Overland High School

Physics

2006 – 2007

Instructors:    Andrew Leonard,

Nathan Balasubramanian

School Phone:  720-747-3842

E-mail:  sbalasubramania@cherrycreekschools.org

Blackboard:  http://online.ccsd.k12.co.us

Webassign:  http://webassign.net

Text: Zetzewitz, Paul and others. Physics: Principles and Problems.  New York: McGraw Hill Glencoe, 2005.

Text online support: http://www.scilinks.org, http://www.si.edu/hrw; http://go.hrw.com; http://www.cnnfyi.com

Course Outcomes:

• Develop skills in graphical analysis, precision and accuracy in scientific measurement, data analysis and interpretation.
• Learn technical writing skills.
• Master computer applications in web enhanced learning, data acquisition and management, and documentation of laboratory experiences.
• Apply algebraic and trigonometric functions to model physical phenomena.
• Synthesize models of physical phenomena in kinematics, forces, energy, waves, optics, electricity, and magnetism.
• Perform laboratory activities to observe and measure physical phenomena to create mathematical models of the phenomena.
• Prepare students for AP coursework in Physics and Chemistry.
• Prepare students for future college coursework in scientific and technical studies.
• Prepare students to use data for informed decision making and lifelong learning.

Primary Methods of Instruction:

Content is presented in four methods:

·         Direct teacher instruction using audio-visuals, demonstrations and whiteboard sketches.  Students will have a record of what is presented as they take notes.

·         Students are responsible to read the material in the text that is closely aligned with the direct instruction.

·         Students practice solving mathematical models from problem sets assigned from the text.  All problems for the year are posted on blackboard.  Students may work ahead and study groups are encouraged.

·         Students work through labs in groups of 3 to 4.  Students collect real data during guided inquiry using computer probe ware, electronic data analysis and reporting.  Students are then required to synthesize the data using the concepts learned in class and in the book by analyzing mathematical models in formal laboratory reports.

Attendance:

Overland and Cherry Creek School District policies are strictly enforced. Exemplary attendance is expected.  Students missing class are responsible for the material. If possible plan ahead and turn in your assignments prior to your absence.  Physics Honors is a challenging course and missing class seriously affects the learning in the class.  Since much of the class relies on group work, missing a class also affects other students’ learning.  If a student knows they are going to miss a class, they should plan ahead with group members and the teacher.  Unexcused absences are truancies and no make up work is allowed.  Truancies are reported to the Dean’s Office and parents will be contacted.  Make up work is allowed for excused absences only.  Students have 2 days to turn in late work due to an absence. Labs are very difficult to make up.  Every attempt will be made to schedule a time to make up a lab with other students that have missed the lab; however, some labs may not be able to be made up because of the nature of the lab, the congestion in the classroom or lack of lab partners.  Tests must be made up within 1 week.  Students are encouraged to complete all missed assignments.  All assigned work is important and any missed work will seriously affect your grade.

Tardies:

Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings. A student is considered tardy within the first 5 minutes after the bell.  After 5 minutes a student is considered truant and marked unexcused presentt.  Truancies are reported to the Dean’s Office and parents are contacted.  Students will receive a Tardy Referral for each tardy for after school detention up to 5 tardies. On the 6^th tardy the student will be referred to the Dean’s Office and parents will be contacted.

Grading:

·         Tests are administered approximately every 2 weeks.

·         Labs are performed weekly and the write-ups are due the first class meeting of the following week. Keep all lab write-ups in a bound portfolio and submit at the end of each semester.  This lab portfolio will be useful in future AP and/or college physics courses.

There are two opportunities for extra credit. 

·         Students may construct one of the engineering physics projects published by Science Olympiad.  The point total for each project varies by difficulty.  The most difficult project is worth 100 laboratory points. 

·         Students may participate in the free seminars offered at the University of Denver High School Engineering Institute, the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines or Colorado State University and submit an abstract for each seminar attended.  Well written abstracts are worth 25 homework points.

There is no opportunity for extra credit on tests or test retakes.  Tests are very important; and, learning good test taking skills are essential for college preparation. There are several tests per semester so there is plenty of opportunity to improve on test grades. This class will help you hone test taking strategies.

Office Hours:

Mr. Balasubramanian: Period 3 on Blue (A) and Green (B) days

Mr. Leonard:  Periods 2 on Blue (A) and Green (B) days and Period 4 on Green (A) days.

Appointments can be made for the lunch hours and after school.

General Classroom Policies and Classroom Safety:

Students are expected have a graphing calculator and pencils.  Other useful tools are a protractor, a centimeter ruler and a compass. Graphing calculators can be checked out from the media center or the science department in the event the student’s calculator fails during class.   Playing games on graphing calculators is prohibited. 

This class is a serious college preparatory endeavor and students are expected to behave accordingly.  Laboratory activities require group work and the use of apparatus and laptop computers.  These computers are provided by the school.  Each activity is chosen because of its academic value as well as ensuring a safe classroom.  Inappropriate use of any apparatus and horseplay will be dealt with through the Dean’s Office.  In the event of an accident please report it to the instructor immediately and any injuries are referred to the Nurse’s Office.

Personal MP3/CD players, cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices are prohibited in class.  These items will be confiscated and may be picked up after school.  Personal Electronic Data devices (Palm Pilots/ Blackberry) are allowed.

Cheating is not tolerated.  This includes copying another student’s homework, laboratory report or another group’s laboratory data as well as copying test answers.  The severity of the infraction will determine the consequence.  In general, a student caught cheating will lose credit for the assignment and will be referred to the Dean’s office.

Student Signature:________________________________________Date:____________

Parent Signature:_________________________________________Date:____________