PHYSICS 1
Parent Contact Information
Mitch Coslet
E-mail: cosletm@ltisdschools.org
Voicemail: 533-5913
Conference periods: 2nd and 7th
http://www.laketravis.txed.net//Domain/206
LTHS phone: 533-6100
LTHS Fax: 533-6101
2013– 2014
Instructor: Mitch Coslet (email: cosletm@ltisdschools.org, voicemail: 533-5913)
Text: Holt Physics by Serway and Faughn (2002). Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Online Textbook : District website » Learning Portal » High School » teachers websites
Science department Physics
Course Description: This is a laboratory-oriented course, designed to introduce students to
the practical applications of physics. The first semester will emphasize mechanics
(Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, etc.). The second semester will cover waves, light,
electricity, magnetism, and quantum physics.
Course Outline: Fall Semester
1st 9 weeks:
I.One-Dimensional Motion (Chapters 1-2)
- Displacement and velocity
- Acceleration
- Falling objects
IIA. Vectors (Chapter 3)
- Vectors
IIB. - Projectile motion
-Horizonal and at an angle
2nd 9 weeks:
III. Forces and the Laws of Motion (Chapter 4)
- Changes in motion
- Newton’s laws
- Forces
- Law of Gravity
IV. Energy and Impulse(Chapters 5-6)
- Work
- Energy
- Conservation of energy
Tentative Test Dates
9/19, 9/21
10/1, 10/2
10/21, 10/22
11/8, 11/11
12/5, 12/6
- Conservation of momentum
Spring Semester
3rd 9 weeks:
IX. Electric Forces, Energy, and Collisions (Chapters 6, 17,18)
-Electric fields
-Electric forces
X. Current and Electrical Circuits (Chapters 19-20)
- Electric current
- Schematic diagrams and circuits
- Resistors in series or parallel
XI. Magnetism & Quantum Mechanics (Chapters 21-23 )
- Magnets and magnetic fields
- Electromagnetism
-Motors, generators and transformers
-Quantum
4th 9 weeks:
VII. Waves and Sound (Chapters 12-13)
-Simple harmonic motion
- Properties of waves
- Resonance
VIII. Light, Reflection, Refraction (Chapter 14-16)
- Characteristics of light
- Mirror diagrams and equations
- Snell’s Law
- Thin lenses
1/21 1/22
2/12 2/13
3/5 3/6
4/15 4/16
5/8 5/9
I. Thermodynamics (Chapters 9-10)
-Pressure
-Temperature and thermal equilibrium
5/22 5/23
XII. Nuclear Physics (Chapter 25)
- Subatomic physics
- Fusion and Fission
5/28, 5/29
Note: This is meant as a broad outline. Depending on student understanding, we may proceed
slower or faster than planned, in which case material would be added or deleted. Always verify
with teacher or go to website
Supplies: 3-ring notebook and notebook paper
Graph paper
Pencils and erasers
Metric ruler
Scientific calculator (TI 83+, 84+, 89 preferred)
Protractor
Textbook (bring daily)
Tutorials:
If you ever have difficulties with any of the ideas we cover in class or want to go into
more depth on the topics discussed, I am available for tutorials every morning before
school from 8:00–8:30 and after school by appointment only
.
Research Projects:
All students will be required to complete projects that include research components.
This will be done in groups and completed, mostly, outside of class. There will be a paper
turned in at the completion of each project.
Due dates for projects:
Catapult
10/18 10/19
Rube Goldberg
12/11 12/12
House
3/20 3/21
Calculators
Physics students are required to bring a scientific calculator and their text book to
each class meeting. A graphing calculator is not required but preferred. Scientific
calculators may be purchased at local department or grocery stores. Students will be
penalized if they are unable to complete work that requires a calculator. If there are
circumstances that prevent students from purchasing a calculator then please contact me
personally.
Grading:
Daily Grades 40% Daily activities, Labs, Homework, quizzes, etc.
Tests
60% Chapter Tests, Projects
Make-Up Work:
Make-up work, due to student absences, is the responsibility of the student. This includes, but is
not limited to, obtaining assignments and completing missed class work, as well as scheduling
missed laboratory work and tests. Make-up work must be submitted in the appropriate amount
of time, as described in the student handbook. Failing test grades can be made up for a
maximum of 70 by student arrangement with the teacher.
Homework
Assignments will be posted on my website as well as in the classroom. If students miss class
or misplace their assignments the students may email me at any time for information or
visit my website.
Laboratory Requirements:
Laboratory experimentation and exploration are a large part of this course. It is vital that
the students follow all laboratory procedures and safety rules/guidelines. Failure to comply
with behavior expectations can result in removal from laboratory activities.
Grading Procedures
There will be at least 3 recorded major grades per nine weeks.
Major assessments consist of short answer, matching, problem-solving, completion,
labeling, multiple choice, and essays. Major projects/papers and major laboratory
assignments may also be included. Rubrics for major projects and major papers will be
given in class and published on the teacher's web page.
Campus retest policy: Retests are allowed in regular level courses, after attending required
tutorials, within one week of being notified of a failing grade in class or on Gradespeed.
The grade will be calculated by averaging the original test score with the retest score, for a
maximum of 70. Tests are never released to students, parents, or tutors.
There will be at least 9-10 recorded daily grades per nine weeks.
Daily grades may include textbook assignments, worksheets, vocabulary exercises,
laboratory investigations, quizzes, class activities, notebook checks, article summaries,
small projects, etc. All teachers of the same course title will have the same number of daily
grades that are based upon completion/participation.
Zeros and Failing daily grades
Students may have an opportunity to work out a plan with the teacher to resubmit on
failing or missing daily work per each nine weeks. The assignment will be due the next
time class meets, for a maximum grade of 50.
(This opportunity is offered a maximum of only once per grading period for Physics)
Missing work due to absence: Students have a period of time equal to the length of the
absence to turn in makeup work for full credit, according to student handbook policy.
Honor code:
It is vital that each student abide by the LTHS Honor code, which requires all members of
this community to be conscientious, respectful, honest, and to act with integrity when
confronted with academic dishonesty.
Please contact me by e-mail at the high school if you have any questions.
Syllabus Acknowledgement via email
Once you have read over the syllabus, please send me an email acknowledging that you
have read it. At that time I will be able to put you on my contact list. Please provide the
following format:
SUBJECT: Your Child’s Name
CLASS PERIOD:(VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! As I do not know your child yet)
MESSAGE: I have read and received the syllabus for PHYSICS 1
Parent/Guardian Name (s)
Phone Numbers
Best way to contact
-------------------------------------------
For Paper Acknowledgement.......
Cut out the portion below
By signing below, you indicate that you have read the syllabus for the Physics
1 class and are familiar with the requirements for the course (grading policy,
prerequisites, scope and sequence, etc.).
Student Name (Printed)___________________________________________
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