Physics Syllabus, 2012-13

Mrs. Christine Deighan

VM: 440-247-2072 ex 4422

Physics is a course that investigates the relationship between matter and energy by utilizing experimentation and calculations.

Text: Holt Physics by Serway and Faughn, 2006.

Topics Covered

Semester I: matter, waves, light, and electricity

Semester II: mechanics

Class Rules

Bring all materials to class each day (book, notebook, pen/pencil and calculator)

Be on time for class (4th tardy=detention)

Show respect for other people’s ideas

No eating or drinking in the classroom/lab

Turn in all work on time

Pacing

We will cover approximately one chapter every two weeks with a test at the end of each chapter.

Resources

Students can seek help from the instructor before or after school or during free periods. Students are encouraged to form study groups to master material.

Materials

Three-ring notebook with lined paper, book cover, dividers and a scientific calculator.

Lab fee

$10 payable in the office

Labs

Lab work is an important part of the physics curriculum. We will complete 1-2 lab activities per week. If you are absent, you will have to complete the lab outside of class or complete an alternative assignment as appropriate.

Homework and Assignments

There will be an assignment of some type most nights, whether it is completion of a lab, text questions, or reading. Homework will not always be checked, so students are encouraged to ask questions at the start of class related to the homework or other current assignments. Assignments will be posted on the internet and handed out at the beginning of each week.

Grading

The instructor follows the school grading scale. Grades will consist mainly of tests and quizzes, labs, and some homework. Grades will be posted via the internet.

Course Sequencing

Science course options for students who successfully complete physics include AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry or Anatomy and Physiology.

Science Department Late Policies

7th Grade / Major Projects: 5% each day; after five days, no credit will be given
Everyday homework: 50% credit for a day late; after one day, no credit will be given
8th Grade / Major Projects: 10% each day; after three days, no credit will be given
Everyday homework: 50% for one day late; after the first day late, no credit will be given
9th Grade / Major Projects: 20% each day; after two days, no credit will be given
Everyday homework: NO credit will be given
10th Grade / Major Projects: 50% for one day late; after the first day late, no credit will be given
Everyday homework: NO credit will be given
11th Grade / NO late work is accepted
12th Grade / NO late work is accepted

**If you are at school during any part of the day that an assignment is due, are on a school field trip, or on a planned absence you are required to hand in the assignment to your teacher on the assigned date. Failure to do so will result in an enforcement of the aforementioned late policies. Also, if a long term project was assigned and you were either absent the day it was due or days leading up to the assignment, the expectation is that you hand the assignment in on time.