Barren County High School
Course Syllabus
Course Title: Conceptual Physics
Instructor: Mr. Ken Cook
Contact Information: (270) 629-5505; ken.cook@barren.kyschools.us
I am available at the following times:
Mornings 7:30 am – 8:00 am and afternoons 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm by appointment.
Planning Period – 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Class Supply List:
Three-ring binder or Folder with metal prongs
Notebook/Loose-leaf paper
Pencil or Pen (Blue or Black)
Colored Pencils
Inexpensive standard calculator **Note: I do not have calculators that you can
borrow!!
Course Objective and/or Description:
Welcome to Conceptual Physics! This course focuses on concepts and applications of
physics, including laboratory investigations, and the use of basic algebra skills. The
students will gain an in depth understanding of the laws of physics that surround them.
Students will develop an understanding of the concepts underlying the phenomena of
motion, force, energy, matter, sound, electricity, magnetism, light and the atom.
Conceptual Physics presents concepts of the major themes of physics. There are two
ways that beginning students of physics can understand the topic: (a) through
mathematical models, and (b) through concepts. This course takes the latter approach.
Mathematical approaches will be used when they are deemed as guides to thinking. Basic
algebra skills will be all that is required. The students will know the historical origins and
evolution of the laws of motion and energy. Especially important are the historical figures
of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Joule, and Faraday.
Writing Component:
This course will require students to take notes, respond to Constructed Response
questions and respond to On Demand prompts. Students will also engage in real world
writing experiences.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.
Classroom Rules:
Rule #1 Be Respectful
Rule #2 Be Prompt
Rule #3 Be Prepared
Consequences:
Verbal Warning
Teacher /Student Conferences
Parent Contact
Office Referral
Grading Policy:
A total point system will be used for calculating grades. There will be approximately 600
points available per nine-week grading period. Students who accumulate 90% or more of
the total points possible will receive an A; 80-89% of possible points will receive a B; 7079% will receive a C; 60-69% will receive a D, and below 60% will receive a failing
grade. You will be able to earn points in the following areas:
Quizzes/tests
Lab activities and reports
Daily work/homework
Projects
Writing assignments
Binder checks
Cheating Policy:
Any student found to be cheating on any course work will receive a 0% for the course
work in question. Any student allowing another student to cheat will also receive a 0%
for the course work in question.
*Note: Assignments and Grade Values are subject to change per teacher.
**NOTE: Late assignments will be accepted only in the event of an excused absence
from class.
Make Up Work Policy: Students will have the same number of days to arrange for
make up work as they miss per excused incident, which also includes all school related
absences.
Example: Student who misses two excused days for sickness; will have two days to
arrange for make up work.
Semester Test Policy: All students will be required to take end of semester exam. This
will be calculated as 15% of your final grade.
Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty Policy: Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are
serious offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be his/her own effort.
Students must give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas or
interpretations taken from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a
borrowed passage after having changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also
plagiarism. Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing
grade in that portion of the course work. Acts of academic dishonesty will be reported to
the administration.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.
Student Name (Please print): ______________________________________________
Date: ______________________
Class/Period: ______________________
I have read the course syllabus for Mr. Cook's Science class, and I
understand the expectations and requirements for this course.
I have read the class procedures for Mr. Cook's class and I understand the
expectations and requirements for this course.
: This is an introductory course that will focus on Chemistry, Physics, and Space Sc
Parent Signature __________________________________________________
topics.
Student Signature__________________________________________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.