Looking for extra help?  My schedule, availability in the Science Support Center, and office hours are all listed here!

Office Hours are Fridays from 6:55 - 7:30 am.

Foundations of Physics 9 - Welcome!

Overview:

Welcome to Foundations of Physics!  Physics is all about explaining our observations of the universe.  This is a two year physics course.  One year we will explore the behavior of light, waves, sound, and electromagnetism.  The other year we will explore the behavior of motion and energy.  To be successful you should come to class each day with an enthusiastic, ready-to-learn attitude and your workbook. 

Expectations:

1. Be on time.
2. Be ready to learn - have an engaged mind.
3. Bring all necessary materials with you to class (or your work station at home).  See below for details.
4. Be respectful of both your teacher and your peers.
5. Be patient and kind.  
6. Be respectful of any class equipment.  Use it only as it was designated to use.  Follow the lab safety guidelines at all times.
7. Work collaboratively with your peers in a respectful and constructive manner during group work
8. 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.  Please be mindful of doing your own work on Google Docs.

Materials:  please bring the following with you EVERY class :

• Binder with workbook
• Writing utensils
• Calculator
• Charged Laptop (or w/ charger)
• Headphones

Quarter Grading Policy:

All Assignments: 90%

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!

Curriculum:

Class Policies

• When in doubt, stay out!  If you need to be out sick, even on your designated presentation day, please stay home.  
• If you miss class and have an excused absence, please email me so we can discuss what you missed and the best way to catch you up.  If you know you will be out for an extended period, please let me know so we can work out a way to catch you up!
• No late work is accepted beyond the last day of the unit, unless extenuating circumstances exist.  If you have an extenuating circumstance please discuss it with me so we can work out the best way for you to stay up to date and successful in class!  
• No extra credit - be proactive, and not reactive about your grade!
• Follow all lab safety procedures any time we are using lab equipment.
• Wash your hands!  There are hand sanitizer stations around the room.  If you walk by one, hand sanitize!

Grading Practices:

• Late Work:   All late work (labs) must be turned in by the day of the unit test for that unit, after which you will get a zero.
• Tests are paper / pencil in class.  Please make sure to check in with me in advance if you want to take your test in a learning center, use your extended time if you are eligible for it, or email me to make up a test if you are absent.
• If you earn below a 73% on a test you can retake the test to earn up to a 73%.
• 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:  Students will have up to three opportunities to take the physics MCAS.  The first in June after completion of their first year of Foundations.  If students don't pass at that time they will sit for the Physics MCAS retake in February the following school year and again the following June after the second year of Foundations if needed.

The textbook you sign out at the start of the year must be returned at the end of the year.  The cost of the textbook is $90.

Looking for extra help?  My schedule, availability in the CP Help Center and Science Support Center, and office hours are all listed here!

Two important options for you are:

Science Support Center - drop in during any physics intervention times in room 257!

CP Help Center - A place where you can get help for CP English and CP Physics!