9th Grade ACP Physics

Mahshid Pourmand. 

Room #: 247, 248

Office: 358

Email: pourmandm@wellesleyps.org

 

“I think nature’s imagination is so much greater than man’s, she’s never going to let us relax.” -Richard Feynman

Physics at the Advanced College Prep level provides students with a comprehensive overview of the major topics in physics including simple harmonic motion, sound and light waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, static and current electricity, electromagnetism, motion and forces, momentum and energy. Emphasis will be placed on observing these concepts in everyday life in order to collect and analyze evidence to discover and understand the patterns that emerge. Students will engage in numerous investigations and hands-on activities in order to construct their own understanding of the material. Refinement of problem-solving, scientific writingand science inquiry skills will be at the heart of this course. One of the primary goals of the course is to help students apply their understanding to solve problems. This is a challenging course that is suitable for those students who are proficient in reading, writing, math, and data analysis. This course prepares students for the Introductory Physics MCAS.   

What you need to bring: 

 

• Your device (Macbook, Chromebook, Windows Laptop, and …). Please bring your device to school fully charged. 
• Headphones or earbuds.
• Pencil and eraser
• Scientific Calculator (must have EE or exp button but graphing is not required)
• An online place for Physics work (Make a Physics 2021 folder in your google drive)
• Binder (to keep and organize handouts)

 

        You will be given a copy of the textbook “Physics: A First Course” When we get to the building. You will have access to a hard copy of the book and also provided with access to an online version. You will be asked to complete readings, online assignments, and activities using this resource. You do not need to bring the textbook to class. The textbook must be returned prior to taking the final exam, as per school policy.

 

Absentee Policy:

 

• Upon returning from an absence, check with me what you have missed. Do not do this at the beginning of the class. Email me before the class to arrange a time to talk. 
• If you know you are going to be absent, let me know beforehand. This is especially important for tests and quizzes. 
• You have until the next class to make up missed assignments. 
• To make up for the missed test, you have a maximum of one week. 
• Most importantly be proactive in reaching out to me. 

Class breakdown:

 

This class will be graded on a point system. This means that everything you do in class will have a point value. Homework, classwork, class participation and formative quizzes form 50% of your final grade. The other half of your grade would be tests, summative quizzes, and projects. 

 

Do Now

 

Each day there will be a Do Now assignment posted on the board. Students are expected to begin this immediately upon entering the classroom. 

 

Homework

 

Homework will be assigned every time the class meets. Some assignments will be graded on completion and accuracy, while others will be graded only on completion. If you are struggling with a problem, you still need to try using strategies explained in class. Textbook examples are also very helpful. Late homework will be graded for a reduced credit until the end of the unit. If you are absent (excused or otherwise), you are responsible to check online (Canvas) and make up your work.  

 

Classwork/ Labs

 

The majority of the class will consist of in-class activities and labs. Labs and activities will be completed in groups but every student is responsible for passing in their own work. Reports should be written in your own words. Plagiarism is taken seriously; plagiarized reports will be graded as a 0. Students are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities, to contribute to group work, and to follow all lab procedures and safety guidelines. 

 

Quizzes & Tests

 

Students expect a quiz at least two times per module. For most of the formative quizzes on Canvas, you have unlimited attempts. Tests might be made up if you received below 75%. You should show progress in your understanding to be given the chance to make up your test. If you are absent for a test, you should let me know as soon as possible to arrange a makeup. Be proactive and email me if you know you are going to be absent.

 

Projects

 

We will have several group and individual projects in the course of the year. Projects are the best way to learn physics. Be creative and have fun. The grades for group projects are not group grades. You will be graded based on your participation and contribution.  

 

Participation

 

Participation in this class is built on two things: Presence and Respect. Being present in class means you are arriving to class on time and contributing to classroom discussion. Upon arrival, you are going to start working on your “Do Now” activity.  Being respectful to your fellow classmates and teacher is equally important. Live by the ‘Golden Rule’ and give your full attention to whoever is speaking. It is extremely important that you participate in class discussions. It helps you understand the lesson better and let me have a better understanding of where the students are to adjust my lesson. 

 

CLASSROOM RULES:

 

No student may hinder the teacher from teaching or any other student from learning: 

1. RESPECT yourself and your teacher, classmates, and classroom materials/furnishings. 
2. Try your best. 
3. Listen carefully and follow directions. 
4. Pay attention and participate. 
5. Raise your hand to speak and use positive language. 
6. Remain seated; raise your hand if you need to leave the classroom. 
7. Clean up after yourself and return all materials. 
8. Refrain from eating, drinking. 
9. Follow all laboratory safety rules and the following school rules.

 

Class Expectations:

 

• The Code of Conduct will be followed 100% of the time. 
• Students will bring the necessary supplies with them every class period and will be prepared to learn. 
• Students are to enter the class and immediately begin the Do Now questions. 
• Students are to be on time to class every day. 
• No electronic devices shall be used in the classroom. Unless otherwise asked by your teacher. 
• Upon entering the classroom, students are expected to: 
• Wash their hand 
•  Find their assigned seat BEFORE the time class starts and begin the Do Now on the board immediately. 
•  During class, students are expected to: 
• Sign out and in using the Sign Out sheet when using the restroom or leaving the classroom for any reason.
• Refrain from unnecessary trips around the classroom or to the restroom, nurse, etc. Do not walk to the front of the room with your agenda to ask to use the restroom while the teacher is instructing. 
• Stay seated until dismissed at the end of the period. 

 

Online Class expectations:

 

• Find a quiet corner for your online classes.
• Have a pencil and paper ready to work on your problems.
• Connect to your class on time. 
• Stay muted until your teacher unmutes you. 
• Turn on your camera. Otherwise, you have to communicate with your teacher before the class if you have a legitimate excuse. 
• Be prepared to ask or answer questions.
• Use the zoom “raise hand” feature to show your teacher you have a comment or question. 
• Only connect to your own color block.
• Check your class Canvas page for all classroom announcements and resources.
• Be engaged and participate in class discussions. 

 

Remember:

 

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions or to reach out for help!

I am always available, and more than happy, to help you. You can always reach me afterschool at my email address (pourmandm@wellesleyps.org) . Email me with specific questions and explain what you have tried. The more specific you are, the better I can help you. Lastly, enjoy yourselves this year and have fun!