General Physics
Eric Conn
econn@queenanne.org
Science & Technology Bldg, Physics Rm
2010-11

Objectives:

• To become more comfortable with the founding principles of physics and to apply them to real-world problem solving
• To understand the logical derivation from a fundamental theorem or law to its practical equations and their power to predict
• For students to grasp physical concepts and laws by seeing physical representations of their behavior and effects
• For students to become more independent in a lab setting and better acquainted with recurring (aka college-like) laboratory procedures

 

Supplies:

• Textbook- Physics 5th Edition by Giancoli
• Ti-83 or more current graphing calculator
• Notebook (binder with a notes, homework, labs, and test section)
• Loose-leaf notebook paper for written homework and in-class work
• A pencil with an eraser (even the greatest physicists make mistakes)

 

Homework:

• Homework is assigned daily with few exceptions and will be discussed and collected at the beginning of the following class period. Homework will be graded and returned to the student and should be used as a study guide for each chapter test

 

*Notes on Homework:

• Remember that No Late Homework Is Accepted in accordance with the science department policy
• Please use a pencil and lined notebook paper for homework and staple assignments if they exceed a single page
• During each semester the lowest homework grade will be dropped (but one and only one)

 

Tests:

• Tests in the class will be given at the end of each major topic (typically two to three chapters). There will be at least one review day prior to every test. Also, please remember that the Honor Code is taken very seriously and it must be written and/or signed at the end of each test. A test will not be graded until this pledge is signed

 

 

Quizzes:
           

• Quizzes will be given throughout the semester, typically between tests. They will not occupy the entire class period and will leave room for lesson plans, so please come to class prepared to take notes. Although they do constitute a portion of each student’s grade they are primarily used to review for upcoming tests

Labs:

• Labs in this class will be given for each major topic/chapter. There will be an in-class hands-on experiment and a write-up to be turned in no later than one week after the lab
• Lab grades consists of:

  20%  In-class performance/proficiency with experiment

  80%  Lab write-up (which we will discuss in class)

Grading:

• Tests/Projects account for 40% of the quarter grade
• Homework accounts for 15% of the quarter grade
• Quizzes account for 15% of the quarter grade
• Lab assignments account for 30% of the quarter grade
• Semester grades are based upon two quarter grades (40% each) and a midterm/final grade (20% each)
• *When computing grades at the end of each semester, points may be added to the grade of any student who has demonstrated consistent effort and participation throughout the course. However, points may also be deducted from any student whose behavior/attitude detracts from the education of themselves or others
• Grade Chart:

 

 

Extra Help:

• I will always be available to meet with any student who feels they need help. My free periods are 5th and 7th If I’m not able to meet on short notice, we will find a time that works. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help, I expect each student in my class to seek outside help (either from me or from another teacher/parent) at some point during the year. Stop by or send me an email, but do not let your confusions go unresolved. Physics builds on itself; and grasping a topic will be difficult if you are uncertain about the one just before it

 

Absences & Late Policies:

• If you are absent the day that homework is either assigned or corrected, you may still receive full credit if the assignment is turned in no more than one day late. Students are responsible for learning any material from the days that they were absent (again I will be available to help), but please do not ask during regular class time, as this will slow down your classmates
• If you miss the day before a test, please make arrangements to take the test one day later
• If you are absent the day of a test/quiz, you must make arrangements to take the test/quiz as soon as you are able (so that you can complete the assignment while the information is still fresh)
• For each day you are absent you are allowed that number of days to make up missed work. For example, if you miss three days of school, you are allowed three days to make up your work (but only three days)
• Please always try to be on time. If you are late to a class, you will receive a tardy. Three or more tardies will result in a detention and/or a grade-based penalty

 

Class Participation:

• The primary source of information (for homework, quizzes, and tests*) will be notes taken in class
• Please remember to write down everything that is written on the board, all material for test questions and homework will be based entirely on what is said and written in class

 

Extras:

• Feel free to bring water bottles to class
• However, remember (in accordance with the maintenance crew) that no food or other liquid is allowed in the classroom
• This includes Gum, Candy, Cough Drops, etc
• Please remember that cell phones are not allowed on campus; and, if I see one in the classroom, it will be confiscated

 

Cyber Days:

All Cyber Day work is required; and, per school policy, no late cyber day work will be accepted. Cyber Day work will be graded as the percentage of days they occupied per quarter