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Foothill Technology High School
Conceptual Physics Interactive Notebook
2015-2016
DEPARTMENT STATEMENT:
Students will actively experience science – both the concepts and practices of the disciplines. Science
requires a student to understand facts, processes, interactions and the methods of discovering these
things in an organized, yet creative fashion. Students will learn to operate various pieces of scientific
equipment that serve as tools to improve the accuracy of measurement and analysis. Foothill
Technology High School is dedicated to integrating concepts and projects across curricula. By
integrating several subjects, we hope that each student gains a deeper understanding and appreciation
of the fact that one subject cannot stand without the other.
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS and GUIDELINES
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
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Glue stick and tape for putting items in interactive notebook
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Index cards to create “cheat sheets”
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College ruled, loose-leaf paper
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Pencils, pens (blue or black ink), highlighters, erasers
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Storage pouch for pencils, pens, glue sticks, unused index cards, etc.
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1.5” – 2” binder to hold your interactive notebook
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At least 10 dividers/tabs to glue into your interactive notebook to separate units
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Calendar/Agenda for recording assignments
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Colored pencil set (at least 12 colors)
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be on time. (Refer to Foothill’s Survival Guide for policies on tardiness and absenteeism)
Be prepared with appropriate materials (interactive notebook, pen, etc.)
Be involved in class discussions.
Be respectful of self, teacher, classmates, guest speakers, and school property.
Be aware of safety protocol in the lab and follow it.
EXPECTED WORKLOAD:
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Quizzes and unit tests – every 2-4 weeks
Lab investigations and activities – 1 per week
Homework (including online assessments) – 1 to 3 times a week
Projects – at least big project per quarter
Work not attempted by the deadline date will be recorded as a zero.
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS and GUIDELINES
UNITS OF STUDY:
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Unit 1: Forces & Interactions
Unit 2: Energy
Unit 3: Waves
Unit 4: Physics in the Universe
For a complete description of the standards covered in each unit of study, visit
http://fthswiki.org/fths-staff-pages/macie-vega
GRADING SCALE:
A
B
C
D*
F
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
50 – 59%
WEIGHTING OF TASKS and Q-SHELL ASSIGNMENT CATEGORIES:
Tests and Quizzes
Engineering Practices, Labs and Projects
Daily Homework, Notes, and Classwork
Semester Final
40%
15%
25%
20%
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COURSE EXPECTATIONS and GUIDELINES
HOMEWORK:
Homework will be related to the curriculum and will be assigned to strengthen skills, reinforce
concepts, and/or prepare for a lesson, unit, or activity. Students should expect some homework on
a daily basis.
There are two general categories of homework:
1. Peer evaluated: In cooperative groups, students will evaluate work in interactive
notebooks as either following or not following the guidelines.
2. Instructor evaluated: This includes online assessments, projects, concept-mastery
worksheets, and lab conclusions.
LATE WORK AND/OR MISSING WORK:
•
•
•
Each assignment will have a due date. This is the date by which you are expected to submit
the assignment.
Missing work will be recorded in the grade book as a zero.
If a student is absent from class, that student is responsible for making up missed work. It is
the student’s responsibility to check for absent work.
EXTRA CREDIT:
1. Individual Extra Credit: There are select opportunities for a small amount of individual
extra credit to be earned. These will be discussed in class.
2. Group Extra Credit: Large assignments for extra credit will be considered on a class-level
basis, not an individual basis, and will only be offered to students who have all assignments
completed.
RENAISSANCE INCENTIVES:
Renaissance Cards: Renaissance cards will be awarded by the school on a merit basis, and
most of the incentives can be redeemed in Biology, per teacher discretion.
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Safety Rules in the Laboratory
Student Copy
1. During experiments, listen carefully to instructions and follow them as exactly as you can. In
case of confusion or uncertainty, ask questions! Performing unauthorized experiments will not
be tolerated.
2. No horseplay will be tolerated.
3. All students will wear safety goggles/safety glasses in the laboratory whenever
experiments are being performed that warrant eye protection. Notify your teacher if you
are wearing contact lenses. Circumstances when safety goggles will always be worn are: When
anything is heated, when students handle chemicals, or when there is the potential for chance
flying debris.
4. Never eat in lab or drink out of glassware. Never taste or smell anything unless you are given
specific directions to do so.
5. Any injury, major or minor (cut, burn, etc.), must be reported to the teacher at once. Put cold
water on burns first. Chemical spills should be washed off immediately with water. Know the
location of all laboratory safety equipment. Chemicals in the eyes must be flushed immediately
with the eyewash. Hold the eye open, rotate the eyeball, and continue washing for 10-15
minutes.
6. Do not touch equipment without permission. All unauthorized experimentation is strictly
forbidden. This includes all chemicals, models, or apparatus. Complete all pre-lab work. Don’t
do any lab procedures until approved by instructor.
7. When heating a test tube, always point the open end away from you and others. It should be at a
slant rather than straight up in most cases.
8. If the fire alarm should sound during a lab, turn off all heat sources and proceed quietly from
the classroom to the assembly area outside.
9. If glass is broken, the teacher should be informed immediately. Students should not handle
broken glass; teachers will dispose of broken glass.
10. Be careful not to contaminate the class supply bottle. Use disposable papers with solids. Use the
same supply spoon with the same chemical. Don’t put any excess material back into the supply
bottle.
11. Dispose of all materials as per instruction. Do not assume that all liquids go down the sink!
12. Dissection equipment can only be used on specimens. Any misuse of dissection tools will result
in disciplinary action.
13. Before class will be dismissed, all equipment and sinks must be clean, and desktops must be
clean and dry.
If the above guidelines are not followed, you may not be allowed to participate in the lab and
may not receive credit for the activity.
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RESPONSIBLE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Policy Statement: FTHS requires students who use its information technology resources to do so
in a responsible manner, abiding by all applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Acceptable Use:
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Respecting system security mechanisms and not taking measures designed to circumvent,
ignore, or break these mechanisms.
Showing consideration for the utilization of IT resources. Be careful, honest, responsible,
and civil in the use of computers and networks.
Abiding by copyright rules.
Respecting the rights of others.
Unacceptable Use:
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Unauthorized access to or use of IT resources.
Any activity designed to hinder another person’s use of its resources and data.
Installation, distribution, or intentional use of malicious software (spyware, viruses, etc.)
Security breaches, intentional or otherwise.
Sharing of passwords.
Damaging the integrity of IT resources, intentional or otherwise.
Installing software or applications, without strict permission.
Copyright infringements through peer-to-peer file sharing or unauthorized use, access, or
distribution of licensed computer software.
Unlawful communication, including but not limited to harassing (cyber bullying) and
dissemination, hosting, or posting of child pornography, and/or obscene material.
Fraud: which includes, but not limited to, the misrepresentation of the identity of the sender
or source of an electronic communication, as well as any alteration of a message originating
from another person or computer with intent to deceive.
Spamming
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CLASSROOM iPAD/Chromebook STUDENT USE AGREEMENT
Using the iPads or chromebooks is a privilege that may be lost by table groups or class periods. The
guidelines below outline the basic rules we will follow while using the devices. When in doubt –
just ask! In general, remember to respect the iPads and Chromebooks as if they were your
own.
When using the iPads or Chromebooks:
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No food or drinks allowed.
Stay seated at your table group while using the devices. If it is necessary to move around,
follow your teacher’s directions and be careful.
iPads and chromebooks must be used in ways that are appropriate, meet school district
expectations, and are educational. Any other use will result in disciplinary action.
Follow the Responsible Use of Information Technology Policy.
Always stay on task when using the devices. If your table has finished all of their work and
would like to “play” on the iPads, ask your teacher for permission first.
Immediately report any problem to your teacher. If you accidentally access a website that
you think may be harmful or inappropriate, notify your teacher as soon as possible.
Do NOT:
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Take unauthorized pictures, selfies, or videos. Although it is fun to do, they take up valuable
space that needs to remain free in order to save large files of projects for all of the classes.
Change the wall paper, background images, or screen savers.
Exchange devices with another table group or student.
Modify or delete applications.
Change ANY of the settings.
Change the iPad’s or chromebooks background image or screen saver.
Move the applications around or change/rename folders.
Delete anything!
Leave the classroom with the devices, unless instructed to do so.
Stack any object on top of the devices.
Leave the devices unattended.
Failure to abide by the Responsible Use of IT Technology or iPAD/Chromebook Student Use
Agreement will result in a loss of technology privileges and disciplinary action.
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BYOD – Bring Your Own Device
If you have an iPad, iPad mini, iPod touch, or iPhone, you may be able to use it in class!
BYOD Guidelines:
 Bring your own device at your own risk. You are responsible for your device and its
contents – not your teacher, friend, etc.
 It is strongly encouraged that you bring your device in a protective case.
 Your device may not distract other students. Before class please turn the ringer/volume
down and remove any inappropriate or offensive background images. During class you will
be expected to follow the same rules as your classmates.
 Download the necessary applications. It will be up to you whether you would like to
purchase paid apps. If you do not have the necessary apps, you will be asked to turn off your
device and put it away.
 Your device can only be used during specific times of instruction when your teacher deems
it appropriate. You are not “free” to use your device whenever you want to listen to music,
surf the web, etc. Your device will be taken away from you if it is out at inappropriate time,
and your parents will have to pick it up.
 Bring your device fully charged. Charging devices in class can create a tripping hazard.
 Arrive to class a few minutes early to log onto the wifi. There may be certain settings you
will need to change or files you will need to download.
FAQ:
→ How do I know when to bring my device? Check your class’ wiki, blog, or edmodo account (to
look at upcoming assignments and activities.
→ Can I share my device with a friend? You are responsible for the safety of your device. While you
may still work with your table group, you must be the one controlling and using your device.
→ How can I connect to the wifi? The wifi password is posted in front of the classroom.
→ What apps will we be using and how much do they cost? Some applications we will be using are
free while others cost money. If you would like to purchase the apps, you are more than
welcome – however it isn’t necessary or required.
→ Do I need to buy an iPad/iPod touch/etc? No! If you already have a device and would like to
bring it, feel free. Otherwise, you are in no way expected to purchase one for school use.
→ Can I use my iPad/iPod touch/etc whenever I want? No. Even when using your own device, you
will be following the same rules of iPad mini use as the rest of the class.
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INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Bring your interactive notebook to class with you every day with all of the pages in the
correct order.
2. Do not remove any pages from your interactive notebook unless instructed to do so.
3. Use only black or blue ink. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through the error or use
white out.
4. Record all information neatly and accurately.
5. Losing your interactive notebook will result in a large drop in your grade and will require
you to complete all missing assignments again.
“CHEAT SHEETS”
During exams, conceptual physics students will be allowed to use an index card to assist with formulas
and units. The “cheat sheet” must follow the guidelines below:
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Cheat sheets must not be larger than 3x5”
Both sides of the card may be used
Formulas, definitions, and units may be written on the cheat sheet
You will be turning in your cheat sheet at the end of the quiz/test
Wait… isn’t this just like Biology?
Your conceptual physics interactive notebook will be similar to your biology notebook. There are a few
key differences, though.
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No parent pages or concept cards
More group projects – recording your individual work in your interactive notebook is
important.
No cover pages – your grade sheet will act as your unit cover page
No packets – instead, you’ll get pages a few at a time. For this reason, it is very important
that you keep your binder organized!
Your interactive notebook will serve to show your thinking throughout the semester. You
will be turning it in for part of your final exam grade each semester. Missing pages or
disorganization will cause you to lose points! STAY ORGANIZED!!!
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Test Corrections
Sample Test Correction:
Question Correct
#
Answer
1
A
Your
Answer
C
Factual reason why your
answer is incorrect
The movement of matter does
not mean that a wave has
occurred. Matter can move
without generating a wave.
Factual explanation of the
correct answer
Vibrations are the source of all
wave motion because the back
and forth movement of a
vibration causes a ripple effect
that spreads the wave
continuously.
47
D
B
Frequency is the number of
waves that occur every second,
NOT how long it takes for one
wave to occur.
43
A
C
Hertz is not a measure of a
period. Periods are measured
in units of time (normally
second)
The period of a wave is the
amount of time it takes for one
complete back and forth motion.
This time is usually measured in
seconds and is represented by
the letter “T”
Hertz is measured frequency
and represents how many
waves are happening each
second. For example, 100 Hz
means that 100 waves or
vibrations are occurring every
second.
42
For the problem solving section (non-multiple choice questions)
24
12
My answer was wrong because SHOW THE CORRECT WAY TO
meters
meters
I accidentally doubled the
WORK OUT THE PROBLEM,
acceleration. The acceleration
INCLUDING ALL STEPS AND
should have been SQUARED,
UNITS.
not DOUBLED.
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Test Corrections
Overview:
 Test corrections are designed to help you re-learn the material that you missed on unit exams
and give you the opportunity to raise your test score.
 Students who have Ds and Fs are eligible for test corrections.
 Test corrections can raise your exam score up to 10%, if done properly. Partial credit or ½
credit will be awarded if corrections are done incorrectly or if concepts are not clearly
explained.
 Students who fail exams can raise their score to a maximum of 70%.
 Common Core essay portions must be re-written.
 You cannot use Renaissance cards for a drop test incentive.
Submission:
 Tests are not released; therefore, students must complete them during FIRE or lunch during the
time period allotted for corrections. This is usually 2 weeks.
 You must have a student ID in order to check out a test to complete the corrections. This is for
test security.
 No cell phones are allowed while you are doing test corrections.
 Staple the original answer document w/small slip (the key) to the FRONT of your test
corrections.
Format:
 Create a 5-column table, as shown on the opposite page on lined paper. Please use a ruler or
straight edge. This makes it easier for your teachers to read and grade.
Content:
 Test corrections should be about explaining concepts, terms, processes, phenomena,
structure, function, facts. Look at what is wrong with your answer, and identify the concepts
or terms that you misunderstood, then define it and re-explain it. Next, look at the correct
answer, and explain the processes behind the correct answer. (See example question #1 on the
opposite page)
 You may use your textbook, notes, study guides, or any other resource for your explanations;
however, it is NOT appropriate to state that the explanation for an incorrect answer is because “I
didn’t study enough” or because “I didn’t understand.” You also should not simply “negate” the
answer by using the term “NOT” in all of your corrections. (See below)
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Previous Unit “Cheat Sheets”
(Attach here with tape or staples)
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