ACP Physics                                  

Mr. Giancioppo

gianciopop@wellesleyps.org

Office Hours: Monday at 2:30 (students will be notified if this changes per week)

 

Course Overview/Grading Policy  2025-2026

What is physics?

Physics is the study of the structure of matter and how simple particles in the universe interact.  Many concepts that you learn in physics have direct “real world” applications. Some interesting examples of these are:
- How/why you can “zap” people with static electricity in the winter
- How magnets work
- How cars are designed to prevent injuries in car crashes

What will we do in here?

We will explore physics in a variety of ways, including short lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities, cooperative learning groups, and laboratory experiments.  Every effort will be made to make the subject matter interesting and easy to understand by relating tough concepts to examples from your everyday life.  While physics can sometimes be a tough subject, I’m confident that if we work together, you will leave this class with a much better understanding of the world around you.

What topics do we cover?

1. Light
2. Waves & Sound
3. Electromagnetic Waves
4. Electrostatics
5. Electric Circuits
6. Electromagnetism
7. Constant Velocity
8. Constant acceleration
9. Explaining Motion
10. Forces
11. Momentum
12. Work and Energy

Are there any specific rules I need to know about?

I have three important expectations for our classroom. They are:

2. Students will demonstrate respect for classmates and the teacher at all times.
   Besides being civil to each other, this also means that you should arrive to class on time, use appropriate language, and respect each other’s property and personal space.
   
   
3. Students will not do anything to jeopardize the safety of each other.
   This means that you always follow lab safety guidelines and do not engage in “roughhousing” or similar behavior.
   
   
4. Student will take ownership of their learning.
   This means coming to class with any homework complete and with the mindset that you're ready to learn. Being an active participant in our conversations and activities will help you take ownership of your learning. Finally, it means that if you don’t understand something or are struggling with a concept, you need to ask for help promptly.

    If you follow these expectations, you should have a great year in physics.

 

Can I use my cell phone in class?

No, they must be parked at the start of class, as dictated by school policy.  Occasionally we may use them for an activity - in these cases, I will specifically tell you to when to use them. They must be used according to school policy during those moments.

Can I use earbuds/head phones to listen to music in class?

Unless you are given specific permission, you may not use these devices in class.

How will I be graded?

Your grade will be calculated using category weighting. The breakdown is:

• 60% = Unit Assessments (tests)
• 40% = Labs/Projects, homework, Online Quizzes

You will receive a formal grade report every quarter, but grades will be updated in PowerSchool as they are completed.

 

Tests are 60%?  What if I’m terrible at tests?

I understand that some students have a lot of trouble with tests and get frustrated after receiving a low grade.  However, because understanding future concepts usually requires grasping earlier ones, it is important that you not give up if this happens.  It is also the reason that I have a retake policy.

If you earn below a 73 on a test, you have the option of retaking it to improve your grade.  The makeup test will have a similar structure, but slightly different questions.  You may retake as many tests as you want. However, be warned: the highest retake score you can earn is a 73, so it is better to be prepared for the original test than to count on the retake. 

You have 7 school days after receiving your graded test to take a makeup. 

 

Extended time and testing location accommodations

If you have these accommodations, you should discuss your at least 2 days in advance of every assessment you wish to use it for. This is important for providing me enough time to coordinate this with your LC teacher (if you have one) and finding time/space for your accommodation.

What can you tell me about labs and projects? 

Labs and projects are hands-on experiments designed to reinforce concepts taught in class.  Most students find them to be a lot of fun, but they also require a great deal of responsibility.  We will discuss lab safety procedures and expectations in more detail at another time.  

Is there a lot of homework in here?

You should expect to receive some homework in this class every night.  Most assignments can be completed in less than 20 minutes, and you may occasionally be given time in class to start it.  Homework is not simply “busywork”; it is meant to reinforce concepts presented in the classroom and is necessary for your success in this class.  It is in your best interest to make sure that it gets done on time and to the best of your ability.  Online quizzes are often assigned for homework.  You may take these several times and use notes to help you maximize your score on these.

What materials do I need to bring to class? 

All students are required to bring the following to class daily:

• Notebook: 3-ring binder (1 inch recommended), College-ruled paper, 5 dividers (recommended).
• Pen (regular blue or black ink) or Pencil – for all graded work.
• Scientific Calculator: we have them in class, but if you want your own, a simple $10 one is sufficient.

There is a textbook for the class that students are welcome to take home for reference.  Students do not need to bring it back and forth to class. If you do take a book home, you will be asked to complete a book card. You will be expected to reimburse the school if the book is not returned at the end of the school year.

What if the teacher is absent?

Students should report to class if I am out. A substitute will be present and an assignment will be provided. Students should look for instructions and materials on the Daily Agenda and Canvas. Students may work on work from other classes AFTER their physics assignment is completed.

 

What if I’m absent?

Your presence in class is important, and excessive absences will hinder your progress significantly.

If you are absent, you must do the following:

• At the start of the next class on the day you return, show me any homework that was due on the day you were out.
• Get any notes that you missed.  I will give you any handouts, and they will also be posted on Canvas.
• If available, you may be able to review parts of the lesson by watching an instructional video posted on the help video website. 
• Make up any work/homework you missed.  If you were out 1 day, you have 1 day to make up the work.  If you were out 2 days, you have 2 days to make up the work, etc.
• If you miss a lab for any reason, you have one week to schedule a make-up opportunity.  After that time has passed, you will receive sample data so that you may still turn in the lab, but at a 10% deduction to your grade.
• If you are out the day of a test, you will be expected to make up the test the next class day.
  If you miss only the day before a test, you will still be expected to take the test on the regular day.

Exceptions to the above rules may be made in special circumstances, but only if you talk to me about it in advance (ie. through email, before school, or before an extended absence).  

 

Can I turn in late work?

Homework is timely and often matches what is done in class.  Therefore, it is important to do it on time.  If you do not do or submit a homework assignment by its due date, you may submit it late for 50% credit.

Online quizzes should be attempted when assigned, but will not receive a late penalty.  You have until the end of the unit to maximize your score on these assignments.  

Lab assignments will often be completed during class.  If you need more time, that is fine, but it is important to avoid falling too far behind.

Assignments will not be accepted after the unit ends.

Can I do extra credit to raise my grade?

No.  The only “extra credit” I provide is the opportunity to retake tests.  The class is structured to provide you with the support needed to be successful, if you take advantage of them.  It is not possible to make up weeks of work with one extra credit assignment at the end of the quarter.  Be proactive and seek help when you need it – do not wait until the last minute.

How can I get extra help?

I strongly encourage you to ask questions in class about anything you do not understand.  However, if you feel that you need additional help beyond what I can provide in class, you have a number of options:

• Consult the instructional videos on the topic (through Canvas).
• Go to the Science Resource Center (room 257), open most A blocks and some others during the school day.  The full schedule is available on the Canvas page.
• Email/talk to me about finding a time to meet and discuss any issues you are having.
  My Office Hours will be posted to Canvas and typically in the Daily Agenda.
  
  

My parents want to have a conference.  How should they contact you?  

If problems develop that hinder your progress in this course, I encourage you to first seek me out for an informal, teacher-student discussion to come up with strategies to improve your experience in physics.  If your parents wish to consult me the best way to reach me is through my e-mail address:

giancioppop@wellesleyps.org

You may also use this address to contact me if you are absent for an extended period of time or have some other question that you need clarified and do not have a chance to ask in class.

 

This information has been provided to students as a physical copy. They and their parent/guardian will be asked to sign it and return it to Mr. Giancioppo at the start of the school year.