Expectations

PHYSICS 2011-2012  Mr. Cox

CLASSROOM TEXTS: Holt Physics, Serway/Faughn; Conceptual Physics, Hewitt Other resources: iPad: Apps, online text, videos, etc.

GOALS: 1. to develop curiosity and involvement with physical phenomena in your daily lives 2. to develop advanced problem-solving techniques necessary for scientific problem-solving 3. to construct knowledge of terminology, principles and concepts of physics 4. to utilize materials and equipment to validate physical phenomena 5. to develop abilities to measure, organize, perform calculations, solve problems and interpret data 6. to develop ability to communicate scientific data and results through written lab reports and online presentations 7. to develop abilities to use technology to collect and analyze data 8. to develop good organizational, communication, design and problem-solving skills through independent research or honors projects 9. to develop higher order thinking and 21st Century skills

CLASSROOM CONDUCT: We are here to learn. Any actions that inhibit your right or someone else’s right to learn will not be tolerated.

Common courtesy will prevail at ALL times Respect the school’s and other’s property…INTENTIONAL DAMAGE TO ANY SCHOOL PROPERTY WILL RESULT IN ONE HOUR DETENTION AND A VISIT TO THE OFFICE FOR FURTHER DISCIPLINE. Also, see iPad policy. Do not talk while others are speaking No food or beverages in classroom without permission…bottles of water are permitted and encouraged. (Athletes…SPORTS DRINKS ARE NOT ALLOWED) !!!BE ON TIME!!! Bring all necessary materials each day.

MATERIALS NEEDED: iPad (provided; $25 technology fee), scientific calculator, notebook, 1.5 inch binder and graphing program. Graphical Analysis is available in the school store for $3.00. This is the program that we will be using in the classroom. You will also need a folder with fasteners (supplied), access to a computer and web-based storage.

ASSIGNMENTS: You are expected to complete all assignments. Your success is highly dependent on the effort you put in. Assignments to be collected are due by the assigned due date. Deductions will be made for work handed in late.

GRADING: The evaluation of your learning will be based on performance on unit objectives measured by several methods. The majority of the evaluation will be a performance assessment of scientific problem solving which will incorporate the knowledge, concepts and skills of physics. Assessment will be in written, on-line, oral and lab formats. Participation in on-line discussions will also be graded. You will be apprised of the evaluation format for each task. You will also be required to maintain a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your progress and your understanding of physics. A point system will be used to assure full credit for your work. A 90-100 % B 80-90 % C 70-80 % D 60-70 % F below 60 %

CHEATING is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero. The office and your parents will be notified. Cheating consists of copying, using cheat sheets, plagiarizing, talking during an exam or quiz, or any other method of wrongfully completing an assignment or exam. You are encouraged to study together and discuss the material we cover, but outright copying is not allowed. Special Note: You are encouraged to work on lab analysis together, but reports must be written as individuals unless specified. NO CARBON COPY OR SIMILAR COPIES ALLOWED! Both students who hand in “cooperative” reports will receive zeros. “Partners do the lab, but individuals write the report.” The exception to this is an assignment of a “collaborative” team report. The distinction of what type of report is required will be made clear for each assignment.

ABSENCES will be handled in accordance with school policy. If you know about an upcoming absence ahead of time, arrangements to make up missed work must be made with the instructor before the absence occurs. These arrangements are the student’s responsibility and no make-up arrangements will be approved after the anticipated absence has occurred.

If an absence is unexcused, the make-up work or test will be considered late.

HONORS PROJECT: Physics is an honors class and an honors project is required. This year studetns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively on one of two projects. We will be building a Rube Goldberg machine for competition in Milwaukee in March. Each individual will be responsible for smaller projects along the way that will contribute to the design of the bigger final project. The alternative project is to work as a team to construct a vehicle for entry into Berlin's Soap Box Derby in October. Each individual’s contribution to the final project will be evaluated by the instructor and peers. Detailed information will be coming soon. If a particular student has a strong interest in another topic and wishes to do an individual project, plans must be submitted to the instructor for approval.

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