Dearborn High School
Conceptual Physics – Semester 2
Classroom Rules & Syllabus
Bashayer Farage
Phone # (313) 827-1600
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces the basic concepts of physics. Broad topics to be covered in this course include properties of waves, sound wave, light wave, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory experiments and mathematics will be used regularly in this course.
MAJOR CORE COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will develop basic knowledge about science and methods of scientific inquiry as well as improve their skills in critical thinking, laboratory technique, study habits, reading and writing.
Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
* Understand the nature of science and demonstrate an ability to practice scientific reasoning by applying it to the design, execution, and evaluation of scientific investigations.
* Explain the properties of mechanical waves; calculate wave velocity, wavelength and frequency; and predict the behavior of mechanical waves when interacting with various media.
* Explain the nature of light and how it interacts with matter; the properties of electromagnetic waves, and predict its behavior when interacting with various media (reflection & refraction).
* Use Coulomb’s Law to predict how electric force between charged objects varies with distance and explain how objects become charged by induction.
* Use Ohm’s Law to explain and calculate for the current, voltage or resistance of an electric circuit; explain everyday applications of electric current; and identify types of electrical circuits (series or parallel).
* Describe the nature of magnetism; explain Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction; explain the operation of electrical transformers and use the transformer equation to compute voltage and current.
* Explain nuclear processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay and the positive and negative effects of nuclear energy.
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
Conceptual Physics – by Paul G. Hewitt, Prentice Hall 2009.
A notebook and a folder are required for each student.
SCOPE & SEQUENCE:
Chapter 25 Vibrations & Waves
Chapter 26 Sound
Chapter 27 Light
Chapter 28 Color
Chapter 29 Reflection & Refraction
Chapter 30 Lenses
Chapter 32 Electrostatics
Chapter 34 Electric Current
Chapter 35 Electric Circuits
Chapter 36 Magnetism
Chapter 37 Electromagnetic Induction
Chapter 39 The Atomic Nucleus & Radioactivity
Chapter 40 Nuclear Fission & Fusion
INSTRUCTIONAL & BEHAVIORAL POLICIES:
A Typical Day in the Classroom will begin with few problems to reinforce state standards. Then we will review homework completed the day before. The class will learn the new material for the day. The end of class will be a review of what was learned.
Student Participation:
You will be expected to take part in the class by doing your work, paying attention, asking and answering questions. You can expect to have assignments every class period. Use your time wisely in class so that if you do have time to get started in class, you can acquire help. Classswork/homework will be checked at random and will be graded on a correct completion basis. If you have it all, you receive a full credit.
Homework/Classwork:
Students will compile a portfolio containing class notes, vocabulary, lab reports, classroom activities and completed homework for each of the units. The purpose of the portfolio is to help the student prepare for the unit test. Grades for these portfolios will be counted as formative.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will cover activities, experiments, and lecture material from the unit being covered. Written or online quizzes will be counted as formative.
Laboratory:
Lab experiments are used to support delivery of instruction. Students work cooperatively in small groups to achieve objectives and common goals. Laboratory reports will be graded as summative.
Tests:
Typically occur after each chapter, but all will include cumulative questions. This means that just because we are studying chapter 30, you cannot forget the materials in the previously discussed chapters. Formats will vary, including multiple choice, short answer, and/or free response. Test grades will be counted as summative.
Final Exam:
The final exam is accumulative for the semester. It is about 20% of the summative grade.
Grading Scale:
The 80/20 rule is in effect (30% lab reports, 50% tests & 20% homework and quizzes). Grades are calculated on cumulative percentage and are rounded up whenever possible as:
93 – 100% A
90-92% A-
88-89% B+
83-87% B
80-82% B-
78-79% C+
73-77% C
70-72% C-
68-69% D+
63-67% D
60-62% D-
Below 60% E
Attendance:
Attendance is critical for success and will be taken on a daily basis. Therefore a parent or a guardian is required to call the school to verify their kid’s absence within 24 hours or the absence is unexcused.
4 Tardies = 1 absence (less than 5 min.)
2 Lates = 1 absence (5-15 min.)
1 absence (over 15 min.)
When a student has 10 or more absences, excused or unexcused in one semester, he/she will receive a reduced credit. Documentation for extenuating circumstances, such as hospitalization, surgery, or death in the family must be submitted as soon as the student returns to school from each and every absence, but no later than 10 school days following the absence. ISS and OSS will not be considered an absence.
Teacher will meet with the student at 5 absences and provide him/her with a memo indicating that he/she has reached 5 absences. The student and the teacher will sign the form acknowledging the conference. Parents will be notified in writing by the office. A letter will be mailed to the parent or guardian when the student reaches 10 absences.
A student who receives reduced credit (for 10 or more absences) will receive their full credit if he/she earns 78% or higher on the end of term common/comprehensive assessment or test out exam.