Model Secondary School for the Deaf

Model Secondary School for the Deaf

Physics Syllabus

Instructor: Mary Ellsworth

Room: 228

E-mail:

Course Description: Physics is the study of matter and energy. Physics seeks to learn fundamental laws of nature and apply these to predict the motion and behavior of objects and waves. The laws of nature can often be stated in words or written as a mathematical formula. . In this course, you will learn to use mathematics and the rules of algebra to make predictions. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed upon problem solving, and laboratory skills.

Students often have a difficult time relating the math formulas to physics concepts. Students sometimes try to memorize the formula as just symbols and don't understand the meaning of the symbols. Students may be more successful if you not only learn a formula but also to visualize a sketch or cartoon that shows the meaning of the formula. Practice visualizing formulas. The tests for this class will include a "visualization" question that asks you to make a drawing to go with a formula.

Text: PHYSICS: Principals and Problems, Zitzewitx & Neff

Materials required everyday: pencil or pen, notebook, scientific calculator

Class prerequisites: Students should have taken Algebra II. Exceptions can be made for students currently taking Algebra II.

Class expectations:

1) You are now in an advanced science course and are expected to act as such. You as the student will have a high level of responsibility for your own work.

2) Students are expected to have required materials for class every day.

3) This class will be guided by a daily message from the teacher on the class web site. If you miss a class, you are responsible for reading messages for the days you miss and making up any missing assignments or notes. You can read the daily teacher messages from any computer that has an Internet connection.

4) Make up tests or labs will need to be done before school, after school, or during lunch. You will need to make an appointment with the teacher.

5) Students are expected to be a positive participant in the classroom. You will work in partners for labs and some assignments. I expect you to show good teamwork, cooperation, and respect for your classmates.

6) Students will adhere to Model Secondary School for the Deaf’s policy and requirements for absences, tardies, dress code, discipline, late work and all other rules and regulations as explained in the student handbook and on the classroom.

Ground rules:

1) My classroom is based on respect. I respect each of you as students and expect you to treat your fellow classmates and myself the same.

2) Students will use computers frequently in this class. Follow all rules related to the computers.

3) During lecture and discussion all students must be given the chance to learn without being distracted by other students. For this reason talking is not allowed, unless recognized by the teacher. Failure to follow this rule may result in the student being moved to another seat or spending time with Ms. Ellsworth before or after school.

4) Water is the only food or drink allowed in this classroom. It is to be in a clear bottle with a lid. Any other food or drink is not allowed at any time.

5) For your safety and the safety of others all laboratory rules must be followed. Horseplay in the lab will not be tolerated at any time. Horseplay may result in the student receiving a 0% on the lab.

Projects / Portfolios / Journals / Writing

1) Projects - Throughout the course there will be various assigned projects. With these projects you will do background research, propose (draw and describe) a design, and then build the project. You will write a report summarizing the project and your results.

2) Online web portfolio - Each student will keep an online portfolio of your major pieces of work for each quarter.

3) Journaling - Each student will keep a journal in which you will respond to teacher questions, record observations, and solve problems.

4) Data Collection for GLOBE - Every student will take at least one turn collecting data for the GLOBE Program. We need to make several kinds of measurements, including air temperature data, atmospheric aerosol data, humidity, cloud type and cloud cover.

5) Reading in science – from time to time you will be assigned a book

to read. The following books may be assigned during this year:

The War of the Worlds

Zero Gravity

Mars

On Time

Are We Alone? Scientists Search for Life in Space

Waves

Almost the Real Thing: Simulation in Your High-Tech World

6) Art in Physics – Your challenge is to capture photographically a beautiful or unusual physics phenomenon and explain it in less than 200 words in terms that everyone can understand. Each student must submit one example of art in physics at some time during each semester. There will be a prize for the best piece.

7) Fieldtrips – We will go to the University of Maryland to the Physics is Phun programs, 6:30 – 9:00 pm, Thursdays; Nov 11, Jan 13, Mar 10, and May 5. These evening trips are required. If you cannot go on a trip you will have an alternative paper to write.

Grading:

Grades are determined by the following percentages

20% exams

30% labs / projects / portfolio

25% assignments / quizzes / journal /fieldtrips

15% book summaries / art in physics

10% class participation / behavior