Physics Course Outline and Expectations

Sept. 2008 – June 2009

Manhattan Village Academy

Mr. Vaders

The Physics course at Manhattan Village Academy is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of what science is and the role it plays in the modern world, while at the same time exploring the historical discoveries and roots of scientific philosophy. The course will use the concepts of classical and modern physics to develop critical thinking skills and build overall scientific literacy to a level needed for collegiate study. When the course is completed students should be capable of the following:

• Creating and carrying out experimental procedures using appropriate equipment.
• Defining, constructing and using various types of scientific models.
• Defining and discussing the roles of basic principles of physics in the universe
• Explaining gravitation and basic theories of wave and particle behavior
• Understand the uses and limitations of classical Newtonian physics in contrast with “modern” relativistic physics
• Discuss the role of the individual, the community, the economy and government play in modern science.
• Using ideas and concepts to understand current issues and propose solutions to problems we face.
• Making connections, hypotheses, and judgments about the relationship of the sciences to each other and to society.
• Demonstrating a basic understanding of science using several means of representing ideas and data.
• Defending work and ideas from questions and criticisms.

Materials

It is the student’s responsibility to have the following materials for class:

• Pencils and pens
• A Notebook dedicated to science
• A folder or binder to keep handed out material in order
• A scientific calculator*
• A USB flash drive**

* All students should own a calculator by this point in their lives! Physics can be math intensive and an inability to complete calculations will result in lower grades. I will not be providing calculators to students nor will I be allowing the use of cell phones, iPods, PSP’s or other handheld electronic devices. I will also not be allowing students to leave the room to go on the always popular calculator hunt, where they go room to room disrupting other classes and wasting time trying to borrow a calculator. Mr. Colon needs the calculators in his room for his class, they will stay there. ** In the modern world computers and the internet are integrated into our lives. Data is more and more valuable. All students should have a way to store and carry their data with them. USB flash drives provide that. 256K drives are very inexpensive and provide more than enough room for school purposes. If you plan to put media files such as pictures, music and video then you will use that space very quickly and may wish to consider having a larger drive. Attendance Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If unable to attend due to illness or family obligations, a note must be provided offering an excuse from a parent or guardian. Failure to attend class regularly and on time can result in a lower grade. If you are not in class, you are missing classwork and assignments; this will not make passing easy. Often students have an issue getting to school on time, in their mind, and the minds of their family, they are not absent often. If a student is late and misses their first period classes often, they may be in danger of failing one or more classes for attendance reasons, while other teachers and classes may be fine. Please be aware that I keep records and will check with other teachers and the office regarding attendance. Lateness is not tolerated. Students are expected to be in the room within two minutes of the beginning of the period. Lateness will earn detention. Cutting class is not tolerated. Students found to be cutting will serve the maximum detention penalty for cutting offenses. New York State and City regulations require 90% attendance. Students with less than 90% attendance may be required to make up time and assignments regardless of their current average. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all missed assignments when he or she returns to school after any and all absences. As a twelfth grade student who is bound for college you need to be responsible for managing your time and assignments. I will not hunt you down or remind you of what you missed, but be assured I will be keeping track and missed assignments will hurt your grade. Forgetting is not an option. Technology is not an excuse. I either have the assignment or I do not.

Basic Guidelines

There are a few basic courtesies which must be followed while in the classroom. Most are common sense, but I will state them so that you know what is expected of you.

• Be in the room and in a seat when class starts, Attendance will always be taken first. Detention will be enforced for students who are late to class too often.
• You are responsible to bring your materials to class, be sure you have paper or a notebook, and something to write with. I am not happy when my class gets interrupted because a student forgot to bring the required materials. Be sure you have everything you need with you. Please bring only what you need to class, space is limited.
• If you have a question or comment, raise your hand. Only one person in the class can be heard at a time. Keep your mind engaged and your mouth closed when someone else is speaking.
• There is to be absolutely NO food or drink in the classroom.
• The following items do not belong in class and will be confiscated until the end of the day if seen or heard:
  • Walkmen, disc players, beepers, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, headphones, PSP’s, Sidekicks etc.
  • Hats, toys, stuffed animals, photographs, magazines, newspapers
  • Food or drink of any kind
  • Do not play with the gas jets, sink faucets, or cabinet doors.
  • There is a garbage can at the front of the room at all times. Do not put anything in the sink unless directed to. The drains clog easily and it is your responsibility to keep them clean and functioning. Violators will remain after class and clean all sinks to my satisfaction.
  • Only one person may leave the room at a time. That person must take the pass with them. No one may leave the first or last ten minutes of the period.
  • This country guarantees all children a free education through 12th grade. I am here to provide students with that education. If you have no desire to participate and learn in my class it is an issue you may discuss with me after school. Do NOT think that anything you have to do or say is remotely more important than what I am doing. I will not tolerate a student distracting others and preventing them from getting the education they are entitled to.

Grades

Grades will be calculated in the following manner each semester:

• 20% Classwork
• 20% Homework
• 40% Quizzes, Projects and Exams
• Quizzes 20%
• Projects 40%
• Exams 40%
• 20% Laboratory
  • Lab Reports 50%
  • Lab Participation 50%

General Policy

Late Work Policy

Homework

Classwork

Quizzes, Projects and Exams

Laboratory

• Students will complete a written assignment for all lab activites.
• Students will listen to and read directions for all lab activity.
• Students will master the proper techniques and safety for the equipment we will be using.
• Students will keep lab notes in a separate section or notebook.
• Much of the equipment we use is expensive and sensitive, broken, lost, damaged, missing or misused equipment will be paid for by the individual or group responsible.
• Students behaving in an inappropriate or unsafe manner will be dismissed from the lab and counseled appropriately. This will most likely have an adverse effect on the student’s grade.

The Science Research Project

Final Thoughts