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Mrs. Briggs

Rm. 24

Conceptual Physics is an introductory science course for students who are certain they will not pursue careers in engineering, architecture, medicine, technology or other math/science related fields. Comprehension of basic physics concepts will be emphasized rather than the development of sophisticated analytical and problem solving skills. However, applied mathematics are used to study the basic nature of motion, forces, energy, heat, sound, light, and energy transformation. This is a hands-on, issue-oriented course incorporating a good deal of laboratory investigations.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

1. Learning is an ACTIVE process that is not possible without the involvement of the student. My role as your teacher is to ENABLE you to learn to the best of your ability.

2. Come prepared to think. Do not expect to sit passively in class and take notes. Read your text, notes and handouts slowly, stopping to work out problems along the way.

3. Be aware that some frustration is a natural part of the learning process. DO NOT GIVE UP too quickly. If, however, a concept is unclear, ASK QUESTIONS. Questions formulated after having given them some thought cannot be considered trivial or “dumb”.

4. Feedback is always welcome. COMMUNICATION is essential.

5. Bring the following materials to class each day:

-Textbook by Hewitt, Paul. CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002. DO NOT WRITE IN YOUR TEXTBOOK. Cover your textbook!!!

-Scientific calculator with basic functions.

-Binder (3 rings with pockets) for notetaking and organizing homework, handouts,etc. If your binder does not contain pockets, at least one divider tab will need to have pockets.

-8 divider tabs

-10 Sheet protectors

*A binder size 3-hole punch is highly recommended

-Red, blue and black pens, No.2 pencils, 2 different colored highlighters

Students may participate in laboratory activities ONLY after meeting the following criteria:

-Read, understand and accept responsibility for adhering to Safety Practices.

-Pass a laboratory safety quiz with a score of 90% or better.

-Return safety contract containing student and parent signatures by the end of the first week.

-Any student who comes into the lab without proper attire will not participate in that lab and will receive ZERO credit for the lab.

-Dangerous or inappropriate conduct may result in a ZERO for lab.

Your grade each quarter is based upon the total points you earn on tests, quizzes, labs, lab related grades, homework assignments, class participation (including attendance) and extra credit. Keep track of each grade you receive throughout the quarter. To determine your percentage grade at any time, add up the points that YOU have accumulated and divide this number by the total number of points possible. Multiply this number by 100%.

If you are absent the day of a test, or on the day an assignment or lab report are due, you must complete or submit the work to me on the day you return to school. When a student has been absent for several days, additional time will be given to complete missed work. Refer to the student handbook for information about excused and unexcused absences.

Late assignments will receive one letter grade penalty reduction for each day past the due date. This applies to both lecture and lab. Homework is not accepted late once it has been reviewed in class (except in the case of an excused absence).

In order to insure that the opportunity for excellence exists for every student, the following policy will be followed in this class with regard to scholastic honesty. CHEATING is defined as any attempt to receive academic credit for work done by someone else. This includes:

-looking at another student’s test or quiz paper.

-copying another student’s work on a test, quiz or assignment.

-turning in a term paper, report, essay project, lab experiment, etc. or any work submitted to meet class requirements, written or prepared (in whole OR in part) by another.

-using a textbook, notebook, calculator, “cheat sheet” or any form of these on a test/quiz when it is not authorized.

Engaging in these behaviors constitutes plagiarism, which is any attempt to represent another person’s work or ideas as one’s own.

ENABLING others to cheat is also cheating. This includes:

-allowing one’s work to be copied and turned in by another student as his/her own.

-allowing one’s test, quiz or assignment to be copied by another student.

-writing or preparing a report, essay, lab report, project, etc. for another student.

-obtaining unauthorized information about a test or quiz and/or spreading this information. This includes spreading information to students who have not yet taken an announced/unannounced test or quiz.

Consequences for engaging in any of the above behavior may result in a grade of ZERO. Further action may be taken by the administration.

DON’T HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS IN CLASS OR SEE ME OUTSIDE OF CLASS FOR ASSISTANCE. A COPY OF MY SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED IN THE CLASSROOM (ROOM 24). MY PLANNING PERIOD IS 4th BELL. I AM AVAILABLE TO HELP DURING SCIENCE LAB 7th BELL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEE ME DURING THESE TIMES OR BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL BY APPOINTMENT.

IT IS BEST TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED AS THEY ARISE RATHER THAN WAIT UNTIL THE END OF A CHAPTER/UNIT. I WOULD ENJOY THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH YOU INDIVIDUALLY OR IN SMALL GROUPS...IT HELPS ME GET TO KNOW YOU PERSONALLY!

BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND ENJOYABLE SCHOOL YEAR!

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