Reeds Spring High School Instructor: Tonya Lewis
Physics II Course Syllabus Email: tlewis@wolves.k12.mo.us

Required Textbook: Physics . Fourth Edition, Giancoli, D. C. Prentice Hall, Englewood, NJ, 1995.

Each student must fulfill the following core objectives:

You will…

• Locate and explain the use of safety equipment.
• Measure and convert measurements using standard laboratory and technological equipment.
• Recall and utilize methods of scientific inquiry.
• Conduct and analyze laboratory research.
• Record data in a journal and produce formal and informal reports on field and laboratory work.
• Construct and interpret maps, tables, charts, and graphs.
• Analyze and assess motion, forces, and energy.
• Read and evaluate science-related literature.
• Design, construct, and evaluate structures and/or instruments based on physical concepts.

Course Policies and Procedures

Classroom Conduct

Students are expected to follow the RSHS Handbook. Students are expected to follow the policies and procedures set forth by the teacher and/or Administration. These may change during the school year. All safety procedures must be followed to ensure the well being of each student. Rules for general classroom behavior are posted in the room. You may not play card or calculator games in this class. Personal stereo systems, cell phones, and/or other personal electronic devices may not be used during class time. You must come to class dressed appropriately for laboratory work. This includes closed-toed shoes! You will be considered tardy if you are not in the room prepared to begin class when the bell rings. Try to be on time whether excused or not. Chemistry is a challenging subject so your daily attendance is important!

Grade Determination

The following grading scale will be in effect in this class as determined by the Administration.

A 93-100%	C 73-76%
A- 90-92	C- 70-72
B+ 87-89	D+ 67-69
B 83-86	D 63-66
B- 80-82	D- 60-62
C+ 77-79	F 59 & below

All students must participate in the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers Model Bridge Competition; each student must design, build, and enter the contest for evaluation. Exams will be given at the end of each unit. All exams will be announced at least one week in advance. Final comprehensive exams will be given at the close of each term. Normally, your grade is weighted in the following manner: daily assignments are 10%, laboratory work is 60%, unit tests are 20%, and final exams are 10%. Student journals will be used to document most of the work completed in this course. All physics students must take the final exams. Dual credit students must take and pass the fall and spring Final Exams in order to receive college credit.

Make-up Work Policy

It is your responsibility to make up any work you miss. It is in your best interest to make up assignments as soon as possible. If laboratory work must be made up after school, it must be arranged ahead of time so the lab will be prepared. Laboratory work may be made up at this time.

Tutoring Available

If you need extra help with your school work, you may see me during Guided Study Hall. I am usually available after school by appointment only. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Extra Credit and Bonus Points

Bonus points are given periodically throughout the year. Students cannot make up bonus points. Special extra credit projects may be assigned upon approval of the teacher depending on the circumstances. It is best to keep up with the regular class work. Extra credit is considered a privilege!

Laboratory Safety Procedures

Students must take a safety quiz before proceeding to laboratory work. Students must pass the quiz with an accuracy of at least 80%. Students may repeat the quiz, but credit will be assigned from the first try. Students and parents must read and sign a safety contract before the student may begin laboratory work. The laboratory safety procedures will be given to you when safety is discussed in class. In order to ensure and improve safety, students may be video taped intermittently. . Warning: students who wear contact lenses during laboratory work involving chemicals and projectiles are at higher risk for eye injury if eyes are not protected by goggles.

Materials Needed

For use as a journal, a notebook type with a sewn binding (composition style) is required. It must be separate from other notebooks for you will need to turn it in for evaluation periodically. Procedures for how to organize and use your journal will be given and discussed in class at a later date. You must obtain a journal as soon as possible for we will begin using them on the second day of class. NO spiral notebooks will be allowed in this laboratory! You may use ballpoint pen or # 2 pencils for journal writing. Please keep in mind that inks with fluorescent colors and sparkles are too hard to read. You may not use red ink at anytime in this class. You must have glue to attach classroom handouts to the pages in your journal. White school glue or paste is okay but a “glue stick” is the easiest to store as it will not leak into your bag or locker. Tape and staples should not be used to attach items to your journal pages. A scientific calculator is necessary for this class; scientific notation will be used frequently. You are responsible for bringing pencils/pens, glue, your journal, your calculator, and some notebook paper to class each day. Once a textbook is issued, you must bring it to class each day unless notified otherwise. You may not store materials in the classroom unless authorized by the teacher. A hanging file will be provided for you to store your journal and a few small items. Unfortunately, textbooks and binders are too large for the student file cabinets.

Print Student Name_____________________ Course ________________ Hour_________

Please sign below if you have read and understand the contents of this syllabus. If you have questions please call me at work, 272-8171 ext. 1218 or home, 538-4410. Please return this copy of this document by August 29, 2008. A copy of this document will be provided for students to include in their binders. If parents would like their own copy of this document please check the box below.

Student Signature Date

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