INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Mr. Scott G. Shoaf Email:
School Phone: 980-343-5800 ext. 584
After School Tutoring: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 2:20 -3:20
Email is the most efficient way to contact me. Thank you.
Course Objectives: (as given by the College Board)
· Read, understand, and interpret physical information.
· Describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical phenomenon or problem.
· Use basic mathematical reasoning in a physical situation or problem.
· Perform experiments, interpret the results of observations, and communicate results, including uncertainty assessment.
CLASS WIKI
Information for parents & students can be found at www.myersparkphysics.cmswiki.wikispaces.net . Upcoming due dates, guided notes, class assignments, and online help can be found on the class wiki.
Remind 101
Students should and parents can get text reminders for class by signing up through Remind 101. Send the text @3rdshoaf to 979-256-1175.
Textbook
Walker, James S. 2004. Physics. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, Inc
http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_walker_physics_2 Prentice Hall Companion Website. Pearson Education, Inc., Pearson Prentice Hall (2006)
Grading Policy
Formal Assessments 70% Informal Assessment 30%
Test (10) Informal Lab (4)
Formal Lab (5) Homework and class work (1)
Quiz (1)
A formal assessment is a test, quiz, project, or formal lab. An informal assessment is homework, class work, and informal labs. In each category the assignments will be weighted differently.
Grading scale:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 77-84
D 70-76
F below 70
Course Outline:
Unit Topic / % of Exam / # of Days / Chapter / Lab / Unit Test DateNEWTONIAN MECHANICS / 35
1. Kinematics / 7 / 9 / 2,3,4 / 1,2,3 / Sept. 18
2. Newton’s Laws of Motion / 9 / 11 / 5,6 / 4,5,6 / Oct. 3
3. Work, energy, power / 5 / 8 / 7,8 / 7,8 / Test w/ U4
4. Systems of particles, linear momentum / 4 / 5 / 9 / 9,10 / Oct. 24
5. Circular motion and rotation / 4 / 6 / 6,10,11 / 11,12 / Test w/ U6
6. Oscillations and Gravitation / 6 / 8 / 12,13 / 13,14,15 / Nov. 14
FLUID MECHANICS AND THERMAL PHYSICS / 15
7. Fluid Mechanics / 6 / 8 / 15 / 16,17 / Dec. 12
8. Temperature and Heat / 2 / 5 / 16 / 18 / Test w/ U9
9. Kinetic theory and thermodynamics / 7 / 8 / 17,18 / 19 / Jan. 9
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM / 25
10. Electrostatics / 5 / 7 / 19,20 / 20,21,22 / Test w/U11
11. Conductors and Capacitors / 4 / 5 / 19,20 / 21,23 / Jan. 31
12. Electric circuits / 7 / 9 / 21,24 / 23 / Feb. 7
13. Magnetic Fields / 4 / 6 / 22 / 24 / Test w/U14
14. Electromagnetic Induction / 5 / 7 / 23 / 25 / Feb. 28
WAVES AND OPTICS / 15
15. Wave motion (including sound) / 5 / 7 / 14,25 / 26,27 / Mar. 14
16. Physical and Geometric Optics / 10 / 11 / 26,27,28 / 28,29,30 / Mar. 28
ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS / 10
17. Atomic physics and quantum effects / 7 / 9 / 30,31 / 31,32 / Apr. 21
18. Nuclear Physics / 3 / 4 / 29,32 / 33 / May 2
All dates are tentative and subject to change.
Tests & Quizzes
There will be a test at the end of each unit. Tests will be formatted to mimic the AP test; there will be multiple-choice and free response questions. Some questions will be based on lab experiments. Quizzes may be dispersed throughout the unit. The Midterm Exam will be between January 14-18, 2014.
Homework
Students are expected to do homework EVERY night. These assignments will be on handouts, online (only online homework assignments will be graded), and students will need internet access to obtain the work and turn in your answers. You DO NOT, however, need to be on a computer to work on the assignment, nor do you need to answer the questions in order or all at once.
Homework is an extension of the class lesson and is vital to successfully mastering advanced physics material. You need to work on problem sets every evening, not just the day before it is due. At least one class period per unit will be devoted to homework discussion. On those days you will work in small groups to write a comprehensive solution to an assigned problem. Since you will have different values for your variables you will have to demonstrate your ability to work with variables. These solutions will then be presented to the class as a whole to help others with their homework. On these days I will provide some feedback on your solutions, but you should be prepared to work with each other to develop solutions on your own.
UT Homework Information
Getting Started
a) Log on to the following address
http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student/ or go to the class wiki and use the provided link.
b) Get your UTEID by following the instructions at the given link. Then log back in to the system.
c) When you view "My Courses", if you don't see any courses listed, click "Enroll in new course".
Obtain the unique number for your class from your instructor and enter this when prompted. Your instructor will be notified that you want to register, and you will see a status message indicating that your enrollment is pending.
Your number is ______
d) Viewing and submitting your assignment
Choose My Courses to view your course listings, and then choose a course to see the assignments associated with that course. Click on an individual assignment to see problems and a form to submit your answers. Problems have many different variations, so your assignment will be different from another student in your class. All assignments have due dates and your instructor has the option of displaying a solution after the due date has passed.
Information on how to choose and enter answers along with a scoring sheet is located on the class wiki.
Laboratory
Lab experiments will be conducted throughout the year. Most labs will take 45-90 minutes to complete. The following is a list of possible labs to be completed throughout the year. All of the labs marked with * below will be performed. The rest of the labs will be included as time allows. Thus at least 25% of instructional time is devoted to lab.
Labs begin with a presentation of a question or problem. A class discussion then takes place during which students develop hypotheses. Students then form groups and create procedures to test their hypotheses. At this point, groups proceed to the laboratory and are able to carry out their procedures and collect data. Next students analyze their data and form conclusions. Each student will generate their own original lab report for each lab experiment.
Lab Reports
A lab report must be written for each lab. Most reports must be typed and should follow the format of the Formal Lab Report Format. Reports will be kept in a neat, organized, folder as a Lab Portfolio.
Absences
In the event a student is absent, it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to find out about and turn in any assignments missed – I will not remind you. You have five days from the date you return to school to turn in make up work. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn in the assignment on the day you return. If you miss a lab, test, or quiz due to an excused absence, you must make arrangements with me to make up the work after school. Students will not be allowed to make up work during class time.
AP Test
Students will be expected to take the AP Physics B test which is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, May 12, 2014.
Class Materials
These items must be brought with you to class every day:
· Folder or binder with paper
· Pens and pencils
· Scientific calculator
In addition, students will be required to have a ½” three-ring binder to serve as a lab portfolio.
Grade Updates
Parents can view their child’s grades at any time on the Parent Assistant Module. If you are unable to access this program, please feel free to contact me at any time.
HAVING TROUBLE AND NEED HELP?
1. Try reading the section in your textbook that corresponds to the material being covered in class.
2. Go to the class wiki and link to the online review for topic that corresponds with the material being covered in class.
3. Come to tutoring afterschool on Mondays or make an appointment.
If you have tried these three things and are still having difficulty, please see me as soon as possible to explore other alternatives.
Behavioral Objectives
I expect you to adhere to the following rules while in our classroom:
· Be on time: in your seat and ready when the bell rings
· Be prepared: have necessary supplies and completed assignments
· Be respectful: raise your hand to speak and listen when others speak
· Be attentive: listen and follow directions the first time
· Be honest: follow the school’s academic honesty code
· Be safe: always follow all lab safety rules and directions
Students who do not follow the safety rules in the lab will be removed from the lab and will receive a zero for the activity. If you cause an unsafe situation for yourself or others, further consequences may also result.
If you break a piece of lab equipment out of carelessness, or because you were not following directions, you will be held responsible for that equipment.
AP Physics B
Name: ______Block: ______
Course Guidelines / Grading Policy:
My signature below indicates that I have been provided with a copy of the course syllabus for AP physics. My teacher has reviewed these policies with me and I understand what is expected of me to be successful in this course. I also understand how my grade for this course will be determined. I agree to abide by these rules and guidelines.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______
To the Parent / Guardian:
It is important that you are also familiar with these guidelines given to your child for use in the science classroom. Please review these policies carefully with your student and sign the statement below.
I have read the guidelines on course expectations and grading that were provided to my child. I understand these guidelines and will support their use in ensuring my child’s success in AP physics class this year.
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______