541 – Honors Physics
Gonzaga College High School
Syllabus 2010-2011
Mrs. Marilynn Kelley
(202) 336-7123 x 7427
mkelley@gonzaga.org
Course Description
This course is modeled after an introductory college-level physics course for non-science majors.
Its emphasis is about equally divided between developing a conceptual understanding of the major topics of
physics and developing problem solving skills in those topic areas. Algebra and trigonometry will be used
extensively throughout. Additionally, calculus will be introduced where appropriate, though its mastery is
not required for successful achievement in the course. A laboratory component accompanies the classroom
element in the course. Students will be expected to undertake and report on laboratory projects related to
the topics in the class. Students with an A average in the course may take the AP Physics B exam in the
spring. Other students may only take the AP Physics B exam with teacher approval. The AP program
provides an opportunity for high school students to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work
undertaken while in high school. The major topics treated are as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Newtonian Mechanics (the motion of objects) – 35 %
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics ( the nature of heat) – 15%
Electricity and Magnetism (including DC electronics) – 25%
Waves and Optics – 15%
Modern Physics (atomic and nuclear phenomena) – 10%
Textbook
Cutnell, John and Johnson, Kenneth. Physics 8th edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009.
Methodology
Class time will be divided about equally between lecture/demonstrations and problem solving
formats. The lecture format will be used to introduce new topic areas and elucidate the theory needed to
master them. The problem solving format will orient itself to the practical application of the theory.
Students will be expected to solve complex problems as a routine part of the course homework. Students
will also be required to conduct approximately eight laboratory exercises each semester.
Student Evaluation
Tests: Two or three tests will be given in the course each quarter. Test dates will be announced at least
one week prior to the test. They will count 45-60 points.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced and unannounced. They will count 10-30 points each.
Labs: Approximately four laboratory exercises will be conducted each quarter. Evaluation will be in the
form of a laboratory report, a laboratory worksheet, an electronic portfolio, and/or quiz. Graphs must be on
graph paper or they must be computer generated. Due dates and quiz dates will be announced. Laboratory
reports are usually due five school days after the laboratory exercise is conducted. Students who are absent
on the day of the laboratory exercise must perform the laboratory exercise and submit the report within one
cycle of when the exercise was conducted with his class. These laboratory exercises/quizzes will count 30
points each.
Laboratory Notebook: Each student will be required to turn in a laboratory notebook at the end of the
semester. The ideal laboratory notebook will be a collection of all laboratory exercises conducted in the
course by the student. The exercises must be the student’s own report and organized in a three-ring binder.
The notebook should contain: a title page, a table of contents, labeled dividers and the laboratory exercises.
The laboratory notebook will be graded on neatness and organization. It will count for 30 points during the
2nd and 4th quarters.
Homework: Problems will be assigned for the entire chapter at a time. Due dates for written homework
are posted on the homework calendar. On the day before the homework is due, students should arrive to
class having minimally attempted each problem assigned. There is a high correlation between arriving at
the problem session prepared and success in the course. The student will be required to enter all of his
answers into his account on webassign.net by 3:00 pm the day that the homework is due. The student must
also submit a copy of the problem set with his solutions on a separate piece of paper. It is expected that the
student will not “squeeze” all of his work on the printout of the problem set. Problems submitted for a
grade should be neatly solved and include diagrams, vector diagrams, a list of the given information, all
necessary steps to solve the problem and the boxed answer. A ruler should be used for all diagrams and
graphs. Graphs must be on graph paper or they must be computer generated. The total homework grade
for each quarter will count 30 points.
Homework Notebook: The student will be required to turn in a homework notebook during the third
quarter. The purpose of the homework notebook is so that the student has a neat, organized solution set to
be used as a reference when studying for tests, the midterm and the final/AP exam. The homework
notebooks should include a title page and all homework assignments for the year in chronological order.
Both printouts of the problems and handwritten solutions on separate paper are required. The homework
notebook will count as 30 points during the 3 rd quarter.
Letter grades will be assigned as outlined in the school catalogue.
Note: Each student is expected to have his own graphing calculator and to bring it to class. It is
understood that calculators are not to be shared during tests and quizzes.