Course Syllabus

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CP Physics 9 - Welcome!

Overview:

Welcome to CP Physics and freshmen year!  Physics is all about explaining our observations of the universe.  This year, we will attempt to explain the behavior of light, waves, sound, electricity, motion, and energy!  To be successful in my class you should come to class with an enthusiastic, ready-to-learn attitude. 

Expectations:

  1. Be on time, especially on lab days.
  2. Respect both myself and your peers.
  3. Work collaboratively with your peers in a respectful and constructive manner during group work.
  4. Follow all lab safety procedures.
  5. Be prepared for class each day with all required materials, homework due, and an active and engaged mind.
  6. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any way.  Procedures as outlined by the Student Handbook will be followed if anyone is caught copying others work or letting someone else copy their own work.  Penalties for cheating will be determined on a case by case basis.
  7. Except for BOTTLED beverages, no food or drink during labs.  I will give you my best to give you a break, but breaks are a privilege, not a right, and they are not guaranteed.

Materials:  Please bring the following with you EVERY class:

  • 1” 3-ring binder
  • Writing utensils
  • Calculator
  • Charged Laptop (or w/ charger)

Quarter Grading Policy:

Tests: 40%

Labs: 40%

Homework / Test Preparedness: 10%

Class Participation: 10%

Students who are unhappy or concerned about their grade(s) should talk to me.  I am always willing to discuss your grade and how you are doing in class.  My job is to make sure you succeed, so if there is a problem, we should discuss it.  However, this should be done by appointment NOT during class time. You are also encouraged to see me for extra help if you need it.  You can also email me if you need help.  Don’t wait until it is too late to change your grade!

 

Here is what we will learn this year:

  1. Light
  2. Waves
  3. Electromagnetic Waves
  4. Static Electricity
  5. Circuits
  6. Electromagnetism
  7. Constant Velocity
  8. Acceleration
  9. Forces
  10. Momentum
  11. Energy

General Information and Policies:

 

Making up Absences:  The rule of thumb is to see me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE or EMAIL ME while you are at home, so we can catch you up sooner!

Tests & Quizzes:  Each unit will conclude with a test.  You should expect to have approximately 2-3 tests per quarter.  If you are absent during a test, please email / come see me by the next class period to find a time to make up the assessment.  If you receive below a 73% on your test score, you have the option to make it up and replace your test score with up to a 73%.  To do so, you must first meet with me to review your test.  Tests must be made-up within 1 cycle after the test is returned to you.

Labs:  Labs and experimentation are a HUGE part of science!  We will complete multiple labs each unit, many of which may require you to complete analysis questions for homework. 

Homework:  Homework will be assigned nightly.  Homework is checked for completion, not accuracy, as this is the time for you to practice the concepts we have learned without penalty.  If you are struggling with a problem, you still need to TRY, given the methods we have discussed in class.  If you get stuck, that is OK, but simply skipping a problem without showing attempted work will result in only partial credit given.

Test Preparedness:  Half of your homework grade will be a test preparedness grade.  See grading rubric for details.

Late Work:  Work turned in late (including labs and homework) will result in deduction of your class participation grade.  All late work must be turned in by the day of the unit test for that unit, after which you will get a zero.

Class Participation:  You are expected to come to class each day on time, prepared to learn, respect both your peers and myself, and be engaged in the day’s activities.  Participation is expected.  You should try to contribute to class each day.  See grading rubric for further details.

MCAS:  All students in this course are expected to take the physics MCAS in June at the end of this year.  This is a state-mandated graduation requirement!  The MCAS is now computer based.

Extra Credit:  Extra credit at the end of the term is not given.  Students are expected to be PROACTIVE and not REACTIVE about their grade.

The textbook you sign out at the start of the year must be returned at the end of the year, or your grade will be an incomplete until it is returned or reimbursed for, per school policy.  The cost of the textbook is $90.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due