Physics Syllabus

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Physics Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Brantley
Room: 28
E-mail: brantley_mj@sd193.k12.id.us

Course Description: Physics is the study of energy in all its forms. Physics provides an introduction to this science, and will provide sufficient information for a student to continue physics instruction at the college level. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed upon problem solving, and laboratory skills.

Text: Holt Physics. Serway, Faughn. Holt, 2002
Materials required everyday: pencil or pen, notebook, scientific calculator
Class prerequisites: Students must have taken Algebra II. If you have not met this requirement you must speak to me personally.

Class expectations:
1) You are now in an advanced science course and are expected to act as such. You as the student will have a high level of responsibility for your own work, perhaps more so than you have in the past.
2) Students are expected to have required materials for class every day.
3) Every student in class will have a lab partner. You will work in partners for labs and some assignments. If you miss a class, your lab partner is the one who will give you any missing assignments or notes. You will be responsible for any assignments, labs, or tests that you were aware of before your absence.
4) Any questions regarding make up tests or labs will need to be addressed before school, after school, or during lunch. You will need to sign up on the calendar as directed by Mr. Brantley. Five minutes before the bell rings is not sufficient time to ask questions about school work.
5) Students are expected to be a positive participant in the classroom.
6) Students will adhere to Mountain Home School District’s policy and requirements for absences, tardies, dress code, discipline, late work and all other rules and regulations as explained in the student handbook and on the classroom contract with Mr. Brantley.

Ground rules:
1) My classroom is based on respect. I respect each of you as students and expect you to treat your fellow classmates and myself the same.
2) Whining is not an option.
3) Seating charts are a part of this course. They will be changed every quarter.
4) During lecture and discussion all students must be given the chance to hear without being distracted by other students. For this reason talking is not allowed, unless recognized by the teacher. Failure to follow this rule may result in the student being moved to another seat or spending time with Mr. Brantley before or after school.
5) Water is the only food or drink allowed in the classroom. It is to be in a clear bottle with a lid. Any other food or drink will be thrown out, without discussion. Cough drops will be allowed if cleared with Mr. Brantley first.
6) Gum is allowed in the classroom as long as I don’t see or hear it.
7) For your safety and the safety of others all laboratory rules must be followed. Horseplay in the lab will not be tolerated and will result in the student receiving a 0 on the lab.
8) Behavior contracts must be signed by the students before any grades will be recorded.

Policies regarding work.

1) Work is to be handed into your class’ hand - in box at the beginning of the period. Work turned in after this is considered late. Late-work will be accepted up to the beginning of the next class period for half credit. After that the work is considered a zero.
2) Extra credit will only be allowed if the student has no zeros.
3) Make – up work follows the same rules as shown in your agenda. Remember, you have a maximum of one week to make up work regardless of how long you were absent.

Projects / Discussions / Presentation
1) Projects - Throughout the course there will be four assigned projects (1 each quarter). With these projects you must do two – the bridge and the catapult. You may choose not to do the bungee cord or the egg drop. If you choose not to do these projects you must do a four page research paper on a physics topic approved by Mr. Brantley.
2) Discussions - There will also be at least four discussions throughout the course. Discussions will be on physics articles provided by Mr. Brantley. A question sheet will be given to focus discussion, and to ensure understanding of key points. Answers to questions and participation in discussion will be crucial.
3) Presentation – In the 4^th quarter each lab group will present on a physics topic of their choice. The group will teach this topic and be responsible for a lecture, assignment to be given to the class, and possibly demonstrations or labs. This presentation will make up a major portion of your 4^th quarter grade.

Grading:
Grades are determined by the following percentages
30% exams
30% labs / projects
30% assignments / quizzes
10% class participation / behavior
Letter grades are given using the 10 point scale
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89%
C 70% - 79%
D 60% - 69%
F 0% - 59%


Topics List / Tentative Outline: Subject to change
Topics	Topic Covered

Week 1: Nature of Physics	Syllabus
Pretest
Discussion	Astrophysics Article
Week 2: Physics math	Ch. 1

Week 3/4: Waves and Sound	Ch.’s 12 & 13

Week 5-7: Test 1
Mirrors and Lenses	Ch.’s 14 & 15
Week 8-9: Test 2
Interference	Ch. 16
Test 3
End of 1^st Quarter – Oct 31^st
Week 1-3: Vectors Electricity and Capacitance	Ch.’s 3, 17-18
Test 4
Thanksgiving
Week 4-7: Resistance and Circuits	Ch. 19-20
Test 5
Christmas
Week 9: Bridges
	Discussion Article
End of 1^st Semester – Jan 16^th
Week 1: Motion in 1 D	Ch. 2
Week 2/3: Newton’s Laws	Ch. 4
Test 6
Week 4/5: Work and Conservation of Energy	Ch’s. 5 & 6
Week 6/7: Torque and Rotational Equilibrium	Ch. 8
Week 8/9: Fluid Dynamics	Ch. 9
Test 7
Discussion	Relativity Article
End of 3^rd Quarter – March 19^th
Week 1/2: Rotational Motion	Ch. 7
Black Holes
Week 3/4: Test 8
Projectile Motion	Ch. 3
Week 5: Catch Up
Test 9
Week 6/7: Presentations
Week 8/9: Final Post-Test Catapults
Graduation May 28^th Have a Good Summer