Physics – Mr. Swaney
Welcome to physics! Physics is a subject that is full of concepts, real-life situations, high-level
thinking, and problem solving. At times it will be challenging, but with practice you can master it!
Class Goals
1. To learn the fundamental concepts and principles of physics in the areas of: motion, force, energy, electricity,
magnetism, heat, waves, and light.
2. To develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and to apply them to physics.
3. To have fun learning about your world so you can make wise decisions, fix things, & invent something new.
4. To prepare you for a future class or study in physics.
Attitude
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Keep a positive attitude by working hard, paying attention, and doing your best.
Realize that everyone learns differently and what you like least is what some people like best.
Help others learn (not get answers) by helping teach each other & by participating in discussions.
Class Guidelines
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Be Prepared – On-time. Pencil, 2 different-colored pens, & a calculator. Working when the bell rings.
Be Engaged – Head up, on-task. Work hard & on physics. Groom elsewhere. No food/drink (water ok).
Do not get out of your seat unless you ask to or are directed to.
Be Respectful – Speak (no cursing) and listen respectfully always. Speak up so others can hear. Involve
everyone in group work. Help others learn—do not share answers (sharing lab data is okay).
Follow LQ rules – E.g. being tardy, no cell phones use (in my room AT ALL), etc. (See student planner.)
Consequences: You will receive an Infraction Notice to fill out and return.
1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: 30 min. Friday detention
3rd Offense: 30 min. Friday detention, Action Plan, & parent contact
4th Offense: Referral to administration
*These consequences are subject to LQ rules or if the infraction is severe (shouting, cursing, etc.)
Grading Policy: The final grade will be weighted according to the following:
60% - Summative assessments: Tests
30% - Formative assessments: Quizzes, labs, projects, binder, and classwork
10% - Homework
Final grades will be given according to the following scale (grades rounded to the nearest tenth of a %):
100% - 98.0% A+
97.9% - 92.0% A
91.9% - 90.0% A+
89.9% - 88.0% B
87.9% - 82.0% B
81.9% - 80.0% B+
79.9% - 78.0% C
77.9% - 72.0% C
71.9% - 70.0% C+
69.9% - 68.0% D
67.9% - 62.0% D
61.9% - 60.0% D59.9% or below F
If you find yourself struggling: Free tutoring/extra help can be received after school and during lunch (by
appointment) with the teacher. PLEASE make use of this opportunity if you are beginning to struggle.
Avoid these common reasons students end up struggling:
 Failing to understand the concepts & merely trying to remember how to do each type of problem.
 Poor quality of HW & giving up on difficult problems instead of working hard to find the solution.
 Lack of studying and a lack of effort to learn from problems that are done incorrectly.
Mr. Swaney Physics Procedures
1. Begin Immediately: Have your binder and a writing utensil ready before the bell rings. Then begin working on the
warm-up (or follow other directions) when the bell rings. Do not wait to get out your materials. Incomplete
notes/problems need to be finished at home.
2. Notes: Follow the sample heading at the front of your binder. My advice is to use one color of pen for headings, another
color for the details, and pencil for solving problems.
3. Tardy: Fill out a tardy slip when you walk in the door and hand it to the teacher. (See LQ handbook for consequences.)
4. Late assignments: Fill out a Late Assignment Responsibility Sheet and staple it to the front of the assignment. Late HW
is due the day of the test for up to 1/2 credit max (policy subject to change). Late formative assessments are due
ASAP in the green ABSENT folder in the HW box and will have points reduced based on how late it is.
5. Dismissal: The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does. We will work bell to bell, so do not pack up early.
6. Being excused: To use the restroom or for another valid reason to leave the classroom fill out the appropriate section of
your LQ agenda except for my signature. Hold it up for me to see and wait for me to see and I will either motion for
you to come up to get my signature or motion for you to wait. (For trash, pencil sharpening, please raise your hand.)
7. Questions: Please ask questions and ask for help. Politely raise your hand and wait for me to call on you.
Absent Make-up Work Procedures:
Absent Make-up work is YOUR responsibility. The teacher will NOT remind you of any missing work.
1. Receive assignments from your table partner or the folder at the front of the room (HW will often be online as well).
2. Assignments given while you were present are due the day you return. Classwork/HW assigned while you are absent is
due within 2 school days of the first day you return. (If gone just Tue then Mon.’s HW is due Wed., Tue.’s HW due
Fri.) Labs will be made up after school by appointment, and must be finished before the end of the following week.
3. Write “ABSENT” and the date(s) you were absent at the top of any assignment you are turning in late because you were
absent. Put it in the green ABSENT folder in the homework box.
4. Quizzes/tests will be made up during class without any previous notice.
Assignment Procedures:
1. HOMEWORK & LABS are due on the next school day by 8am (unless told otherwise) in the folder for your period.
For book problems, copy the problem before you solve. Worksheet problems should be stapled to the BACK of your
solutions. All HW and labs must be kept in your binder.
2. CLASS BINDER will be graded periodically, with notice (see below for full directions).
3. PHYSICS PROJECTS will be assigned each quarter.
4. QUIZZES and TESTS will be given periodically and will focus on lessons since the last test but may include previous
material. If you fail a quarter-1 test you must come see me (“CSM”) to discuss what we can do to help you improve.
5. QUARTER FINALS will be given at the end of each quarter and will be cumulative.
Full Binders Procedures:
Binders will be collected periodically, with 2+ days of notice. Use a 3-ring binder (talk to me if that’s a problem). The
point of a class binder is to keep you organized so that you can study from it, and an unorganized binder will hinder
your studying, so neatness will be part of the grade. Binders should contain the following in the following order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The binder cover created at the beginning of the semester (on the front of the binder).
This syllabus/class procedures paper.
Sample headings for notes and for assignments.
All classwork (warm-up, notes, & example problems on one day’s page; labs; classwork worksheets) in
chronological order, starting with Sept. Each day must begin at the top of the front of a new page.
5. Homework assignments numbered and in numerical order (#1 first).
Student’s Name (please print):
______________________________________ Pd ____
Student’s Signature:
______________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name (please print):
______________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature:
______________________________________