Physics Syllabus 2014-2015
Name ___________________________________
Date __________
Mrs. Leslie Hepler
Online Textbook, go to http://my.hrw.com
Email: heplerl@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us Username: phepler3 and password: z5a6j
Website: www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Physics is an academic, math-based laboratory course that meets five periods per week.
The first part of the course is to study motion and its causes. In the latter part of the
course, waves, light, and sound will be discussed. Projects will be used each marking
period to solidify the concepts taught. In addition, a field trip in May to Hershey Park
completes the course of study in mechanics using real-life data collecting and analysis.
Students taking physics should be taking either Trigonometry and Advanced Math
or Calculus. The course will require daily readings and problem solving outside of the
classroom. A midterm and final exam will be given for this course. A student who
averages a 95% or above for the first two marking periods may opt out of the midterm
exam with parental permission (see Student Handbook); however, the final exam must be
taken by all students regardless of his/her average grade.
COURSE TEXTBOOK
Holt’s Modern Physics ©2012 and various laboratory sources
 For online access to textbook, go to http://my.hrw.com
 Username: phepler3 and password: z5a6j
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 Students are to bring to class daily: a notebook or three-ring binder for storing
classroom notes, handouts, and lab reports; a pen or pencil; a scientific
calculator; and their assigned textbook.
 Students are to follow all lab safety rules and classroom rules at all times. In
addition, all students are required to clean up after themselves and to return all
equipment to its proper place after class and lab activities.
 Students are to hand in all required assignments on time to successfully complete
this course. This includes chapter homework, weekly laboratory reports, prelabs,
monthly technology critiques, daily classroom assignments, and projects.
 Students are responsible to find out what was missed when absent. Please see me
for missed class work and handouts. My homepage (found on the school’s website,
www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us) is updated weekly, and the board lists upcoming tests and
major assignments. Be prepared to make up tests upon your return from a brief
absence! Labs must be made up within five (5) days of your absence unless
arranged otherwise.
 Students must complete their own homework, lab reports, critiques, daily classroom
assignments, and projects. Any copied work or plagiarism will result in a zero
for the entire assignment. In addition, all completed projects, assigned or as extra
credit, must contain cited references for any credit.
 All students are required to keep track of his or her grades throughout the year.
Power School is updated each week. In addition, I will post grades by student ID
number each week (or so) on the front bulletin board for student review. However, it
is the responsibility of the student to check the posted grades periodically for any
mistakes. I will be able to discuss your grade before or after class.
REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
Marking period points total between 250 to 350 points. Required assignments and their
estimated points are listed below.
 Chapter Homework: Homework is due on the day of the test unless otherwise
noted by the teacher. Homework will not be accepted after 2 days. Extra credit will
be assessed if homework is turned in 2 days early. Points: 5 per assignment
Physics Syllabus 2014-2015
Name ___________________________________
Date __________
Mrs. Leslie Hepler
Online Textbook, go to http://my.hrw.com
Email: heplerl@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us Username: phepler3 and password: z5a6j
Website: www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us
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Prelabs: A prelab is the start of your lab report that you do before coming to class.
Prelabs are required for each lab report unless otherwise noted by your teacher.
Points: 3 points per prelab
Lab Reports: Lab reports will be completed after each lab experiment as a
conclusion to the experiment. Lab reports are usually due the day after the lab is
completed unless specified by the teacher. Lab reports will not be accepted after 5
days. Points: 15 per report
Monthly Technology Critiques: Students are required to complete a monthly
technology critique on any area dealing with physics or a physics related
technology. A critique contains a paragraph summary and a paragraph opinion.
Critiques may be turned in at any time during the month and can be turned in
months in advance. Each critique is due on the last class day of the month—no
excuses! Extra credit will be assessed to each student who turns in all nine critiques
(September through May). Points: 4 per critique
Projects: Students will be required to participate in and complete a few projects
throughout the year. Points: 20-40 points per project
Study Guides: Study guides are handed out a week prior to the end of each
chapter. Study guides are optional. Students who complete them are given extra
credit on their chapter test grade. Study guides are due the day of the chapter test.
Late study guides will not be accepted for extra credit. Points: vary by chapter
Tests/Quizzes: A test or other assessment will be given after each chapter covered.
Quizzes may be given on notes, problems, or assigned reading passages. Points: 3060 points per test and no more than 20 points per quiz
Miscellaneous Assignments: May include graphic organizers, problem solving in
class, or assigned readings/research outside of class. Points may vary for each
assignment. Points: no more than 20
RUBRICS
The following assignments will be graded using a rubric. Each rubric will be reviewed
prior to turning in the assignment. All rubrics can be found on my homepage or in the
rubric organizer in my room. Rubrics can be attached to the front or back of your
assignment. The assignment is then placed in the “turn in tray” in my room. Graded
assignments can be found in the homework return box on the bookshelf.
 Chapter Homework—a rating rubric is used to grade all chapter homework
assignments.
 Lab Reports—a standard rubric is used to grade all lab reports. Please remember to
fill out the top of each rubric before turning in your assignment.
 Critiques—a simple rubric will be used to grade your monthly technology critique.
 Projects—depending on the project, a rubric will be used to explain what details are
needed to successfully complete it.
Physics Syllabus 2014-2015
Name ___________________________________
Date __________
Mrs. Leslie Hepler
Online Textbook, go to http://my.hrw.com
Email: heplerl@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us Username: phepler3 and password: z5a6j
Website: www.mlbgsd.k12.pa.us
*Detach this page and turn in*
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STUDENT/PARENT REPLY AND CONTACT INFORMATION
☺By signing below, I am confirming I have read and understand this syllabus. ☺
Student Name _____________________________________________________________________
Student Signature ________________________________________________________________
Student Email: _____________________________________________________________
Parent(s) Name ____________________________________________________________________
Parent(s) Signature ________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone #s ___________________________________________________________
Parent(s) Email(s) ___________________________________________________________