Conceptual Physics s1

Conceptual Physics

Course Basics: Conceptual Physics is an introduction to physics concepts through the use of demonstrations and laboratory experiences.

1st Quarter: 1-D Kinematics, 2-D Kinematics, Newton’s Laws & Forces 2nd Quarter: Circular Motion & Universal Gravitation, Work & Energy, Momentum, Project 3rd Quarter: Waves I, Waves II, Optics & Light, Electrostatics 4th Quarter: Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics, Final Project

Needed for Class (everyday): Needed for Labs: At home.....  Calculator  1 Marble Notebook  Textbook  Pens/pencils  Calculator  Protractor  Binder or Notebook  Pencil  Ruler (metric)  Skills

Laboratory: Labs allow students to have a hands-on experience of discovering Physics concepts. Horseplay and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Completed lab reports will be presented in marble composition books and will count as 25% of the quarter grade.

Homework and Class Work: Students can expect homework assignments a few nights a week. Homework includes reading the text book, analysis of lab work, and homework problems from the text and problem sets on separate sheets. Some problems are done in small groups or individually in class, and then collected for credit. Homework & class work count as 15% of the quarter grade.

Tests: There will be three unit tests each quarter. Students will be provided with practice tests and answers as part of the test preparation. Tests count as 60% of the quarter grade.

Projects – from time to time, projects are assigned. Projects will have several components, which will count toward the laboratory grade, the class work grade & a test grade. Guidelines and expectations are customized to each project and provided to the students.

Absences and Make-ups: Students who miss class are responsible for getting notes from a classmate. A student who misses a lab or a test must schedule a make-up session promptly upon return to school. Labs must be made up as soon as possible, and many times, before or after school. Tests are made up during a free period.

Help!!! is available in the Physics office (Room 132) . Physics teachers’ schedules are posted in the cabinet in the hall outside the physics office. The office phone is 757-5879.

P.S. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN CLASS. This includes text messaging!! Students are asked to turn off cell phones at the beginning of class.