SYLLABUS & EXPECTATIONS

• DESIGN OF CLASS
• GRADING
  • Tests
  • Homwork
  • Quizzes
  • Labs
  • Projects
  • Bonus Credit
  • Participation
• SCIENCE CLUB
• SYLLABUS
• ATTENDANCE
• FINAL COMMENTS

1. Gain a fundamental understanding of physics.
2. Write lab reports well.
3. Work independently and in groups.
4. Think in terms of possibilities not limitations.
5. Analyze a problem, dissect it, and make a plan to solve it.

You have six ways to get points in this class: tests, quizzes, labs, participation ("karma" points), bonus credit (jeopardy and contests), and homework. The first five comprise 90% of your grade while homework constitutes 10% of your grade.

• Tests. Tests occur at the end of units. You will be rewarded with points for the knowledge you demonstrate.
  
  In addition, if you take all the tests on the test date you will receive a free 50 out of 50 score added into your grade. BEWARE!!! In order to take the test on time you must have completely all of the basic homework package. Otherwise, you cannot take the test and cannot pass the class.
  
  
• Minor Rewards. Minor rewards are given frequently (unless there is a major reward that day) to check your understanding. The total value of the minor rewards for the semester will not exceed that of one test grade. I will throw out your worst five minor rewards.
  
  
• Labs. One formal lab (25 points) per semester will be turned in. Before you perform any lab, an INTRODUCTION, PURPOSE, PROBLEM and DATA TABLE must be written on your lab report and initialed by me, your instructor. See sample lab for the correct format.
  
  
• Bonus Credit. This is given occasionally for completing assignments above and beyond the norm. The resulting grade is 10/10, 25/25, etc., depending on the task.
  
  
• Participation ("karma" points). You receive "karma" points for showing up to class on time, answering homework questions, asking relevant questions, and maintaining a positive attitude. You can also lose points by being disruptive, not paying attention, not treating others with respect, not following lab procedures, etc. You can earn up to 100 "karma" points during the semester. "Karma" points will be added to or subtracted from your grade at the end of the semester.
  
  
• Homework. Each unit will have homework assigned. Homework will be scored on a 3 point scale. No homework is accepted after the unit test is given.
  
  3 points--Proper format, turned in when originally collected, and complete.
  2 points--Proper format. Turned in when originally collected (and nearly complete), or complete (but turned in later).
  1 point--Turning something in.
  no points--Turning nothing in.
  
  
• Late Work. Anything turned in past the due date is considered late no matter the reason. Quizzes cannot be made up, but you get to throw out all but your worst five.
  

Students are greatly encouraged to participate in the science club. Meetings are not mandatory and usually consist of people doing demonstrations. This year we are planning to host family science night and I am entertaining the possibility of having a robotics team (who will compete in local competitions). The dues are $5 in September and $10 starting October 1st.

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1st Semester	2nd Semester
Unit 1--Intro	Unit 10--Electrostatics
Unit 2--Math & Vectors	Unit 11--Current and Circuits
Unit 3--Motion	Unit 12--Magnetism and Induction
Unit 4--Newton's Laws and Force	End of Q3--Amusement Park Physics
End of Q1--Catapult Project	Unit 13--Waves and Sound
Unit 5--Circular Motion	Unit 14--Light
Unit 6--Momentum and Energy	Unit 15--Optics
Unit7--Heat and Thermodynamics	Unit 16--Modern Physics
Unit 8--Review Unit	Unit 17--Final Project
Rocket Launch	Formal lab report
1st Sem Final	2nd Sem Final--Electric Car