Physics – Course Syllabus
2 semesters – 1 credit
New Haven High School
Teacher – Ms. K. Bryner
E-mail: kbryner@nhav.misd.net
Blackboard Web Address: bb91.misd.net
Voice mail number: 749-5104, ext. 1803
Prerequisites – none
Recommended grade – 10, 11 or 12
Course Description: Physics is a science course designed to meet the state high school
graduation requirements. Students will understand and solve problems related to the following
topics: motion, force, work, laws of conservation, energy, waves and vibrations, sound, light,
and electricity.
Course Objectives: Upon completing physics a student will master the Michigan Department of
Education High School Science Content Expectations (HSSCE) for Physics.
Tentative schedule: Units to be covered in this class may include the following:
Unit 1 – Forces, Motion, Conservation Laws
Text References: Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
Unit 2 – Work, Energy, Systems, Equilibrium
Text References: Chapters 4, 5, and 6.
Unit 3 – Energy Flow and Transfer, Energy Systems, Changes in Matter
Text References: Chapters 10, and 11.
Unit 4 – Electricity
Text References: Chapters 13, 14, and 15.
Unit 5 – Vibrations, Waves, Sound
Text References: Chapters 19, 20, and 21.
Unit 6 – Light, Optics
Text References: Chapters 22, 23, and 24.
Unit 7 – Heat, Fluids, Hydraulics, Magnetism, Motors
Text References: Chapters 7, 8, 16, and 17.
Materials Needed:
Text: Physics-A First Course, Tom Hsu, CPO Science, 2005.
A folder or binder, notebook or paper, pencil or pen, and a calculator.
Grading System: Your card marking grade in this course will be based on:
1. Tests – 100 points each
Tests will always be announced a few days in advance. Students who are absent for
excused reasons, will have the opportunity to make up tests according to school policy.
Make-up tests may be different from the regular test. It is recommended that tests be
made up after school, not during class. Talking in class while tests are still out will result
in a 20% reduction in your grade. If you have electronic equipment out while tests are
still out, you will receive a zero on the test.
2. Quizzes – Various Points
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and will cover the homework assignments
and material that has been discussed during the previous few days of class. Quizzes are
not made up; your grade is calculated using only the quizzes you take in class. Talking in
class while tests are still out will result in a 20% reduction in your grade. If you have
electronic equipment out while tests are still out, you will receive a zero on the quiz.
3. Class Assignments/Homework – Various Points
Students are expected to complete in class assignments and homework by the due dates;
usually by the end of the class or the next day. Late homework will not be accepted.
Students can makeup work when absent for excused reasons. Homework is to be made
up in 1 day for each day of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all
work is completed in the allotted time. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a
folder with all of their assignments. Assignments are posted on the board in class every
Monday for the entire week, and can also be found on the lesson plans tab of this website.
Copying off of others or letting someone copy off of you will result in a zero for the
assignment.
4. Other Activities/Projects – Various points
Other activities may be assigned throughout the year that has a variety of points
assessed to them.
The card marking grade is calculated on a total point system. A percent grade is determined by
taking the points earned, to the total points possible. Your grade will be kept up to date on
Power School for you to view. Please let the teacher know immediately if there is a discrepancy
in your grade (must show your graded paper as proof).
The final grade each semester is calculated according to school policy.
Parents will be notified with a progress report sent home with the student whenever a student’s
grade falls below 70%.
Student Assistance: The teacher will be available after school by appointment if a student
requires extra help, has additional questions not answered in class, or to make up tests or work if
additional time is required.