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Principles of Physics: Syllabus
Principles of Physics Syllabus
Grand Meadow Public Schools
2016-2017 School Year
Principles of Physics
Instructor: Mr. Mike Keefe
Course Description
Physics is a way of looking at the world in a cause/effect kind of way. We look at what is happening, why it happens, and how various changes affect outcomes. Physics is math based, so your understanding of both the science aspects and math will be challenged. We will be following the textbook in addition to projects and themed units. We will cover many of the following topics but often on a more conceptual level.
Course Outline (subject to change)
Semester 1
Chapter 1-The Science of Physics
Chapter 2-Motion in one dimension
Chapter 3-Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors
Chapter 4-Forces and the Laws of Motion
Chapter 5-Work and Energy
Chapter 6-Momentum and Collisions
Chapter 7-Circular Motion and Gravitation
Chapter 8-Fluid Mechanics
Chapter 9-Heat
Chapter 10-Thermodynamics
Semester 2
Chapter 11-Vibrations and waves
Chapter 12-Sound
Chapter 13-Light and Reflection
Chapter 14-Refraction
Chapter 15-Interference and Diffraction
Chapter 16-Electric Forces
Chapter 17-Electric Energy
Chapter 18-Circuits
Chapter 19-Magnetism
Chapter 21/22 Atomic/Subatomic Physics
Grading: Quarter grades will be based on total points using the following scale:
A 100-94% B+ 89-87% C+ 79-77% D+ 69-67%
A- 93-90% B 86-84% C 76-74% D 66-64%
B- 83-80% C- 73-70% D- 63-60%
Below 60% is an F
It is important to remember that a student will not be given a grade by the teacher; rather you the student earns the grade.
Weighting of Grades
50% Tests/Quizzes
Tests will be given after completion of one or more chapters. Quizzes are worth fewer points and are given more frequently. If you miss either-you are required to make it up within two days of being back.
20% Group work/Labs/projects
20% Homework and independent work
Work where students are required to complete and activity alone will be counted here. Late work will be accepted for up to one week for half credit. After one week-it will be a zero in the grade book.
10% Bell work and effort
Completion of daily bell work and also your effort in this class will count for the remaining 10% of your grade.
Class Rules-
Food/Drink----Water bottles are allowed at the desk, but not in the lab. No food is allowed.
Hall Passes----You have enough time between classes to use the bathroom, get a drink, and gather all your materials you will need for class. You will not be allowed to leave for any of these reasons once the bell rings.
I expect that each and every one of you have the ability to do great in this class. It is up to you to fulfill that expectation. This class will require hard work both in class and out of class. You will be challenged and I expect you will meet those challenges. The best way to have success is to stay on top of assignments. This class will be as fun as you let it be. Get ready for a great upcoming year in Physics.
Mr. Keefe
2016-2017 School Year
Principles of Physics
Instructor: Mr. Mike Keefe
Course Description
Physics is a way of looking at the world in a cause/effect kind of way. We look at what is happening, why it happens, and how various changes affect outcomes. Physics is math based, so your understanding of both the science aspects and math will be challenged. We will be following the textbook in addition to projects and themed units. We will cover many of the following topics but often on a more conceptual level.
Course Outline (subject to change)
Semester 1
Chapter 1-The Science of Physics
Chapter 2-Motion in one dimension
Chapter 3-Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors
Chapter 4-Forces and the Laws of Motion
Chapter 5-Work and Energy
Chapter 6-Momentum and Collisions
Chapter 7-Circular Motion and Gravitation
Chapter 8-Fluid Mechanics
Chapter 9-Heat
Chapter 10-Thermodynamics
Semester 2
Chapter 11-Vibrations and waves
Chapter 12-Sound
Chapter 13-Light and Reflection
Chapter 14-Refraction
Chapter 15-Interference and Diffraction
Chapter 16-Electric Forces
Chapter 17-Electric Energy
Chapter 18-Circuits
Chapter 19-Magnetism
Chapter 21/22 Atomic/Subatomic Physics
Grading: Quarter grades will be based on total points using the following scale:
A 100-94% B+ 89-87% C+ 79-77% D+ 69-67%
A- 93-90% B 86-84% C 76-74% D 66-64%
B- 83-80% C- 73-70% D- 63-60%
Below 60% is an F
It is important to remember that a student will not be given a grade by the teacher; rather you the student earns the grade.
Weighting of Grades
50% Tests/Quizzes
Tests will be given after completion of one or more chapters. Quizzes are worth fewer points and are given more frequently. If you miss either-you are required to make it up within two days of being back.
20% Group work/Labs/projects
20% Homework and independent work
Work where students are required to complete and activity alone will be counted here. Late work will be accepted for up to one week for half credit. After one week-it will be a zero in the grade book.
10% Bell work and effort
Completion of daily bell work and also your effort in this class will count for the remaining 10% of your grade.
Class Rules-
- Be ready when the bell rings. Bell work will be on the board-make sure you are in your seat working on it when the bell rings.
- Be respectful. This covers not only to your classmates, but to staff and the building/classroom.
- Be responsible. You are a high school student and you are required to act like it.
Food/Drink----Water bottles are allowed at the desk, but not in the lab. No food is allowed.
Hall Passes----You have enough time between classes to use the bathroom, get a drink, and gather all your materials you will need for class. You will not be allowed to leave for any of these reasons once the bell rings.
I expect that each and every one of you have the ability to do great in this class. It is up to you to fulfill that expectation. This class will require hard work both in class and out of class. You will be challenged and I expect you will meet those challenges. The best way to have success is to stay on top of assignments. This class will be as fun as you let it be. Get ready for a great upcoming year in Physics.
Mr. Keefe
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