Course Syllabus

ACP Physics
Course Expectations & Overview

Mr. Giancioppo - Back to School Video for parents

Physics is the study of the structure of matter and the fundamental interactions of particles in the universe. This course emphasizes real-world applications, such as the mechanics of car crashes, electricity, and magnetism. Our goal is to make complex concepts accessible through demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and collaborative activities.

Curriculum Topics

Classroom Expectations

1. Respect: Students must demonstrate respect for classmates and the teacher, arrive on time, and respect personal property.
2. Safety: Adherence to lab safety guidelines is mandatory; "roughhousing" is strictly prohibited.
3. Taking ownership of learning: Students are expected to arrive prepared with completed homework, participate actively, and seek help promptly when struggling.

Technology & Materials

• Cell Phones & Earbuds: Must be parked at the start of class per school policy. They may only be used when specifically instructed for a classroom activity.
• Daily Materials: Students must bring a fully charged laptop each day. Loaner laptops can be borrowed from the Tech Office in room 356 before class starts. It’s strongly recommended that students bring a 3-ring binder (1-inch recommended) with dividers, college-ruled paper, blue/black pens or pencils, and a scientific calculator.
• Textbook: Available for home reference; students are responsible for the replacement cost if not returned.

Grading & Assessment Policy

Quarterly grades are calculated by category weighting:

60% = Unit Assessments (Tests)

30% = Labs & Projects 

10% = Homework and Online Quizzes

Quarters 1-4 will each be worth 22% of Final Grade (Y1). An E1 grading period will consist of a final exam and be worth 12% of the Final Grade.

Retake Policy: If a student earns below a 73 on a unit test (not including the final exam), they may retake it within 7 school days. The maximum score achievable on a retake is 73.

Accommodations: Students with IEP or 504 accommodations should discuss their needs (such as extended time) with the teacher at least 2 days prior to an assessment.

Note: District accommodations (DCAP) are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.  While some accommodations can be offered at the moment, others require advanced notice. For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided.

Assignments & Late Work

• Homework: Assigned nightly to reinforce concepts; typically takes under 20 minutes.
• Late Policy: Homework submitted after a deadline receives 50% credit. Online quizzes are retakeable but will receive a late penalty if not attempted by their due date. No assignments are accepted after a unit ends.
• Labs: Critical hands-on components. If a lab is missed, it must be made up within one week and before the unit test. After one week, students will receive sample data for a 10% grade deduction.

Attendance & Absence Procedures

Presence is vital for success. In the event of an absence:

• Show homework due during the absence at the start of the next attended class.
• Check Canvas or the Daily Agenda for missed notes, handouts, and instructional videos.
• Makeup Window: Students have a grace period equal to the number of days absent.
• Tests: If absent only on the day of a test, the student must take it the day they return. If absent only the day before a test, the student is still expected to take the test on the scheduled day.

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 assignments for other classes AFTER their physics assignment is completed.

Extra Help & Communication

Students are encouraged to ask questions during class. Additional support is available via:

• Office Hours: Mondays, 2:30-3:00 for extra help. Changes to that schedule will be shared in the Daily Agenda.
• Science Resource Center (Room 257): Open during select blocks. A schedule is on the door of 257.
• Email: Parents and students may reach Mr. Giancioppo at giancioppop@wellesleyps.org.
  

Physics Laboratory Safety Guidelines

Failure to follow these guidelines could cause danger to the student or to others. This may result in that student not earning points for a lab grade and/or being asked to leave the laboratory.

1. Serious, responsible behavior is expected in the laboratory at all times.
2. You are expected to follow all directions given by your instructor at all times.
3. If the instructor informs you that safety glasses are required for this lab, you MUST wear the goggles. Goggles must be worn over prescription eye glasses. 
4. Know the location and understand the usage of the following safety features of the classroom: 
   • fire extinguisher
   • fire blanket
   • safety shower
   • eyewash
   • emergency exits.
5. Eating and drinking are prohibited in the laboratory. 
6. Report all accidents and injuries to the instructor immediately.
7. Broken glass should be reported to the instructor immediately. They will dispose of it in the marked container. Students will not touch broken glass. 
8. DO NOT perform any experiments that are not authorized and supervised by the instructor. DO NOT use any equipment in the laboratory for any purpose other than how you have been instructed.