Physics Syllabus 2017-18 Science Department Teacher: Annabel Adriatico Email: aadriatico@busd.k12.ca.us Room #605 Tel: (562) 925-9981 ext. 4605 Course Description Physics is the study of the physical world. In this course, students will further enhance their problem-solving and laboratory skills to determine why physics is considered the most basic and fundamental science. Course Objectives One objective of this course is to provide an overview of the major conceptual developments in historic and contemporary physics. It might be thought of as a lay person's guide to what physicists have had to say about the universe. From the earliest periods of recorded history, humanity has asked questions and sought answers relating to the physical world. As a result of these inquiries, the knowledge of the human species has advanced. Thus, a second objective is to develop within the student an understanding of the scientific processes and theories designed to provide answers to the questioning mind. A third objective is to instill a certain appreciation for the science of physics as a quest to know and understand the physical world. Yet, a fourth objective is to help the student understand the science and issues surrounding the use of modern technology which has its basis in physics. The intended outcome of this course is the development of an ability to think in a critical manner using both concrete and abstract examples from physics as models. Class Textbook: Physics Principles and Problems by Glencoe Supplemental Textbook: Physics by Holt Recommended Materials 1) Quad Notebook (not spiral) for laboratory work 2) Three-ring binder with dividers labeled: a) notes b) homework c) class work d) quizzes/tests e) warm-up f) worksheets 3) Loose-leaf paper 4) Pens 5) Pencils 6) Eraser 7) Ruler and Protractor
8) Calculator TI 30 or better 9) USB storage device (any size) 10) Colored paper 12) Graph paper 11) Index cards 3 x 5 12) Ring for Index Cards Class Policies, Expectations and Rules Arrive to class on time with your materials out and ready. No food or drink other than water for class meetings. Technology may only be used to look up material relevant to this course and requires teacher permission in advance of use. Follow directions and show respect to everybody in the classroom including taking care of school/lab equipment, fixtures and materials. Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior: Verbal warning/ asked to move After school detention with teacher and student conference Detention and student conference with parent contact Office referral and parent/guardian contact Removal from class and office referral (Steps may be skipped in extreme cases at teacher discretion) Assessments and Grading Policy Refer to the Grade Composition and Grading Scale below. Grades are computed electronically. If you have any questions regarding your grade, you could always ask for clarifications during lunch or before the first class of the day. Make sure that you keep all your work that has been checked and returned for easy reference. If you feel an error has been made, please re-submit work for grade adjustment. 30 % Quizzes/Tests 15% Homework 15% Class work 15% Projects 15% Lab/Notes 10% Warm-up Attendance/Tardiness: It is a known fact that Attendance plays a crucial role in a student s success in any class/subject especially Physics. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make sure you find out what you missed in class. This could be done by emailing or personally asking the teacher before or after the class starts. Students need to have a pass or excused slip if they are tardy to class. Students without one will not be allowed to participate in the warm-up thereby, missing the corresponding points. Class Work and Homework Policy
If not performing an activity in the lab or in the classroom, classworks will be given after each lecture/discussion. Therefore, taking notes is vital to perform well in this category. If you have an excused absence, you are allowed to make up the work during office hours. To do well in Physics, you will need to spend a considerable amount of time studying. Homework which is usually given as a reinforcement of concepts learned in the classroom or advanced assignment should be done to be successful in the course. They should be kept in the binder and readily available when required. You have the same number of days to make up the work as the number of days of your excused absences. Please see the class website at www.mayfairmonsoons.org for exact grading scale, assignments and assignment due dates. Project Policy During the course of the year, several projects will be given to apply concepts learned in the class. You will be given enough time for these, so make sure you turn them in the day they are due. Laboratory Policy Laboratory work is an important component in the course. Participation during the lab activity and writing complete lab reports in your lab notebook is a must. You are given one week to make up a lab if you are absent. Avoid diverting from the procedure given. Horse playing in the lab is not allowed. Students who cannot behave will be kicked out of the class. The safety of everybody in the lab is the first priority. Late Work Policy Late work will not be accepted unless the office has excused the absence. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to ensure your absence is cleared in the main office and your assignments are turned in. You will not be able to earn credit for absent work unless your absence is cleared by the main office as an excused absence. Fall Semester Major Assessments and Projects (Pacing Plan) August September 11: Math Review and Chapter 1 What is Physics Calculator 101 Math Review Finding the Variable Significant Figures Rounding in Calculations Scientific Notation Standard SI Units SI Prefixes Conversion of Units Lab 1: Physics and Measurement Test 1: September 14 (50 points) September 14 September 30: Chapter 2
Displacement Velocity Graphing Velocity Lab 2: Physics 500 Acceleration Interpreting Graphs Test 2: September 21 (50 points) October 1 - October 16: Chapter 2, 3 Displacement with Constant Acceleration Lab 3: Merrily We Roll Along Velocity and Displacement with Constant Acceleration Final Velocity After Any Displacement Free Fall Falling Objects Test 3: October 15 (50 points) October 19 November 20: Chapter 3 Vectors and Scalars Finding the Resultant Magnitude and Direction Lab 4: Vector Treasure Hunt Resolving Vector into Components Adding Vectors Algebraically Graphical Solution of Vectors Projectile Motion Lab 5: Projectile Motion Sim Lab Test 4: November 19 (50 points) December 1- December 18: Chapter 4 Force Force Diagrams Newton s First Law Newton s Second Law Newton s Third Law Lab 6: Balloon Rockets Test 5: December 17 (50 points) January 5- January 15: Chapter 5 Work Energy Lab 7: Rubber Band Cars Conservation of Energy Power Test 6: January 15 (50 points) Review for finals First Semester Final Examination (100 points) Projects for the First Semester: Careers involving Physics due Aug. 31 (30 points) The Bridge due Nov. 30 (100 points) Mousetrap Car due Jan. 18 (100 points) Extra Instructional Help and Tutoring Hours
Accessing the Class Webpage: You could find class notes, video/online links, assignments/homeworks, etc. posted online for your class by accessing the school website: www.mayfairmonsoons.org Click on Staff; then Staff Directory. Scroll through it, locate my name (the 3 rd person on the list); Click on my name; then Click on your particular class to see your assignments with due dates. It is recommended that you Click on Subscribe under my photo to get notification everytime I update your class site. Office Hours: Tutoring is available at lunch or after school. Just inform the teacher which time/day you are coming for help. By phone: (562) 925-9981 ext. 4605 Email: aadriatico@busd.k12.ca.us (preferred form of communication) Tear-Off Portion I, as parent/guardian of, a grade student of Mayfair High School has read and fully understood the Classroom Guidelines and Procedures of Ms. A. Adriatico. Furthermore, I have discussed these with my son/daughter. I understand that as a parent/guardian I need to play an active role in my child s education by following up on every work assigned to ensure his/her success. Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature: Contact Tel. Nos. : Home Work Cell (optional) Best time to call: Email Address (if available):