AP Physics Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Rachel Meares

Course Description:

(NC Standard Course of Study)

Physics, the most fundamental of the natural sciences, is quantitative in nature and uses the language of mathematics to describe natural phenomena. Inquiry is applied to the study of matter and energy and their interaction. The following topics are “uncovered” in this curriculum:

· Conservation of mass and energy.

· Conservation of momentum.

· Waves.

· Fields.

· Interactions of matter and energy.

· Students will engage in laboratory experiments as suggested for Advanced Placement Physics to reinforce and elaborate upon the NC Standard Course of Study for Physics.

Fees

Course Fee (required): $20.00

Science Club (optional): $5.00

Grading Systiem

Six Weeks Grade

75% - Tests, projects, reports, and other formal evaluations.

25% - Class work, homework, positive classroom participation in lab activities, discussions, etc.

Final Grade

75% - Average of the three six weeks grades.

25% - Final Exam (North Carolina End of Course Test for Physics)

Materials Needed

· pencils/pens

· LARGE 3-ring binder

· loose-leaf paper

· scientific calculator

Teacher Expectations

Before the Tardy Bell Rings

1. Sharpen pencils.

2. Be seated.

3. Get notebooks and textbooks opened to the appropriate section and begin working on the starter assignment located on the chalkboard, overhead projector, or white board.

4. Have Homework out ready to be checked.

Lecture/Class Discussion

1. Raise your hand to be recognized.

2. Do not speak while someone else is speaking.

3. Respect your fellow students. Do not tease, ridicule, or talk negatively about another student.

4. If you do not understand something I have said or directed you to do, please ask for further explanations.

Classroom Participation

Positive classroom participation during lecture, lab activities, discussions, etc. is required for all Physics students to reach their full potential. Each student has the right to learn, and no ones learning should be hindered in my classroom. Sleeping, talking out of turn, not working on classwork assignments or not taking notes, etc. will result in a warning & if the behavior continues, a referral to the administration.

Homework

Homework must be completed on the appropriate due date. Late assignments will not be accepted because we generally check and discuss assignments daily. This includes leaving your homework in your locker, car, lunchroom, etc. Most often I check homework for effort. However, occasionally I will ask you to turn in assignments for a “right or wrong” grade.

Tests

Weekly science tests are scheduled for Wednesday. Short quizzes may be given on any day. Students present on test days will be required to take the test. If you are absent the day before the test, you will still be required to take the test. New material is generally not covered the day before a test. Exceptions will be made for those missing more than one consecutive day before the test.

Cheating Policy

Cheating on tests, homework, or any assignment will not be tolerated and will result in a “0” for that assignment. Also, your Parent/Guardian will be contacted and informed about the incident.

Notebooks

Students are advised to keep a notebook with all class notes, worksheets, hand-outs, etc. neatly organized.

Make-Up Assignments

Make-up assignments are the responsibility of each student. You will be required to make-up missed assignments within 5 days of your return. This includes copying notes from a fellow student and obtaining any missed handouts. Students may obtain missed hand-outs from the appropriate class period folder located under the pencil sharpener. You must show me make-up assignments within 5 days of your return. I will NOT ask you for them. If I do not see them within 5 days, a zero will be recorded for that assignment.

Make-up Tests

If you are absent for a test, you will need to schedule a time with me to make-up the test.

Extra Credit

You will have at least one opportunity per six weeks to receive extra credit. All extra credit points will be added on to your test grades. Listed below are some of the ways you will be able to receive extra credit.

· Preparedness Grade (15 Test Points): When you have your first test, I will check to see that everyone has a 3-ring binder. (5 points) I will also check to see if you have paid your course fee. (10 points)

· Wash Transparencies (10 Test Points): You may carry home two transparencies rolls to wash. This can only be done one time per six weeks.

Classroom Rules

1. Treat others with respect.

2. Bring book and other supplies to class daily.

3. Pay attention.

4. Only one person may be allowed to speak at a time.

Infractions to the rules

First Offense: Warning.

Second Offense: Referral to the administration.