9th Grade ACP Physics

 

Mahshid Pourmand                            

Room #: 247

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 classical 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 writing and 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, pens, and eraser
• Scientific Calculator (must have EE or EXP button but graphing is not required)
• An online place for Physics work (Make a Physics 2022 folder in your google drive)
• Binder (to keep and organize handouts)
• A notebook (Taking notes in this class is an essential criterion for success) 

 

        You will be given a copy of the textbook “Physics: A First Course” in class. You will have access to a hard copy of the book and also be 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 about 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 and summative quizzes. 

 

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 almost 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. 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. Refer to the student's handbook for consequences. Students are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities, contribute to group work, and 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 3 to 4 attempts. Tests might be made up if you received below 70%. You can make up to 70% on the makeup test.  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 make-up. 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 discussions. 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. Everyone is expected to participate and ask questions. 

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. Follow all laboratory safety rules and the following school rules.

 

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 after school 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. If you need to meet with me to ask a question, please send an email and tell me your availability. We can arrange a meeting to talk. Lastly, enjoy yourselves this year and have fun!