2. Enter Your Username and Password
Physics
Mrs. Nenadal
2010-2011
Course Goals
The main goal of this course is to give students a well-rounded foundation and understanding of the behaviors that govern our universe. There will be a large laboratory component to this class so that we may emphasize the scientific process and the communication of scientific information. This class will be a study of major concepts in physics to prepare students for college physics courses. A strong foundation in algebra and trigonometry is essential for success in the course.
Text
The textbook we will be using this year is Physics published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. There is also an online version of the text that is available to students. To access the online text, follow these steps:
1. Go to http://my.hrw.com/
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Click on “Go to the Online Textbook” under the Physics book icon.
4. Use the tabs near the top of the page to access book pages, quizzes, etc.
USERNAME:______
PASSWORD:______
Contact Information
E-mail: /Voicemail: / (330)954-2282
Materials (needed daily)
-a covered textbook
-a writing utensil
-a notebook or binder to keep notes
-a scientific calculator
-a designated area to keep your warm-up questions
Classroom Expectations
In addition to all school rules outlined in your agenda, please be aware of the following classroom rules.
1. Be respectful of your peers, teacher, classroom, school, and self.
2. Be in your seat and prepared for class with the materials listed above and any assignments that are due when the bell rings. Remain in your seat until you are dismissed.
3. Contribute positively to the classroom environment.
Consequences
I want our class to be a safe, learning environment. I have chosen the rules above so that we can make the most of our time together. If you choose to break a rule, you will be given a warning, detention, or office referral, depending on the severity of the behavior. If you accumulate 3 tardies in a quarter, you will be assigned a detention.
Homework
Homework is a necessary component of the learning process as it allows reinforcement on topics covered in class. You can anticipate having homework about 3 times per week. You need to show all work for homework problems in order to receive full credit. The purpose of homework is to allow you to think about the topics covered in class and assess your understanding of the material. Completing homework will be crucial to your success on tests. Homework assignments may be checked for completion or collected and graded. Homework quizzes may be given asking students to answer questions similar to those from homework assignments.
Assignments and Attendance
-You are responsible for obtaining and turning in any work missed during an absence by taking the following steps.
1. Check my tentative lesson plans online.
2. Verify with a classmate the information you found online.
3. If you missed any handouts, check the “While you were out…” bin.
4. If you have questions about your absence, please see me before school starts or at the end of your class period.
-If you are absent on the day of a test, you will be expected to arrange a time to take the test. The test will not be given to you during your class period but can be made up during a study hall, lunch, or before or after school. The test should be completed the day you return to school. It is your responsibility to arrange a time with me. Students who take tests after the common test date may be given an alternate version of the test.
Physics Benchmarks – The student will…
1. Analyze the relationships that exist between the fundamental quantities of motion.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Newton’s Laws of Motion by applying them to analyze, describe, and predict the net effects on objects or systems.
3. Analyze the relationships among quantities influencing circular motion and apply Newton’s Universal Law of Gravity in an analysis of orbital motion.
4. Utilize work-energy relationships and conservation principles to analyze energy transfers within a physical system.
5. Describe and explain the characteristic behaviors associated with wave motion.
6. Trace the historical development of our understanding of the nature of light and formulate a personal opinion regarding its nature.
7. Demonstrate a conceptual and mathematical understanding of geometric optics.
8. Apply the concepts of a “field” and “field force” in analyzing the influence of a field on the behavior or an object or particle exposed to that field.
9. Analyze the relationships between voltage, resistance, and current in simple DC circuits.
Grading – Your grade in this course will be based on daily class participation, homework, tests, quizzes, labs, and projects.
TESTS
-Multiple choice
-Essay
-Problem solving
-Review and practice will usually take place in class the day before a test
-Extra help will be available after school a few days prior to tests
PROJECTS/LAB ASSESSMENTS
-Most projects will be completed in pairs or small groups
-Some projects will be built at home and brought into class for presentation and grading
-Some labs requiring a report will be counted in this category
CLASSWORK
-Questions of the day (to be collected and graded on a quarterly basis)
-Practice worksheets
-Book assignments
-Reading assignments
HOMEWORK
-Readings
-Book assignments
-Practice worksheets
-Preparing for a lab / finishing a lab
QUIZZES
-Announced or unannounced
-Lab quizzes will often be given the day after a lab
-Homework quizzes will often be given after several assignments
LABS
-Informal (conducted in class in lab groups with analysis and conclusion to be completed individually as homework)
-Formal (requiring a lab report write-up)
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Please detach and return this bottom portion to Mrs. Nenadal
I have read and understand the procedures stated above and agree to abide by the classroom rules.
______
Student Signature Date
______
Parent Signature Date