Honors Physics 9

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Course Description: 

“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 Honors 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.   

Expectations

1. Be on time.
2. Be ready to learn - have an engaged mind.
3. Bring all necessary materials with you to class.  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 lab safety guidelines at all times.
7. Work collaboratively with your peers in a respectful and constructive manner during group work.
8. Adhere to the WHS Cell Phone Policy at all times.
9. 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.
10. Unless you have permission from a teacher in the room, you phone should be in your backpack and silent.  If you need it to access a tool please ask a teacher first.   Abuse of this policy will result in you turning in your phone at the start of each class.

Materials:  please bring the following with you EVERY class :

• Binder and notebook OR loose-leaf lined paper
• Writing utensils
• Scientific Calculator
• Charged Laptop (or w/ charger)
• Headphones

Quarter Grading Policy:

Assessments: 65%

Assignments: 35%

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:

1. Light
2. Waves
3. Electromagnetic Waves
4. Static Electricity
5. Circuits
6. Electromagnetism
7. Constant Velocity
8. Acceleration
9. Forces
10. Momentum
11. Energy

Class Policies

• When in doubt, stay out!  If you are not well enough to be in school, 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!  You can always check Canvas for assignments due / assigned.

 

• If I am out, please check with the sub / TA about expected work completion AND check canvas for announcements / assignments.  I expect work assigned on classes that I am out to be completed.

 

• 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 the lab safety guidelines 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:

• Homework:  Homework will be assigned nightly.  Homework is checked for completion, not accuracy, as this is the time for you to practice the concepts we have learned without penalty.  If you are struggling with a problem, you still need to TRY, given the methods we have discussed in class.  If you get stuck, that is OK, but try not to just skip the problem.  Homework completion counts towards your assignments grade.  Some homework assignments (such as a lab extension or Canvas quiz) may be graded for accuracy if you have already had practice opportunities.  I will inform you when an assignment is graded for accuracy.

 

• Late Work:  Work turned in late (labs) will result in deduction of your class participation grade.  All late work 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.  If you qualify for extended time or to take your test in a learning center please be sure to arrange this with me IN ADVANCE.   Quizzes may be Canvas quizzes or paper / pencil.  If you are absent on the day of a test please email me as soon as you are able to arrange a time to make up your test.  If you know you are going to be absent before the test please see me before the day of your absence.
  
• If you earn below a 73% on a test or quiz you can retake the test to earn up to a 73%.  If you score better on a test than a quiz in the same unit, your test grade will replace your quiz grade.

 

• 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.