This page is mostly for parents; Students should navigate the course through the Modules page or Calendar. 

This page currently is only here to show the Back to School Night Video 

This page is also here so that I can publicly post office hours. My office hours are generally Mondays after school 2:30-3:30. On weeks without a Monday, students should check the Canvas Calendar to see how the office hours have migrated. 

Back to School Night Video for SY2324 (this is not a pre-prepared video - I just filmed my live presentation, unfortunately, I aimed the camera badly... so here are the smartboard notes, and if you want to see me while I am talking, look at one of the other videos!) 

Back to School Night Video from SY2223 (note, we are not doing EGB in SY2324)

Back to School Night Video from SY2122

Draft Evidence Based Grading Curriculum Guide (We are not using EBG, but this is a comprehensive list of all topics and skills across all levels of Physics if you would like to view it) 

Course Title: Physics

Level: ACP

Instructor: Christine Carpenter

Description:

          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, and heat and heat transfer. 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 lab 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. 

Course Sequence:

Sequence subject to change to better to accommodate for students and schedule.

• Geometric Optics (Reflection & Refraction)
• Mechanical Waves (Sound and Water)
• Electromagnetic Waves (Light, Microwaves, Radio, etc)
• Electrostatics and Electric Fields
• Electric Circuits
• Electromagnetism and Magnetic Fields
• Describing Motion (constant velocity and constant acceleration)
• Explaining Motion (Newton's Laws, Forces, Friction, Universal Gravitation)
• Conservation of Momentum
• Conservation of Energy
• Nuclear Physics
• MCAS
• Final Experience - (TBA)

Student Engagement Expectations:

Student engagement this year is going to be more important than ever as we navigate the changing schedule and landscape.  Communication and patience are the most important elements!  Students should reach out whenever they need additional support.  Please also be patient with yourselves and with me!  We will learn how to manage this together.  

 

Required Course Materials:

Laptop and something to write with

• While most work this year will be completed through the computer or online, we will need to write or draw some items in class and remotely.  Please have access to paper and pencil (or pen) at all times.   

Headphones or Earbuds:

• Some course content involves watching or making videos. It is great to have the ability to watch a video without imposing sound on others.

Textbook 

• Students might be provided with the Conceptual Physics textbook by Hewitt. Much of the information we use is available online in multiple formats that can be explored here.  Students might be given the option to take a hard copy of the textbook or access to an online version (or both!).  Students might be asked to complete readings, online assignments, and activities using this resource.  Students should NEVER bring a hardcopy textbook to class daily.  If a student receives a textbook, they must return their textbook in June at the completion of the course or pay for a replacement.  The cost of this book is $90.  

Scientific Calculator

• The subject of Physics is often very math-based. You should bring a calculator daily. Graphing Calculators, cell phones, or other electronic devices may not always be permitted.  

Grading Policy:

            The final grade for ACP Physics will probably be calculated according to the following breakdown.  

Item	Weight
Quarter 1	25 %
Quarter 2	25 %
Quarter 3	25 %
Quarter 4	25 %
Overall Grade	100%

 

Grade Details:

Quizzes and Summative Assessments  - 50% 

• There will be a formative check in at the end of each section to monitor student mastery.  Currently these are on Canvas and retaking them is possible. These count minimally in student grades. There will be 2-3 unit tests per quarter.  

Homework, Lab Activities and Projects - 50%

• Activities will generally be worth 1-10 points. A larger, long term project might be worth more. Each lab partner must turn in an individual lab activity.
• Homework will be assigned most nights and is due the following class. Homework will be checked in class or collected via Canvas. Assignments turned in later will not receive a reduction in credit. Activities can be turned in again for more credit. 
• Late work will be accepted up until the unit test, but cannot be resubmitted for full credit. 

Quarter	Activity Resubmits	Assessment Retakes
Quarter 1	Any activity turned in on time can be resubmitted a 2nd time for up to full credit. Most Canvas quizzes can be done infinitely	Students who earn <73% can come in at a prearranged time (once) to take a new version of the test and make the grade up to a 73%
Quarter 2	No changes	No changes
Quarter 3	Points lost for missing units cannot be recovered, even if work is resubmitted	No changes
Quarter 4	No changes	No changes

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Graded assignments are posted on the Canvas homework calendar and in PowerSchool.  Students are expected to check assignments and grades once a week. Parents are encouraged to check Powerschool once a month. Currently all details are on Canvas (comments, rubrics) and Powerschool just has numbers.