Conceptual Physics is a survey of topics in classical physics in which we attempt to understand how our world and universe works! Emphasis is placed on the instruction of fundamental concepts and skills, followed by the applying those concepts in the lab! Math is the language of science (and especially physics). However, the class focuses on the concepts and attempts not emphasize the calculations. Even while de-emphasizing the calculations, some of you will find it math intensive (because it is).
The textbook is Conceptual Physics by Paul Hewitt, published by Prentice Hall.
The class has 2 objectives:
We don’t all learn the same way, nor do we learn at the same rate. I’ll try to provide you with a variety of learning opportunities so that you can connect with and learn the material.
v To be in class on time and ready to start.
v To have your homework completed when due.
v To show respect for all. For all.
v To initiate action when absent to make up assignments and tests and get assistance in learning the material missed.
There is no food or drink except water allowed in class (definitely no cabbage).
Cell phones and mp3/iPods that are heard or seen will be confiscated. You can retrieve them from Mr. Loveland. This applies even if you’re “JUST CHECKING THE TIME”.
We have 90 minutes of classroom time. You are responsible for the material regardless of whether you are in the class or in the bathroom. Ask before you go.
I prepare unit plans and make them available in hardcopy and on my webpage. For pre-planned absences you are expected to return ready for the day’s activities (even if a test). If you have an unplanned, excused absence you have one week to make up quizzes, tests, labs and homework. Your score becomes “0” in the grade book after one week.
If you have late work
without an excused absence I cannot accept it for credit.
Homework will make up 20% of your grade.
Labs will make up 35% of your grade. I grade labs a variety of ways over the course of each unit.
Labs are expected to be ready for hand-in at the beginning of the following class period.
Tests (quizzes and unit exams) will make up 45% of your grade.
Your grade will be based on the following scale:
90 – 100% = A 80 – 89% = B 70 – 79% = C 60 – 69% = D
Quarterly grades are determined independently. The semester grade is a combination of each quarter’s grade percentage (42.5% weight for each) and performance on the semester exam (15% weight).
Quarter 1:
Description and Measurement of Motion (Ch 2)
Vectors (Ch 3)
Forces and motion (Ch 4)
Quarter 2:
Work and Energy (Ch 6)
Momentum and Collisions (Ch 7)
Physics of rotation (Ch 8)
Quarter 3:
Electrostatics (Ch 17, 18)
Simple Electric Circuits (Ch 19, 20)
Electromagnetism (Ch 21, 22)
Quarter 4:
Heat and Thermodynamics (Ch 10, 11)
Waves (Ch 12, 13)
Optics (Ch 14, 15)