Level 1 Physics

Expectations

v “Purpose” of class is to learn physics

Ø Know what you know, know what you don’t know, and know how to work with concepts and processes you don’t yet know.

v Student expectations and responsibilities

Ø Independent work ethic

Ø Desire to learn

Ø Understand “The Answer” is not important. The thought process developed to arrive at the answer IS the learning tool.

Ø Practical knowledge of concepts covered in past math courses (algebra, trig, geometry) and past science course work (especially physical sciences).

§ This includes the metric system. You have seen this for at least the past five years, so if there is an aspect of the metric system you do not yet know, take it upon yourself to learn it.

Ø When you are working on Physics, "time on task" actively learning physics will lead to learning. Working through the motions without critically thinking about the processes is a waste of time.

v Teacher expectations, responsibilities, and personal goals

Ø Provide students with learning opportunities in the way of sample problems and explanations of concepts using prior student knowledge.

Ø Everyone “Understands and knows” the laws of physics from a practical standpoint. You use laws of physics to walk through the halls. You are able to balance yourself on one foot. The challenge is taking the current and prior knowledge of the physical world around you and applying mathematical operations.

Ø Equations show equality, and formulas are used to bake cakes. Think about this….We work with equations here….

v Homework

Ø Homework will not be collected or graded.

Ø Homework is personal practice to solidify and/or build understanding.

Ø Homework does not stop with the “Assigned” book problems. You should be continually contemplating your actions and motions and the prediction of future motions based on the laws of physics.

Ø Reading is critical to your learning process.

v Required items for class

Ø Writing tool(s)

Ø Notebook-"official" binder

Ø Notebook-"scratch" spiral

Ø Scientific calculator

§ Target has a Ti 30 for about $10

§ Need trig functions and scientific notation

§ If you have a graphing calculator, learn how to use it!!! (write programs!!!)

v Graded items

Ø Quizzes (10 pts)

§ Based from homework.

§ Always announced on:

· TV screen in the room

· Website

Ø Labs (50 pts)

Ø Activities (30 pts)

Ø Tests (50 pts)

§ Always unique problems to ensure understanding of the concepts.

§ Tests are challenging and scored out of 50 points.

§ A good test score is 40/50…ignore the percentage….that will only discourage you….

Ø Notebook "Official" binder: submitted the day after the unit tests. (20 pts)

§ Homework problems

§ Reading notes

§ Classroom notes- rewritten from the "scratch" notes

§ All Labs

· AP requirement. This course (Level 1 Physics) is the first part of our AP physics program. The college board requires all AP Physics programs to maintain student lab notebooks.

v Communication Information

§ Email: dshoemaker@mbgsd.org

§ Website: http://shoemaker.zibings.com

§ Podcasts: http://blogs.mbgsd.org

§ Classroom phone: 691-4530 ext 3135