Physics Syllabus 2015-2016
Mr. Ben Mangrum
Room 407
Phone: 566-5710 ext. 2484
E-mail: bmangrum@upsd.wednet.edu
Planning Period: 5th period
(E-mail is the most reliable way to contact me)
The Major Goals of this class are:
1. To understand basic physical and mathematical concepts as they apply to mechanics, light, and sound.
2. To gain experience in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and graphing data in a laboratory setting.
3. To apply concepts and lab experience in solving unique mathematical and physical problems.
4. To use lab experience to predict and verify results of hypothetical lab situations.
5. To examine functional relationships between independent and dependent variables.
6. To improve communication skills through writing and presentations of physical concepts and/or mathematical problem
solving.
7. To make connections within and among disciplines and between academia and life.
The Major Units that will be covered during the year are:
First Semester:
1. Measurement and Motion
2. Motion and Force in 1 Dimension
3. Motion, Force in 2 and 3 Dimensions
Second Semester
4. Energy and Momentum
5. Waves, Sound
6. Light and Optics
7. Electricity and Magnetism
MATERIALS: bring the following to class every day!
1) Physics Book with a cover on at all times.
2) Physics JOURNAL
You are requried to maintain a notebook journal of your activities in class (a non-spiral bound, composition notebook). This
includes daily notes and assignments, rough copies of Lab Data and Observations.
3) Three Ring Binder - for organizing handouts, returned quizzes, tests, etc. May be shared with other classes
4) A Pen and a Pencil for completing in-class assignments, taking notes, making observations, etc.
5) A Calculator- will be used every day—you will not be able to borrow one from me.
6) An Excellent Attitude, Respect, Responsibility and Curiosity!
CLASSROOM RULES:
Attendance: Regular attendance in class is important. Because of the nature of daily classroom instruction, discussion,
observations, practice and laboratory work, there is learning that can only be gained by being in class during regularly scheduled
class periods. Class work points lost by a student due to an absence cannot always be made up. It is also becoming increasingly
important to future employers that students demonstrate a value in regular attendance. The Curtis High School Attendance
Policy as outlined in the handbook will be enforced. Each unexcused absence will warrant after school detention. Your regular
attendance in class is expected.
Participation - is integral to our curriculum and your success. Because of the nature of any laboratory science deals with
oftentimes complex or abstract concepts and applications, a variety of instructional methods are used. Discussion, small and
large group activities/labs, sharing, practice, and going over examples, question and answer opportunities, lab preparation,
analysis and interpretation—these are all common parts of regular classroom instruction. There is information and experience
which can only be gained by being in class during regularly scheduled class periods.
Tardiness: Be IN your assigned seat BEFORE the tardy bell rings. The following procedure will be used:
1st-2nd tardy: Verbal warning
3rd tardy: Teacher/Parent Contact
4th tardy: 20 min. teacher detention and parent contact
5th tardy: Office referral and after school detention
6th tardy: Office referral and Friday Night School
7th-8th tardy: 1 day suspension
9+ tardy: 3 day suspension
Bathroom: Students are encouraged to use the bathroom before and after class. Permission to use the bathroom will be both
limited and monitored. You will receive a single sheet of six passes to be used during the semester, but those that are not used
will count as extra credit. You must have this sheet to use the bathroom! If there is abuse of the bathroom privilege, a
parent/teacher contact will need to be made and the privilege may be revoked. The only bathrooms that are to be used are the
ones just outside the classroom. Sign out on the Pink Checkout log before you leave the room.
All Excused Absent Work must be made up after one class session or the duration of your absence whichever is longer. Until it
is completed the assignment will be indicated on your report by a "0" for a grade. Make-up sessions for lab work will be
scheduled, but must be completed within two weeks of the initial lab day. It is your responsibility to ask about missed
assignments, so there are no excuses for missed work. You must make it up or you will not receive credit for it! Any
assignments that are missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up.
All Assignments, Labs, Reports and Projects are due on the due date. Late work will not be accepted. Of course, all excused
absence assignments may be made up within one class period of the absence, but will be counted as zero until made up.
Assignments will be graded on completion and effort, and answers will be posted and questions will be reviewed.
Courtesy: During lectures or discussions do not leave your seat without permission. Raise your hand and wait to be called on
even if you have to sharpen your pencil, throw something away, ask a question, turn in something, etc.
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices: These should not be used during class, with limited exceptions. Turn them off and
leave them in your bag.
All Cheating is unacceptable and will count as a zero. This includes the copying of assignments as well as lab reports (lab
partners must write their own independent reports), and keep in mind that both parties will be held responsible. Two strikes and
you will be dropped from the class.
Laboratory Rules and Safety Rules: These rules and procedures are essential. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from
the lab and loss of lab and participation points. See handout for complete rules.
NO FOOD or DRINK in lab area during lab activities. This is state law for any lab classroom with chemicals. You may use
a closed-top beverage only (no open-mouthed containers).
Seating: Seats will be assigned - when the period ends, wait quietly at your seat to be dismissed by the teacher.
Discipline Consequences: (All instances are documented)
In this class we will have a series of consequences for any inappropriate behavior or failure to follow classroom rules or
procedures. These consequences will be as follows:
1) Verbal warning
2) 5-minute detention during passing period
3) Conference with teacher and parents contacted
4) Referral to the office
5) Required behavioral contract to remain enrolled in class
Extra Help – Time will be available by appointment during my planning period (5th period), during my lunch (1st lunch), or
before school.
Grades - will be calculated as assignments are completed. Online grades will be available through Skyward Family Access, and
the overall grade will be the semester grade (not the quarter grade). Assignment indicated with a “*” have not been entered yet,
and are not missing. Grades will be weighted using the following percentages:
A = 93.00
A- = 90.00
B+ = 87.00
B = 83.00
B- = 80.00
C+ = 77.00
C = 73.00
C- = 70.00
D+ = 67.00
D = 60.00
F = below 60.00
Grades will be weighted using the following percentages: Tests = 40% Quizzes = 20 % Labs and Assignments = 40%
Parents: The best way to get in touch with us and keep track of your child's progress is via e-mail. I will be happy to reply to
your requests for info, but unless your child has a D or F I can only respond to requests initiated by you.
Thank you.
Physics Fall 2015
Student/Parent Contract
Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Student Name____________________________________
(please print)
Period__________________
I have read the Physics Course Procedures Handout , and I understand the requirements and expectations for the
course.
_________________________________________
Student Signature
date
___________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
date
Parent / Guardian e- mail _____________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Phone # _____________________________________________________________
home
work
Can I contact you at work? ________
Please sign this page and return for a homework grade by September 11th.
Thank you. We in the CHS Science Dept look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail
anytime you have a concern or question or just to keep in touch.
Physics Fall 2015
Student/Parent Contract
Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Student Name____________________________________
(please print)
Period__________________
I have read the Physics Course Procedures Handout , and I understand the requirements and expectations for the
course.
_________________________________________
Student Signature
date
___________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
date
Parent / Guardian e- mail _____________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Phone # _____________________________________________________________
home
work
Can I contact you at work? ________
Please sign this page and return for a homework grade by September 11th.
Thank you. We in the CHS Science Dept look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail
anytime you have a concern or question or just to keep in touch.