Physics Syllabus

2008-2009

(Text: Physics 4^th edition)

Class Web Site: http://geocities.datacellar.net/jwaltontoo

Term Projects:

Each term you will complete an independent project related to Physics. They do not all have to be on the same theme/topic, but if you use the same theme each time a project could be a resource on a later project

Grades:

Your grade for each term will be based on:

            1.         Tests and quizzes:                              40%

            2.         Term Projects:                                    40%

            3.         Class Participation and Labs:             20%

            4.         Five percent of your grade for a written assignment will be for appropriate grammar, syntax, and spelling. For tests, where you do not have time to proofread, points will not be deducted for spelling.

Your semester grade will be the average of three term grades and the semester exam. Your final grade will be the average of the two semester grades.

Letters of Appeal

If you feel a question has been graded incorrectly or was too confusing you may appeal my grade by composing a letter of appeal using these guidelines.

1.         Appeals will only be accepted in the form of a neatly written/typed letter.

2.         Appeals will be written on a separate piece of paper and attached to your test. Do not write your appeal on the test.

3.         Appeals must be content based, not personal. You must include support for your position.

4.         Appeals must be specific to questions, not general.

5.         Insufficient time on a test or assignment is not a reason for appeal of your grade.

6.         You must communicate what action you would like me to take.

7.         Appeals are due the class period after you get the graded assignment back.

Sample:

Dear Mr. Walton

On my graphing quiz, #7, I would like to clear up any confusion that there may have been. My work read:

Line 1: (y-y₁) = m(x-x₁)

Line 2 (y-4) = m(x+2)

Line 3 (y-4) = -3/11 (x+2)

Line 4 (y-4) = -3/11x + 2

Line 5 y = -3/11x + 7/2

I just wanted to explain my work and possibly get an extra point. On line 3 and between line 4, I distributed (-3/11) but I failed to write it down, so my next line should obviously read (y-4) = -3x/11 + ½ , which is the proper distribution of -3/11.

Sincerely,

Brian

Teacher’s Response: This is still not correct. Please check your multiplication of fractions.

Class Web Site:

The class web site will be updated every Sunday evening. The site will have general information about science and specific information for each class. Lecture outlines, homework assignments, and deadline dates will be posted on the individual class pages. The science project page will have information about the current and future projects. You should check the site at least weekly.

Note taking:

You will need to take notes each day. You will find I use the textbook as a supplement to my presentations in class. My tests will be based on what is covered in class, and what is in the assigned reading in the textbook. You should write down the solutions to sample problems worked out in class. I have posted my lecture outlines on the internet. These are the outlines I speak from in class and are not a finished product. If you use them, you will need to download them at the beginning of a unit/chapter and expand them in class.

Laptops and Calculators

You may use your laptop to take notes in class. Laptops are not to be used for games, listening to music, watching videos, or any other none class related use. Calculators may be used only for problem solving and graphing.

Assignment Due Dates:

Assignments turned in late will lose 10% if the points earned. Assignments not turned in within three days of the due date will result in a grade of zero. Unless you make prior arrangements with me, no work will be accepted after the last class day of a term. I realize that circumstances may occur that will interfere with completing an assignment. You need to speak to me when problems develop, not after an assignment is late. You will find me sympathetic to alternatives when you speak to me before an assignment is late but quite unsympathetic when you offer excuses for being late.

Learning is not a spectator sport. You must take an active role.

When you say “I can’t” you are telling me you quit. When you say “I don’t know how” you are telling me you are willing to learn.

Student Notebooks

You should have a loose-leaf notebook. Write your name, and class on the cover of the notebook. You are to divide your notebook into three sections: Handouts, Completed Projects, and Chapter Notes. The Chapter Notes section will be divided into chapters. My plan is to cover 16 of the textbook chapters this year. For each chapter you will have: daily notes and completed work (including tests). I do not grade 12 grader notebooks. Your tests will tell me how you have taken notes.

The daily notes for each day should have:

            *The date

            *The day’s topic

            *Notes from class

            *Sample problems worked in class

You will find the textbook will be used as with my classroom presentations. Your notes, taken in class, will be invaluable in preparing for tests and exams. My lecture outlines are posted on the internet, but these are just outlines, not a finished set of notes. You will find that I ask questions about related material from earlier units on my tests.

The handout section should contain any study guides, handouts, or notes I prepare for you. You will be able to use most of these on tests and exams. You should also keep your formula sheet here. The first item in the handouts section will be this syllabus. Consider it your table of contents.