Instructor & Contact Information:
Jessica Rankhorn
Physics Instructor
615.822.2375 x 5516 jessica.rankhorn@jp2hs.org
Website: http://www.jp2hs.org/webpages/jrankhorn
Welcome to Physics!
Physics is the most basic science! It is an attempt to discover and explain the rules of our natural universe. Once you understand these basic rules, then you can apply them to more specific and complex systems – such as the interaction of non-living matter (Chemistry) and the processes and interactions of living organisms (Biology).
The word “conceptual” in the title of the class refers to the educational philosophy of the course. It is NOT “watered-down” physics. It is a college preparatory course that emphasizes conceptual development over traditional algebraic problem solving approaches. Math skills are used in this course, but math is not the main emphasis of the course.
Conceptual Physics is the entry point into the JPII science curriculum. The course content will focus on motion, forces, energy, circuits and mechanical waves. Students in this course can expect a thorough conceptual exploration of physical concepts as well as a development of science skills needed to progress in the high school curriculum. Students will develop their skills in critical thinking, problem solving, analysis, laboratory work, and mathematical reasoning.
A Statement of Community
“Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.”
Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians
5.13 – 15, The Message Remix
Major Course Units:
Semester 1
Energy
Constant Motion
Balanced Forces
Semester Review
Semester 2
Accelerated Motion
Unbalanced Forces
Interaction Forces
Energy
Semester Review
JPII – Jessica Rankhorn
17 ½ weeks
½ week
17 ½ weeks
½ week
Conceptual Physics Syllabus

Class Supplies:
Course Pack
Binder & Dividers
You will need the JPII Conceptual Physics Course Pack. This includes the majority of the worksheets, labs and activities that we will do throughout the year.
You will need a 3-ring binder with notebook paper. You will probably need a 1.5” (or more) binder for each semester. You will need dividers.
Graphing Calculator
Pen or Pencil
If you don’t already have a graphing calculator, please purchase a TI-84 Silver Plus.
Pencil is preferable, pen is frowned upon. Illegible work will not be accepted.
You will need to have a RED pen at all times.
Colored pencils will be needed on a regular basis.
You will need a USB drive to save lab data for analysis at home. USB drive
Grading Policy for Late Assignments:
Assignments are an essential part of the education process; students hone skills and make connections when they thoughtfully wrestle with questions and problems on their own.
Incomplete Assignments:
If you have not finished your work for any reason other than an excused absence the following applies:
HOMEWORK:
1 st class meeting late
Highest grade possible is 70%
LABS/ACTIVITIES: Highest grade possible is 85%
**Any assignments not turned in within 2 class meetings will receive a 0%.
2 nd class meeting late
50%
70%
Missing Class:
It is THE STUDENT’S responsibility for making up work or tests when you miss class.
If you know that you will miss class please see me beforehand and we’ll arrange a way for you to turn in your assignment
/ take your test before you leave. If miss class for an unforeseen (but excused) event (illness, death in the family, etc), the assignment due the day you missed should be turned in the next time you are in class. For an assignment given
ON the day you were absent, you have one class period from the day you return to turn the assignment in. If you do not complete the work in the allotted time, the late penalties listed apply. If you miss two class meetings you have two class meetings to turn in the missing assignments, etc.
Having an excused absence from a test or quiz allows you one week from the day you return to make it up. If you do not have the test or quiz completed within a week, the grade will remain a zero. The only exception would be if you have spoken with me within that week to discuss scheduling. If you have an extended absence (3 or more class periods), please make sure that you come to speak with me immediately upon your return.
JPII – Jessica Rankhorn Conceptual Physics Syllabus

Type
Homework
Quizzes
Labs/Activities
Unit Tests
JPII – Jessica Rankhorn
Description
Daily work designed to help students explore and review concepts while also improving their quantitative and qualitative problemsolving skills.
Multiple-Choice,
Short Answer, FRQ
Explorations of concepts.
Multiple-Choice,
Short Answer, FRQ,
Lab Practicum
Assessment Types and Forms for
Conceptual Physics
Assessment Form
 Completion. Formative practice with concepts and skills that have been introduced in class to foster a deeper understanding.
 Accuracy. Extra problems or problems not discussed within the class period will be assigned to determine students’ comprehension of material and/or focus and note-taking in class.
 Homework Quizzes. More rigorous practice designed to show mastery of a concept of skill. In most cases, students will have already had time to develop these skills on their own and in class before they are expected to demonstrate mastery.
 Occasionally, quizzes will include other types of short answer questions: fill-in-the-blank or matching. These will constitute a small percentage of the unit grade
 FRQ: A Free Response Question is physics word problem that will require analytical and quantitative reasoning to solve.
 All labs have an in-class component where students will gather data (qualitative and quantitative) together.
 Analysis of the data (both numerical and written) is done at home by the individual.
 The ability to use knowledge about the content to answer multiple-choice style objective questions is one of the important skills that must be developed in order to be successful in AP courses and in other test
(SAT, ACT)assessments.
 Occasionally, tests will include other types of short answer questions: fill-in-the-blank or matching. These will constitute a small percentage of the unit grade
 FRQ: Free Response Question is a physics word problem that will require analytical and quantitative reasoning to solve.
 Occasionally, tests will include a lab component where students will have to perform a task or evaluate a situation that was presented during the unit; this will be a very small percentage of the unit grade.
Approx Weight
25 %
20%
25%
30%
Conceptual Physics Syllabus

Exams Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
 Approximately 60% of the exam will consist of multiple-choice and true-false questions.
 Approximately 40% of the exam will consist of free-response questions (numerical) and short answer (conceptual).
In its own category, the exams count
20% of the semester grade each term
A. Students have the freedom to express their ideas without the fear of incurring scorn or criticism from other students.
B. Students learn from lab experiences, activities, worksheets, and class discussions rather than from reading a textbook.
C. Students learn by listening to other students. Active participation during group work and during board meetings is very important.
D. Students prove that they understand certain concepts by explaining those concepts in front of the class. (If a student can't explain it, then he doesn't really understand it.)
E. Students ask questions and other students answer those questions.
F. Students rely on each other more than they rely on the teacher.
G. The teacher participates in classroom discussions and often acts as a moderator during discussions.
H. The teacher asks questions that are designed to encourage critical thinking.
I. The teacher assigns worksheets and other appropriate homework exercises that are necessary for development and mastery of skills.
J. The teacher helps the student to develop a wide variety of skills that can be utilized to solve a wide variety of problems throughout life.
K. The teacher writes, administers, and scores quizzes, tests, and projects that assess student learning.
L. The teacher provides remediation and individualized instruction or tutoring when it is needed.
JPII – Jessica Rankhorn Conceptual Physics Syllabus

Date
I, ____________________________ (student´s name) have read and understand all the statements made in this syllabus. I realize that I will be held accountable for my grades under these provisions. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor. I am aware that if I do not abide by provisions it will affect my grades and possibly participation in extracurricular activities. Any defiance against the teacher or provision may result in disciplinary action.
_________________________________________
Student Signature
_________________________________________
Date
Dear Parent or Guardian:
I feel that you should be informed regarding the classroom policies.
You should be aware of all the policies regarding behavior and grading to help your child be as successful as possible. Please read the syllabus in its entirety.
Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this syllabus, are aware of the classroom policies, and will instruct your son/daughter to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the classroom.
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________________________________
JPII – Jessica Rankhorn Conceptual Physics Syllabus