Physics

= Physics = Introduction. In Physics, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; force; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and quantum physics. This course provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills. Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students should know how science has built a vast body of changing and increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models, and also should know that science may not answer all questions. A system is a collection of cycles, structures, and processes that interact. Students should understand a whole in terms of its components and how these components relate to each other and to the whole. All systems have basic properties that can be described in terms of space, time, energy, and matter. Change and constancy occur in systems and can be observed and measured as patterns. These patterns help to predict what will happen next and can change over time. Investigations are used to learn about the natural world. Students should understand that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations, and that methods, models, and conclusions built from these investigations change as new observations are made. Models of objects and events are tools for understanding the natural world and can show how systems work. They have limitations and based on new discoveries are constantly being modified to more closely reflect the natural world.

1. INSTRUCTOR: Mr. J. Ayala Room 67 Tutoring: By appointment, or Thur and Fridays 3:45-4:45 Website: http://ayalascience2100.wikispaces.com E-mail: jose.ayala@brooksacademy.org

3. REQUIRED TEXT: None will be issued to student they will be for in-class use only. On-line resources will be provided on teacher website. 4. REQUIRED ITEMS: 2 composition books: 1 for lecture notes, the second for labs. for notes and handouts, note book paper, scientific calculator, pen, pencils, eraser, etc. 5. COURSE OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the major conceptual developments in historic and contemporary physics. To develop within the student an understanding of the scientific processes and theories designed to provide answers to the questioning mind. To instill an appreciation for the science of physics.as a way of knowing and understanding the physical world. To help the student understand the science and issues surrounding the use of modern technology. The development of an ability to think in a critical manner using both concrete and abstract examples from physics as models.

6. GRADING: There are four nine-week grading periods during the school year. Additionally, four progress reports will be given, one approximately mid-way through each nine-week grading period. Your work in Physics will be evaluated in the following manner:

Projects. Major exams 20% Tests 20% Quizzes/Labs 15% Classwork 30% Homework 10% Participation 5%

9-week exams will be comprehensive in nature. Students will be responsible for all content in the 9-week session.. Chapter and/or unit tests will be given at the completion of chapters and special units and will focus on material in that chapter or unit. Chapter and unit tests will be worth 25 points each. Quizzes will be given periodically, usually with advanced warning, but not always. Quizzes will be worth 5 points each. Lab Reports will be due one(1) week after laboratory activities. Each lab report will be graded on the basis of format (written up correctly), originality (each student does own work), data (completeness and accuracy), and conclusions (drawing conclusions on the basis of scientific observations). Homework problems will be assigned regularly. It is essential that you do the problems to the best of your ability. Copying them from others constitutes plagiarism and will do no one any good. The answers will be provided to you in most cases as a way for you to check your understanding. Late work will be based on school policy
 * Special projects may be assigned and given point values from time to time. These items include but are not limited to written reports, worksheets, etc.

Missed exams, quizzes, lab work, and so on must be made up. Most make-up testing will be conducted after school hours by appointment From time to time extra credit projects may be made available. These projects are optional. They can add significantly to a student's point total and, therefore, should not be ignored.

7. COURSE POLICIES: After each exam, the instructor will go over the exam in class. Students should look over the questions that they missed. If the student feels that his or her response is tolerably correct, he or she may appeal the question in writing. All appeals must be presented to the instructor within one week of the original test date. Appeals should contain the following enumerated data: 1) student name, 2) question number, 3) response of the instructor, and 4) student response. Following this essential data, explain why you think your response is better than or at least as good as your instructor's response. Each student is responsible for his or her own appeal; summary correction to test scores will not be made. Appeals not adhering to the required format will be returned. The instructor's decisions in these matters are final.

8. SCHOOL POLICIES: All school policies will be rigidly enforced -- no exceptions! Students must be familiar with and abide by the guidelines in the UHS Student Handbook pertaining to such areas as discipline, attendance, appearance, & academic honesty, etc.

9. EXPECTATIONS: The instructor assumes that you are mature, motivated, and willing to broaden your understanding of the physical world; that you are curious, objective, and interested in new ideas; and above all, that you are ready, willing, and able to work and study every day. This course is demanding; successful completion requires full determination and dedication from beginning to end. Your work in this course can be likened to the flight of an airplane. If you cruise at the appropriate altitude (study regularly), the amount of work required is reasonable; if you are constantly landing and taking off (periodically cramming), it requires more fuel and the odds of a crash (failure) increase. 10. TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE: We will be following a unit plan more so than the textbook. The Fall Semester will focus on kinematics (motion) and hydraulics The spring semester will focus on electricity and magnetism The textbook will provide background readings. Please read assigned chapter prior to initial class activities. The instructor assumes that you will have done so. Do so if you expect to understand classroom presentations fully.
 * Please indicate you have read and understood this document by printing and signing your names below and return this page back to me within the 1st week in class regardless if the day is an A or B day.**
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