllabus anytime throughout class by clicking this link.

GRADES: Access from the center column to get all the information. Students can check their grades throughout class for individual Sections. Whenever a student earns points, they should check to ensure their points are applied here. There is lots of information to let you know how you are doing in the class.

EARNING POINTS

ACTIVITIES: Various points. Earn up to 100% (full credit) plus 20% extra for each Section.

QUIZZES: At the end of each week, Sunday. At the end of every Section – Three Quizzes at 80 points and two Quizzes at 40 points if paired with a book test. If you answer the Multiple Guess Quizzes perfectly but do nothing else you will earn 58% or a D+ for the class.

BOOK TESTS: Feynman and Watson books - 40 points each. They cannot be replaced by Activities.

FINAL: Replaces quizzes if it is better than quizzes, but can limit your final grade for the class. See “GRADING” below.

EARLY BIRD EXTRA CREDIT: Earn 5 points for each successful activity on the first day of each Section.

GROUP CREDIT: An extra 5 points awarded for a successful Group project and appliesoncefor class - Group projects can earn a maximum of 45 points.

GRADING

The maximum grade on the final part does not apply currently

A: You must score an 85% or better for the entire class and getat least60% (C-) on the Final.

B: Have a scoreon or between75% - 84.99% for the class and getat leasta 50% (D-) on the Final.

C: Have a scoreon or between60% - 74.99% for the class and getat leasta 40% (F+) on the Final.

D: Have a scoreon or between50% - 59.99% for the class and getat leasta 40% (F+) on the Final.

F: Scoreless than50% for the class or getless thana 40% on the Final.

CONTACTING ME

ACTIVITY QUESTION: Click “Reply” on the activity submission.Please wait48hours,then panic if I don’t post your grade or respond to your query!

GENERAL QUESTION: Use the “Student Questions, Group 1” under Discussions in Canvas. Students may answer other student’s questions here as well (and earn points).

EMERGENCY/PERSONAL: Use “Inbox, upper right" on Canvas.

IN PERSON OR CALLING: Other techniques to reach me only work when I’m on campus such as visiting my office, which is E310C, or through my office phone (626) 585-7134. I’m generally not on campus during the winter or summer sessions. Feel free to drop into my labs if I'm not actually lecturing!

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES (S.L.O.)

Upon successful completion of Physics 10, the student will be able to...

Solve basic problems with mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, optics, pressure effects, and radioactivity.

Explain the nature of sound, light, and electricity.

Apply theoretical concepts of physics to household appliances and to practical settings.

Understand and explain the physical laws of nature.

To Prepare for a Quiz: Multiple Guess type:

Practice with Quiz 0

Look at “To Study” for the Quiz

Read my essays on the topics for the Quiz.

Look at “Calendar” for the content, time and date of the Quiz.

Look up the topics and practice those topics in the “Test Bank”.

If you don’t understand from my essays look at the topics in the books or on line (Wikipedia, Google, YouTube, . . .)

To prepare for a “Book” test, Feynman and Watson:

READ THE BOOKThere will not be enough time during the test to find the information you need if you are not familiar with the book.

Practice with the Test Bank questions for the book.

Use the required format for your answer.

D. Traditional Syllabus

Long, complete, and (mostly) monotone, by me

GENERAL

DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: One semester almost non-mathematical survey of Physics.

TO LOG ON TO WEBCT/CANVAS: just pcc.canvas.com

HOW TO CONTACT ME:

In order of preference:

  1. f referring to a Discussion submission in Canvas: Please use “Reply” to my reply. If I haven’t responded yet please use a “Reply” to your entry. First please “Wait 48 hours, THEN panic!”
  2. If asking a question: Use the “Student Questions, Group 1” under Discussions in Canvas.

Check here regularly to see what questions and answers other students have submitted.

  1. If these don’t seem suitable use the InBox (upper right) of Canvas.
  2. In Person: My office is E310C or feel free to drop into my labs any time I'm not lecturing.
  3.  MailKen Cheney, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA 91106 only works if I’m on campus!
  4. Office E310C only works if I’m on campus!
  5.  Phones My office 626 585-7134 only works if I’m on campus!
  6. Division office 626 585-7140

BOOKS AND SUCH

There are no required texts :-)

REFERENCE:Ken Cheney, “Physics 10 Lecture Notes and Sample Questions”, at the Book Mart across Colorado from PCC.

A set of lecture notes (old) from my on-campus lectures. $11.95 as of September 18, 2008.

You might check out kbcheney.com also.

REFERENCE: Paul Hewitt, “Conceptual Physics Fundamentals”, Pearson Addison Wesley, or the older “ConceptualPhysics”.

Probably any edition will do, I have the tenth edition of CP and the first edition of CPF. Other books may also do although specific Section or homework references won’t apply.

BOOKS TO READ FOR THE “BOOK TEST”:

Feynman:“Surely you’re joking Mr. Feynman”

Watson:“The Double Helix”

All these books can be found at The Book Mart just north of Colorado Blvd. across from PCC.

These are all common books and widely available.

The PCC bookstore probably won’t have these books.

The PCC Library (and others) may have these books, if you are quick!

GRADING Part One:

EachSectionof the class (one week for winter or summer, two or three weeks for fall and spring) makes up a separate grading period, 100 points per Section, and 50 points for the last (short) Section. You can make an extra twenty points for insurance each Section.

There is a Quiz every Sunday, any time during the twenty four hours.

The Final, Multiple Guess,will have questions very similar to the questions on the Section Quizzes (not the “Book” tests).100 questions.

If you do better on the Final than on the Section Quizzes the Final will replace the Section Quizzes, except for the “Book” tests.

If you do worse on the Final than on the Section Quizzes I will ignore the Final.

HOWEVER:

The maximum grade on the final part does not apply currently

To get an A in the class you must get at least 85% for the class AND at least a C (60%) on the Final

For example: If you get 55% on the final you will not get an A in the class no matter how many points you have The best grade you can get is a B.

For a B in the class you need at least 75% for the class AND at least a D (50%) on the Final

For a C in the class you need at least 60% for the class AND at least 40% on the Final

For a D in the class you need at least 50% for the class AND at least 40% on the Final.

HOW POINTS ARE EARNED

a)Multiple Guess Quizzes: Every Sunday unless the test is about the Feynman or Watson Books.

These MG quizzes total either eighty or forty points for each Section.

The sum of MG and Book quizzes is eighty each for Sections one through five. There are no quizzes for Section Six

Quizzes alone will not give you a good grade. A perfect score on all the quizzes will give you 58% or "D" for the class. Do lots of Activities!

b)Final:Can replace the Multiple Guess Quizzes if the Final is better than the Quizzes, also limits the final grade for the class see “HOWEVER” above!

c)Book tests:About books by Feynman and Watson, 40 points each.

These points cannot be made up by extra Activities : (

Perfect quizzes and Book tests add up to 400 points, 72.7% or a "C" for the class, do lots of Activities!

d)Activities:Various points, can earn up to 100% (full credit) plus 20% extra for each Section. Activities are found under Discussion, Activities, or Modules at Home.