HONORS PHYSICS - SYLLABUS
Riverdale High School
2011-2012
Teacher: Dr. J. Dalton York
yorkda@rcschools.net
Welcome to Riverdale High School Honors Physics! Physics is a challenging subject but I think I will be able
to make it both fun and educational.
Textbook: Physics, 4th Edition ( James Walker )
Objective: This course will introduce the student to the physical properties of matter, motion, energy, and force
their theory and practical applications, laboratory procedures, problem solving, and mathematical analysis.
Course Content: Topics such as Newtonian Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Optics,
Electricity/Magnetism, and Nuclear Physics will be presented through both classroom
instruction/demonstrations and student-led laboratory exercises. Students will also participate in a projectile
project that the class will begin during the first semester, but will complete in the second.
Supplies: Every physics student is required to keep a Notebook used to record classroom instruction and
demonstration/laboratory exercise notes. A few other items each student will need:
-pencils and ink pens
-Simple pocket folder ( half of one will suffice ) to keep any loose papers that may be accumulated ( will be
kept to a minimum by me as many documents will be on website )
-A scientific calculator ( graphing capability is completely optional ) – not an absolute requirement
-GOGGLES will be used during some lab exercises. They can be purchased, or old ones currently in the
classroom will be reused ( after I sterilize them ).
Website: Many assignments in physics will span several days ( or even months ) of class time, so organization
is critically important. Students and parents can use the materials on our classroom website
( www.rhs.rcs.k12.tn.us/teachers/yorkda ) to keep abreast of the course. This and many of the other
classroom documents may be found there also.
Tutoring: I will be available anytime between 7:30 - 8:05 in the mornings. If you would like to meet earlier ( 7
am or later ) or in the afternoon, please let me know and I will gladly accommodate as soon as possible. It is
crucial that you seek this extra help as soon as you feel the need ( if you are struggling still with a concept after
the class has spent a week or more on the topic, you should seek this extra help from me ).
Procedures:
1)Follow Directions the FIRST time given.
2)Be seated in your assigned seat when the tone finishes, or you will be tardy
3)Come prepared to class ( Notebook, folder, writing utensil, and book )
4)No food, drink, or applying makeup in classroom ( water ok, not during lab exercises )
5)Be respectful to the teacher and your fellow classmates ( it will be returned )
6)No cheating ( automatic zero, parents will be notified, FINAL EXAM )
Consequences – Warning, Write-Off, Write-Up, Principal ( in no particular order )
Grading Policy: All grades are based on a 100 point scale unless noted by teacher.
[ NoteBooks will be collected on a regular basis to check homework, labs, organization ]
1.
2.
3.
4.
Projectile Project – Plan for Accuracy-Focused Scoring ( 20% )
Homework ( from text but entered in Notebook )/Quizzes ( 20% )
Lab and Demo analysis/Notebook organization ( 20% )
Tests ( 40% )
Make-up Policy: The teacher will reschedule missed tests. Make-up work is due within FIVE DAYS of
returning to school. No work is counted for unexcused absences or tardies. Only three days will be given to
make-up tests and quizzes.
Exams: All students must take the comprehensive mid-term. Students who qualify will be exempt from the final
exam, at the teacher’s discretion. If a student is caught cheating or plagiarizing, he/she must take the final exam.
Course Scope and Sequence:
Chapter 1: Introduction and Math Review
Chapter 2: Kinematics – Displacement, Speed, Velocity, Constant Acceleration, Freefall
1st Six Weeks
Chapter 3: Kinematics - Vectors
Chapter 4: Kinematics - Relative Motion, 2D Motion, Projectile Motion
Chapter 5: Newton’s Laws
Chapter 6.1-6.4: Forces, Free Body Diagrams, Application to Newton’s Laws, Static Equilibrium
nd
Chapter 7: Energy, Work, and Power
2 Six Weeks
Chapter 8: Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Chapter 9: Linear Momentum, Collisions, Center of Mass
Chapter 6.5 Uniform Circular Motion
rd
Chapter 10: Rotational Kinetic Energy
3 Six Weeks
Chapter 11: Torque and Rotational Statics
Chapter 12: Gravitation
Chapter 13: Oscillations
Chapter 14: Waves and Sound
4th Six Weeks
Chapter 15: Properties of Fluids
Chapter 16: Temperature and Heat
Chapter 17: Ideal Gases and Kinetic Theory
Chapter 18: Laws of Thermodynamics
Chapter 19: Electrical Charge, Forces, Fields, and Flux; Coulombs Law; Charging by Induction
5th Six Weeks
Chapter 20: Electric Potential, Electric Potential Energy, Equipotential Surface
Chapter 19.2: Insulators and Conductors
Chapter 20: Capacitors, Electrical Energy Storage
th
6 Six Weeks
Chapter 21: Fundamentals of Electrical Circuits
Chapter 22: Magnetic Fields, Forces, and Torque
Chapter 23: Electromagnetism
Chapter 24: AC Circuits ( if time allows )
AGREEMENT ( Do not tear off!! )
I, ___________________________ ( print ), have read the above statements and agree to abide by the terms in
order to succeed in Dr. York’s classroom.
Student Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________
Parent Email: ______________________________________ Daytime Phone: _____________