Midland High School

Midland High School Physics, 2014 Introduction This is a course aimed at familiarizing you with modes of scientific inquiry, rules of evidence, ways of formulating questions, and ways of proposing explanations. When you study physics this year you will be seeking answers to the most fundamental of questions, “How do I describe and explain natural events that take place in the physical world around me?” You will use algebra and geometry to describe physical relationships in a concise manner.

Grading You will be graded on a flat point scale to the nearest whole percent. For example, if your mid- semester (nine week) score is 82.6% (83%), you will receive a B on your report card. Students earning a “E” grade are required to attend a class tutorial before or after school.

Grading Scale A ( 92.5%) , A- (90%) , B+ ( 87.5%) , B (82.5%) , B- (80%) , C+ (77.5%) , C (72.5%) , C- (70%) , D+ (67.5%) , D (62.5%) , D- (60%) , E (59.5%)

Homework Quizzes: Given weekly after deadline. One or two questions from homework. Open Notebook – Usually 5-10 points. Students earning a “D” grade are required to attend a class tutorial before or after school.

Quizzes: Announced ahead of time. T/F, MC and Short Answer. Includes Labs. Open Notebook – Usually 30 to 60 points.

Tests: Announced ahead of time. Closed Notebook – Usually 50 to 90 points.

Labs: Formal labs must be typed. – Introduction, Diagram, Method, Results, Analysis, Conclusion. Usually 30 to 60 points.

Participation Points: Participation points will be determined from in-class assignments, in-class activities, and class discussions. Points will be lost due to unexcused absences, and tardies, or lack of active and constructive participation.

Late Assignments: You will be given 2 “Free Late” assignments per semester. The late assignment must be turned in to me the next day and marked “Free Late” or it will not be given full point weighting. After you have used your “Free Late” assignments, all other late work will be weighted to 50%. Work turned in later than one day will NOT be accepted.

Semester Grade: Each nine week (2) grade will be 40% of your final semester grade. The final exam makes up the last 20%. For the second semester this will be given as an end of year reflection paper (10%) and multiple-choice (10%). For seniors, the reflection paper will count as straight points on the last marking period. Again, your final grade will be determined on a flat point scale to the nearest whole percent.

Materials Bring to class each day: text, three-ring binder (with tabs), pencil with eraser, 30 cm ruler, and scientific calculator. Lack of materials will result in loss of participation points.

General Policy Your student handbook outlines school policy for tardiness and absences. In addition, to safeguard electronic equipment, no food or drink will be allowed in the lab. Only use equipment assigned to you during the lab activity. To protect yourself from accusation, report all faulty equipment and damages immediately to the lab supervisor. Your lab station should be tidy and functional at the end of an activity with chairs under the desk. Failure to tidy up will result in loss of participation points for the day. Always check out with a teacher before exiting the lab or classroom.

Electronic Devices In accordance with school policy, during class, cell phones, iPods, or any other personal wireless communication device should be turned off and out of sight. School discipline procedures will be acted upon when violations to this policy occur. The exception to this rule is when the teacher allows Wi-Fi use for polling.

Contact Information I can be reached on MHS e-mail at [email protected] This is best for quick response.

Office Hours: Room 321 7.30am - 7.40am Prep Hours: 1st and 7th

Syllabus:

First Semester

1. Physics and Physical Measurement (limits of measurement, patterns in data - models) (1 Week)

2. Mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, momentum, work and energy, circular motion) (12 Weeks)

3. Mechanics Extension (projectile motion, gravitation, orbital motion) (4 weeks)

Second Semester

1. Oscillations (kinematics of SHM) (1 Week)

2. Oscillations (energy changes during SHM, forced oscillation and resonance) (1 Week)

3. Waves (traveling waves, wave properties, sound intensity, Doppler) (4 Weeks)

4. Electricity and Magnetism (electrostatics, current and circuits, magnetism) (5 Weeks)

5. Atomic and Nuclear (atomic structure, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions) (2 Weeks)

6. Optics (the nature of light, reflection by mirrors, refraction by lenses, instruments) (4 Weeks)

Check out lesson plans, assignments and access to online grades by visiting my website:

http://staffweb.mps.k12.mi.us/FawcettAM/