Introduction to Physics
Dr. Kristy A. Blankenship
Course Objective
Students will explore the laws of Physics governing motion & force, magnetism and electricity, acoustics, and
optics. Students will develop insight into the atomic basis for chemical reactions, explore the physical laws
governing states of matter, and learn to use the “language” of science. Students will understand & use the
Scientific Method & connect with real-world applications.
I will introduce & reinforce mathematical and
language skills needed in Science. Students will learn and strictly adhere to safety practices. Lecture, lab,
homework and group work will be required.
Class Outline
Concepts
Related Chapters
Weeks
Introduction & Safety
Scientific Method & Measurement
1
1
Force
2, 39
1
Motion, Movement, & Momentum
3-8, 10, 12
3
Energy
9, 40
1
Gravity, Orbits, & Relativity
13-16
2-3
States of Matter
17-20
1-2
Thermal energy
21-24
1-2
Waves
25-29, 38
2
Optics
30-31
2
Electromagnetic forces
32-37
1-2
Class Policies
School policies regarding electronic devices, conduct, dress code, & breaks will be followed.
 NO FOOD, OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS, or GUM CHEWING is allowed in the lab.
 On lab days, no sandals or open-end shoes are allowed. In wet labs, no contact lens can be worn. {Bring
solution to switch off to glasses.}
 All electronic devices are prohibited during instruction unless otherwise noted.
 Absolutely no horseplay, throwing of any object, or disrespect to others is permitted.
 The only things allowed in your hands are writing instruments, erasures, text & notebooks, or items for
lab activities. All other items will be confiscated with the 1st offense; subsequent offenses result in
disciplinary action & removal to office for parent retrieval.
 During lecture if a student would like to make a comment, he/she must first raise their hand and be
acknowledged by the teacher. Random class disruptions will not be tolerated.
 Extra credit is rarely available. Extra participation, such as completing additional exercises, reporting
chemistry news or submitting magazine or newspaper articles of chemical interest to the class, will be
considered noteworthy. Please annotate the source of your information (name of magazine or paper or
show, author, & date).
Expectations


Responsibility - Be responsible for your work, your attitude, and your behavior.
Required Items:
A spiral notebook: This needs to be available for me to view during any class session.
 You may have a 3-ring binder with the following categories - Class policies and contract (this
document), lecture notes, vocabulary assignments, worksheets, exams/quizzes, labs (notes/
reports), & the spiral notebook.
Pencils + pen, erasure, dry erase marker, & simple calculator
 Respect - First, respect yourself. Extend this courtesy to your fellow students, any guests in the lab, and
your teacher. Our main objective is to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and productive for
all. IT TAKES EVERYONE FOR THIS TO WORK.
 Maturity - Please do not harm any person or property, physically or emotionally. Do not endanger
anyone with rowdy or reckless behavior, name-calling (even yourself), etc…
 Work ethics - Each is encouraged to help their neighbors unless instructed to do exams or exercises
independently. "Helping" on exams or restricted work is truly cheating and will result in an "F" for both
the giver and receiver of information.
 Homework - Your grade reflects effort rather than accuracy. Blanks & nonsense are penalized.
 LAB FEES are $10.00. This must be collected before materials are ordered.
If there are monetary constraints at home that hinder purchase of required items, please see me for assistance AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Each student must research a Physics topic (a minimum of 4 journal or journal-quality sources), formulate & test
a hypothesis, and report the information as a science fair project to fellow classmates. Classroom instruction and
computer time will be made available for this. Additional computers are available at the Boyd County Public
Libraries.
Boyd County High School requires all students to complete monthly Open Response Exams and at least one
quality Portfolio piece per course. The portfolio piece is due by 11 November 2011.
Absenteeism
It is your responsibility to get any labs, exercises, or notes given out while you were gone. Some items can be
found on my desk in the bins marked for your class period. If for any reason the requested materials are
unavailable, PLEASE remind me - as many times as it takes. I recommend highly that you schedule some extra
time with me before/ after school/ during my lunch break to bring you up to date on class activities. All missed
exams & quizzes can be taken after school on the Tuesday or Thursday after your return.
Grading
Grades are determined from weighted cumulative points: Exams/quizzes – 50%; Final exam – 15%; Homework/
Participation – 20%; Labs -15%.
Parental/ Guardian Involvement
I welcome comments, insights, suggestions, and any active participation in our classroom. Please feel free to
contact me during my planning period (0800-0935), before or after school, or at home.
Cell: 606-922-5778; BCHS: 606-928-2102; e-mail: kristy.blankenship@boyd.kyschools.us
On occasion students request minor first aid, such as anti-bacterial ointment or anti-itch salve (1% hydrocortisone
cream) and band-aids. If I am allowed to provide these to your child, please annotate such below.
___ Yes, my child may be treated for minor injuries as listed above.
___ No, please do not provide these basic first aids to my child.
Signed, ______________________________________________
Students may also be photographed during lab activities. In the event that your child’s photo is selected for
publication/display, do I have your permission to do so?
___ Yes, my child may be photographed and displayed as listed above.
___ No, please do not photograph my child or display any photos of him/her academically.
Signed, ______________________________________________
My book # is _____________. This book must be returned in good condition to avoid fines.
My desired grade for the semester is a(n) _________ and I’ll work as hard as it takes to achieve it.
We understand the above class policies and commit to a superior education!
Student______________________________________________ Date___________
Parent/ Guardian ______________________________________ Date___________