Physics Course Description

Textbook:

Conceptual Physics, 9th edition, by Paul G. Hewitt


Required Materials:

All students must bring to each class a notebook (I recommend a 3 ring binder), a textbook, a graphing calculator (TI-83 or similar one), and a pen/pencil. I recommend that students keep all handouts, tests, and class and homework notes in the binder, in the same order as we used them in class.


Homework:

Homework will be assigned at the end of each class, and it is due at the beginning of the next class. If students have difficulty completing the homework, they should make an effort to get extra help from me (or another science teacher, if I am not available). At the beginning of each class, I will check each student’s homework, and if students have questions about it, I will answer them. Typically, I will not be collecting and grading the assigned homework. If I get a sense, however, that a particular student is slacking off in this respect, I reserve the right to change this policy.


Tests:

There will be 3-4 tests in each quarter, typically one test every two weeks. They will be announced in advance (3-4 days in advance). All test questions will be free response ones, and all of them will be similar to the questions that we studied in class. For each test, though, students will need to memorize all appropriate equations, rules and methods. Students are allowed to use a calculator on every test.


Labs:

There will be 2-3 labs in a typical quarter. Each lab will be worth 20% of a test. We will start each lab in class, and your homework assignment will be to finish it. Your lab report will be due at the beginning of the next class. You have a choice to email it to me, or to give it to me on paper.


Quarter Grade:

In a typical quarter, tests will contribute 85%-90%, and labs will contribute 10%-15% to the quarter’s grade.


Absence:

Regular Brunswick/GA rules concerning absence apply to our class. Also, in case of absence student are responsible for finding out (from their classmates or from me) what classwork they misses and what homework is assigned. Students are responsible for getting this work done. In case of difficulty, I am available for extra help.


Lateness:

Regular Brunswick/GA rules concerning lateness apply to our class.


Extra Help:

If a student needs to see me for extra help, he/she should mention this to me before or after our class. We will set the time to meet (either during a free block, before school or after school). If a student forgot to set the time, he/she is welcome to look for me in my office (which is Brunswick Community Service Office, on the 2nd floor of the main building, next to the Math Office and math classrooms), my classrooms (B103 and B104) or dining hall. I will do my best to help.