Physics 2007 - 2008

Introduction, Grading, Information Sources, Plagiarism

 

I. Introductions:     

1)  P Lauben; plauben@verizon.net

2)   Physics

          -  Meets Daily 4th Period

          -  Meets A days 5th period

          -  All students will be working toward the Physic Regents

          -  AP Test Monday afternoon,  Monday 5/12 (optional) 

             (AP Calculus is on Thursday 5/8)

 

3)  Hand out:  text, assignment sheet, formula sheet, and AP problem pack.

 

II. Grading.

1)   This is an approximation … you all know I occasionally change percents       
          -- 20% Lab
          -- 10% Homework

                             -- 30% Quizzes and graded worksheets
          -- 40% Tests (about one per two weeks)

2)  Tests

-  Multiple choice and free response questions will be included on all tests.  Each test will start with 10 – 20 questions that ask you for specific formulas.  After turning in this sheet, you may use the Regents formula sheet for the rest of the test.  Formula sheets will be provided, and calculators will be allowed for some or all of the test.

-  Review sessions for tests will be held at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the test (unless it is a Tuesday … so maybe no tests on Tuesdays) and/or at 2:40 on the day before, if requested a day or two in advance. 

          -  Make up tests for any reason (even later in the day) may be harder than the original.

3) Corrections of Tests

          -  Points possible = (points missed)/4 or (points missed)/3 if all homework done and verified.

          -  Due on second day after tests are returned.

          -   Any corrections of multiple choice questions must show all work and/or reasoning behind choice if it is not numerical.

4)   Homework should be kept in a notebook so that you can use problems to review for tests and/or quizzes.

5)   Quizzes. 

     -  Quizzes may be given (no formula sheet provided) any day after the relevant formula has been both read in the text and mentioned in class.

      -  Other quizzes will be given as needed.

 

6.  Extra credit projects.  Be sure to designate source, including chapter and/or video number as well as title.

 

              -Various videos, power points, or movies that I approve.  Some examples are:

                   a)   Watch one of the 50 physics topics that I talked about that are available on the internet.  I do have a CD you can sign out if you do not have internet access at home.  Maximum credit would be 3 points each. Write a half page to a page summary using Word that covers the physics and content.  Write an additional paragraph dealing with the value of this segment to this course.  This last part is most important.  Do a topic we have already covered in class.

                   b) Mechanical Universe Series are also available on the internet.  Maximum credit would be 3 points each. Write a half page to a page summary using Word that covers the physics and content.  Write an additional paragraph dealing with the value of this segment to this course.  This last part is most important.  Do a topic we have already covered in class.

-   Mousetrap car.  Credit: four points times the square root of the distance traveled by  the mousetrap in meters.  The car must be powered by the spring of the mousetrap.  Acceptable materials: string, wire, tape, spools, standard mousetrap, cardboard, wood, and glue; any other materials (or pre-manufactured items from these materials) must be pre-approved by the instructor. 

               - Spaghetti Bridge.  Credit: two times the square root of the ratio of the weight supported by the bridge to the weight of the bridge.  Acceptable materials: spaghetti (any commercially available brand) and glue.  The roadbed must be 6 cm wide and long and smooth enough for a lab car to be pulled by a thread a distance of 40 cm.  The roadway must start and end on the tabletop, and no part of the roadway may be at more than a 30º angle to the horizontal.  Each violation of these guidelines will be counted as adding 100 grams to the weight of the bridge.  The load will be distributed in the middle 5 cm of the span. 

               -  Occasional challenge problems.  1 point for each type (III) problem not assigned.  The solutions must be neatly written on a separate sheet of loose leaf paper.

               -  APB sample problems are available (E.C. max +3 each one ).

         

******The points will be added to whichever category that helps you the most.  Limitations: You may not increase your grade for the quarter by more than 5 points.   Excess points will be used the following marking period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

III. Information Sources you will need to be able to use:

  1. Class attendance.  If you miss a day or part of a day, you are responsible for getting notes from another trustworthy    student.  Individual help will be given for people who have already made an attempt to get notes.
  2. The textbook is written by Giancolli.  You need to learn how to read it.  Here, and in college, NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED IN LECTURE.  You are responsible for the material anyway.
  3. You should book mark the Giancolli site on the web (make it one of your favorites.)  This site has notes, review quizzes, and other study aides.  http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_giancoli_physicsppa_6/0,8713,1113739--t,00.html 
  4. The Physics Classroom website ( www.physicsclassroom.com  ), a tutorial from Glenbrook South High School, is an excellent lecture substitute when neither the class nor the text is speaking to you.  The concept presentation is excellent.  Self-check questions included.
  5. Hyperphysics website (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html) has an excellent view of the inter-relationships of the various parts of physics.  Very good, but pithy, review of each area.  Math level more on the college level .  It may be too much for you at times.
  6. The College Board AP Physics website for students:  www.collegeboard.com/ap/students/physics/

 

 

IV. Plagiarism

1.     Any time you have received aid on an assignment, the name of the helper must be noted on the paper.  This includes times of "working together" on homework, test corrections, or lab reports.  Unless stated, there will be no penalty for work done with another’s help, although straight copying will be considered plagiarism.

2.     Help on quizzes or tests (except by me) is unacceptable.

3.     Penalty for violation: at most, a grade of 45% on the assignment, plus potential disciplinary action.