Honors Physics
Mr. Papadakis
E-mail:
dpapadakis@fc.spusd.net
Room:
222
Phone:
(626) 441–5820 ext. 2222
Textbook Used:
Conceptual Physics by Hewitt
(Eighth Edition 1998)
Three important guidelines that I believe will increase your success in
physics are listed below. (Taken from 2006 Hall of Fame Football Coach
John Madden)
"BE ON TIME"
“PAY ATTENTION” and
"MAKE A STRONG EFFORT"
Prerequisites:
Students should have an A or B from their previous math class (Algebra II or Geometry)
Course Description:
The course is a one–year, algebra based laboratory based class that examines the main
topics of physics. The course is aligned with the California State Science Standards
which include the following: Motion and Forces, Conservation of Energy and
Momentum, Waves Electric and Magnetic Phenomena and Investigation and
Experimentation.
Major Units of Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Introduction to math skills and measuring techniques.
Mechanics
Properties of Matter
Heat
Sound
Electricity and Magnetism
Light
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Materials Needed in Class:
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Paper/Pencils for note-taking
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Non-Programmable Scientific Calculator
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Textbook may be needed in class from time to time
(When I Write, You Should Write)
When Can Students Get Help?
In the morning before school, lunch time on odd days.
Classroom Policies:
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Be in your desks when class begins.
Remove your hat before coming into the classroom
Keep food and drinks in your backpack. You may have water bottles out.
Keep all audio equipment away in your backpack during class.
Wait until class is dismissed before leaving.
Homework and Grading:
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Some kind of homework assignment is given at each class meeting.
Reading the text and doing the questions and problems is important.
Worksheets are often given in addition to text problems.
Late homework is not accepted.
Grades are based on points that come from worksheets, problems from the text,
quizzes, experiments and tests.
The final exam typically has 100 multiple choice questions and will include some
questions from the first semester.
The grading scale used will be: 90.0 – 100 % A
66.0 – 77.9 % C
78.0 – 89.9 % B
50.0 – 65.9 % D
Extra Credit Opportunities:
From time to time, I will have a STAR NIGHT or PLANET NIGHT in conjunction with
the astronomy club.
On a Sunday in March, there will be the opportunity to go to Six Flaggs Magic Mountain
for the annual Physics Day. Students compete against other physics students and collect
data from the rides for determining certain ride parameters.