IB Physics II

Myers Park High School

2013-2014

Instructor:Mr. Baum

E-Mail:

This course meets on B days ONLY during 1st block in B-4.

Course Information:

Class Wiki:

EdModo Group: (group code: ______)

MasteringPhysics:

Required Textbooks:

James S. Walker. Physics (2nd edition).Pearson, 2004.

Chris Hamper. Higher Level Physics.Pearson Baccalaureate, 2009.

Course Description:

Physics is a fun science that predicts and explains how the world works. Can you predict how an object will behave based on past observations? Is it possible to represent complex systems in the real world using mathematical models, and if so, to what degree of accuracy and on what scale(s)? Is there a well defined set of physical laws that govern motion and interactions between matter and energy everywhere in the universe?

These are the questions we’ll start with and return to often over the next two years as we study motion, waves, heat, light, sound, rainbows, space travel, energy, communications, digital technology, gravity, and electricity.

Course Objectives:

The course goals are for students to:

  • Explain scientific reasoning and intuition through words;
  • Master the physical and mathematical application of classical physics models;
  • Design and evaluate experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions; and
  • Learn how physics underlies the technology we take for granted in our lives.

Required Materials:

scientific calculator

* lab notebook

1.5” three-ring binder

graph paper

notebook paper

pens

no. 2 pencils

colored pencils

12” ruler

protractor

* The lab notebook is a composition notebook with grid/graph paper instead of ruled pages.


Overview of Topics

This is the first course in a two-year sequence within the IB Diploma Program at Myers Park. The order of topics is subject to change; however, the following units are planned for this school year:

Part I. Physics and Physical Measurement

Systems of Measurement

Length, Time, and Mass Scales

Uncertainty in Measurements

Graphing Data and Finding Trends

Part II. Mechanics

Kinematics

Forces and Dynamics

Work, Energy, and Power

Uniform Circular Motion

Oscillations

Part III. Thermal Physics

Thermal Properties of Matter

Ideal Gas Behavior

Thermodynamics and Heat Engines

Midterm Exam

Part IV. Waves

Traveling Waves

Standing Waves and Musical Instruments

Wave Behaviors (Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, and Interference)

Resolution

Polarization of Light

Part V. Electricity

Electrostatics: Electric Charge and Electric Field

Electric Circuits with Applications

Part VI. Gravitation

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Gravitational Field and Potential

Escape Velocity

Orbital Mechanics

Final Exam

Next year, we will apply our core knowledge to exciting fields such as electrical power generation, global climate models, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, digital technology, and the theory of relativity!

Attendance:

Because each class builds on previous knowledge, it is very important for students to be in class every day. When absences cannot be avoided, it is the student’s responsibility to get the notes and assignments missed and to check with the instructor about making up work. Any student who misses class should also check the class wiki and EdModo site for announcements and assignments.

Assignments

Homework:

Homework will include readings, problems, exercises, and virtual labs. Many homework assignments will have online components, and you will need a computer with Internet access and multimedia capabilities for the duration of the course. You will also need access to a printer for some assignments.

This year, we will be usingMasteringPhysics, an awesome online learning portal, for many homework assignments. MasteringPhysics contains both pre-lesson tutorials to supplement assigned readings, and challenging questions to practice what you learned in class. The system offers a wealth of hints and helpful feedback as you complete assignments.You may also be asked to download and upload assignments or participate in online discussions on the class EdModo group.

Practical Work:

Laboratory investigationsare an important component of the IB science curriculum. You should be prepared to take data in your required lab notebook on lab days and to keep your notebook thorough and informative. The lab notebook is a record of your practical work in this class and should contain drawings and information about lab setup, hypotheses, and analysis in addition to recorded data.

In addition to submitting your lab notebook, you will be asked to write formal lab reports for several investigations throughout the year, including experiments you design yourself. As part of your IB exam score, I will evaluate most of your formal lab reports using the IB Physics Internal Assessment criteria in one of more of the following areas:

  1. Design (D)
  2. Data Collection and Processing (DCP)
  3. Conclusion and Evaluation (CE)

In the spring of your senior year, I will submit your top two scores in each of these areas for inclusion in your IB exam results. More information on the Internal Assessment criteria will be distributed and discussed in conjunction with lab work early on in the class.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) requires evidence of 60 hours of practical work to be submitted for higher level (HL) candidates, including 10 hours spent outside of class on the group IV project in junior year and 50 hours of laboratory investigation. The 50 hours of lab time does not include time spent writing up lab reports. Therefore, a significant component of the course will involve lab work in class, and students should be prepared to work in the lab on any given day.

Tests and Quizzes:

Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit or major topic and will consist of both multiple choice and free response questions to simulate the content of the actual IB exam. Tests dates will be announced in advance on the class wiki and in class.Quizzes may be given in class at any time and may be announced or unannounced.

Making Up Work:

If a student knows that he or she will be out of class on the day of a test (for a field trip, band concert, etc.), the student is responsible for making an appointment with the teacher and taking the test ahead of time. In all other cases, students have five school days (not class days) to make up the test, after which a grade of zero will be assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule their tests within that time frame, not the teacher’s.

Makeup tests will cover the same material as the regular test, but will not necessarily be the same test or format. Quizzes may be made up at the discretion of the instructor; it is the student’s responsibility to check with the instructor about making up any quizzes or assignments missed as the result of an absence.

Grading

In calculating CMS quarter grades, the following distribution of points will be used:

Type of Assignment* / 1st Qtr / 2nd Qtr / 3rd Qtr / 4th Qtr
Tests and Major Assignments (“Formal” Assessments) / 70% / 60% / 70% / 70%
Homework, Short Labs, Quizzes (“Informal” Assessments) / 30% / 20% / 30% / 30%
Midterm Exam / 20%

* not all assignments within each category will be weighted equally

Letter grades will be assigned each grading period according to the following scale:

A / 100 – 93
B / 92 – 85
C / 84 – 77
D / 76 – 70
F / 69 and below

In addition to the midterm exam, there will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the school year. The final exam will count for 25% of your grade in the course, with each semester average counting 37.5%.

Cheating:

The following actions are considered cheating and will result in (at minimum) parents being notified and a grade of zero for the test, quiz, or assignment:

•Possession of a cheat sheet on your person, on your desk or chair, in your calculator, et cetera,
regardless of whether or not you use the information;

•Using your cell phone during a test (which is also a CMS policy violation);

•Copying another student’s work, inside or outside of class;

•Allowing another student to copy your work, whether inside or outside of class;

•Looking up answer keys or answers to specific questions online; and

•Any other action which could reasonably be considered cheating in a high school or college course.

IB Exam Information

The IB Physics exam will be given in May of your senior year. It consists of three papers: two taken on the first morning and one on the following afternoon.

Paper 1:Multiple Choice (30-40 questions)

Paper 2:Core/AHL Topics Free Response (1 data based question, 3-5 short answer questions, and a choice of extended response questions)

Paper 3:IB Options Free Response (short and extended response questions in two defined topics)

The higher level (HL) material we study in class will cover several standard level (SL) options which will appear as choices on Paper 3, and our course of study will include a total of two higher level (HL) options during your senior year. A list of core, higher level (AHL), and option topics can be found in the IB Physics curriculum overview on the class wiki.

Rules and Procedures

Beginning Class:

Students should come to class every day with their required materials, check for handouts as they enter the classroom, and have assignments ready to discuss or turn in at the beginning of the period. Students are expected to be inside the door and in their seats BEFORE the bell rings.

Restroom Policy:

Students should use the restroom before class if at all possible. In case of emergency, a student who needs to use the restroom during class may be given permission by the teacher to leave class with a restroom pass for up to 5 minutes. However,no one will be excused to visit the restroom during a quiz or test.

Class Rules:

The following classroom rules will be followed in addition to the school rules and lab safety procedures.

  1. Be respectful during lessons. Raise your hand when you want to ask a question, answer a question, or contribute to a discussion.
  2. Wait until the end of class to pack up. Stay at your desk until the bell rings or you are dismissed by the teacher.
  3. Please do not write on the desks for any reason.
  4. Keep your area clean. Food or drink may be permitted in class at the discretion of the instructor, but this privilege will be permanently revoked if the room and furniture are not kept clean.

Consequences:

As you are all upper level IB students, I fully expect you to conduct yourselves appropriately and in accordance with school and class rules. However, should any class or school rules be broken, the following consequence plan will be put into action as appropriate.

  1. Verbal or non-verbal warning
  2. Private discussion with Mr. Baum after class
  3. 15 minute detention
  4. 30 minute detention and the student will write a letter home to their parent(s) describing their behavior and consequences, to be used at the next consequence
  5. The letter written previously will be sent home along with an addendum of the current behavior issue. In addition, Mr. Baum will call home to discuss the issue with the parent(s) and an after school detention will be issued.
  6. The issue will be referred to the office.

Mr. Baum’s Wish List

Copy Paper(paper is in very short supply)

Colored Copy Paper

Tissues/Kleenex

Paper Towels

Colored Dry Erase Markers

AA,AAA, or 9-volt batteries


IB Physics II (2013-2014)

Student Information Form

Parents, please complete and return this form with your signature indicating that you have reviewed the course syllabus with your child and understand how to reach me via e-mail if necessary. Please take special note of the following:

  1. A computer with a printer and Internet access is required for the duration of this course. If you do not have a printer at home, printers are available in the media center. However, your child will need regular access to a computer with Internet and multimedia capabilities for out-of-class assignments.
  2. Test dates, assignments, and upcoming due dates will be posted on the class wiki and in the classroom.
  3. Behavioral, grading, and attendance policies are included in this course syllabus, which will also be made available for download on the class wiki site.
  4. Your student must come to class each day with the required materials listed in the syllabus.
  5. The best way to reach me is via e-mail at:

Please fill in the following information and return this page only to me by Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

Student Name:

Guidance Counselor:

Parent / Guardian Name:

Home phone:

Daytime phone:

Best time to contact:

E-mail:

Any other important information:

I have read the course syllabus and understand what is expected of my child. I will do my best to help my child fulfill his or her responsibilities and keep up with his or her progress. If I have any questions or concerns or if I am unaware of my child’s progress, I will contact you through e-mail.

Print Student Name:

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