Course Description
Considered to be the most
fundamental of all the sciences, Physics
seeks to understand and explain the
behavior of matter and energy. Students
will recognize that innumerable
phenomena can be explained by a
surprisingly small collection of related
concepts.
This
course
uses
a
highly
mathematical approach to physics. It
presumes a good, working knowledge
of Algebra II and Trigonometry. Skills
in laboratory procedures, quantitative
manipulations, and graphical analysis
are developed, including the use of
appropriate technology applications.
A well prepared Physics student
would be prepared to take the SAT II
Physics Subject Test (with some
additional
topics
covered
independently).
This course is a college preparatory
Physics course.
Students who
previously completed Conceptual
Physics will not be awarded another
science credit for taking Physics.
CONTACT INFO
Mr. Libuit
Email: Matthew.Libuit@lcps.org
Physics
2015-2016
Mrs. Wolfson
Email: Karen.Wolfson@lcps.org
ROOM 610
PHYSICS OFFICE HOURS
Everyday 8:00-8:45 a.m.
4:00-4:30 p.m.
*Additional times by appointment
Mr. Matthew Libuit
Mrs. Karen Wolfson
Dominion High School
21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
571-434-4400
Supplies: The following items are
required for this course:
1. Agenda
2. Covered textbook
3. Pencil with eraser or pen
4. 1”-2” Binder with dividers(5)
5. Notebook or Loose leaf paper
6. Composition Notebook (graph
paper is preferred)
7. Graphing CalculatorTI-83,
TI-84+, or TI-89
Recommended
Grading: Grades are calculated
through weighted categories:
Tests (30%): At the completion of
each unit, the students will take a
multiple choice and free response
question test.
Quizzes (20%): At certain intervals
of a unit, a quiz will be given to
assess student understanding of
concepts and the mathematical
relationships.
Labs (20%): Each unit will have
several hands-on labs that will be
used as a way to assess
understanding of the concepts and
overall scientific procedures. A
formal lab report will be required for
each lab.
Projects (20%): Projects will be
assigned
each
quarter
that
incorporates both literature search
and laboratory investigation of a
principle under current study.
Participation (10%): Students are
expected to participate in class
through
bell
ringers,
class
discussions and proper lab etiquette.
Homework (up to +3%): Students
will be assigned a problem set each
class that will reinforce the
conceptual
understanding
and
mathematical computations.
Formative assessments will not be
calculated as part of the student’s
grade, but are important in a
student’s mastery of content
material.
Tips for Success:
 Attend class!
 Complete assigned homework
the day it is assigned - don’t wait
until the last minute!
 Communicate with me early if
you are experiencing difficulties
with the content.
Tentative Topic Schedule
Semester 1
- Mechanics
- Dynamics
- Momentum
- Work, Energy & Power
Semester 2
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Waves and Optics
- Fluids
- Modern Physics