Morgan Park High School
1744 W. Pryor Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
Physics Syllabus
2009-2010
Instructors
e-mail
Teaching Schedule Phone/ Website
F. Gebrehiwot
fgebrehiwot@cps.edu 1st, 2nd ,4th, 7th , 8th
773-535-2550
nd th th th
B. Hurley
bphurley@cps.edu
2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8th
www.morganparkcps.org
E. Martinsek
esmartinsek@cps.edu 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th
Text: Holt Physics by Serway and Faughn, copyright 2002.
Physics Course Description:
This Physics course will help students to appreciate the world around them, enabling them to obtain
information from the world by direct measurement and, by applying the Laws of Nature (Physics), allow
them to perform experiments and draw independent conclusions consistent with their physical environment.
This course is designed to help the student analyze problems in the real world by building problem-solving
strategies and utilizing mathematical skills. This course will cover measurement, vectors, kinematics, light,
waves, dynamics, momentum, work, power, energy, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism.
Physics is based on the Illinois Learning Goals 11-13 and the ACT College Readiness Standards. In
particular, the course will include an integration of science process (standards 11A, 13A), science content (goal 12),
and science context (goal 13). This content will be taught in a manner that develops students’ abilities in science
inquiry (standards 11A and 13A) connected to the context of science (goal 13) to teach the physics content. As with all
courses, physics is aligned with State goal 1 with all students reading for literacy.
Goals
The focus of this course will be to:
 Develop and utilize methods of problem-solving
 Use the scientific method to analyze problems or physical phenomena
 Work cooperatively to solve problems
 Connect abstract scientific equations and concepts to real-life examples and applications
 Develop organizational and time management skills
Objectives
1. Students will be able to develop an understanding of the scientific processes and theories
designed to provide answers to the questioning mind.
2. Students will develop an appreciation for the science of physics as a quest to know and
understand the physical world.
3. Students will develop an ability to think in a critical manner using both concrete and abstract
examples from physics as models.
1
Evaluation
GRADE SCALE
Tests: 15%
Quizzes:15%
Final and Midterm: 15%
Classwork (notes, participation…): 25%
Labs and Projects: 15%
Homework: 10%
Notebook: 5%
100---90%
89---80%
79---70%
69---60%
59---0%
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
ATTENDANCE POLICY & HOMEWORK POLICY:
Please follow the Student Code: In accordance to Chicago Public Schools Policy and as outlined in the
Parent Letter, and distributed by the class instructor.
Late work – due to a CPS approved absence may be submitted within two days of your return.
Missed Tests, Quizzes, Labs, and Projects – If a student misses a test, quiz, or lab for a CPS approved
excuses; they will have to make it up during tutoring sessions; immediately following the assignment. If the
student fails to attend the tutoring session they will receive a zero for the test, quiz, lab, or project.
Attendance – Good attendance and punctuality are necessary for academic excellence. Students missing
class due to school activities must give notice at least 48 hours in advance. All work that is missed is the
responsibility of the student, regardless of the reason. Students will have a maximum of three days to make
up work that is missed due to EXCUSED absence only. If a student misses one day then it would be
expected that it only take one day to complete the missed assignments.
Student Responsibilities When Absent:
 It is also the student’s responsibility to get any class notes or discussion information missed.
 It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor and determine what work was missed while
absent this includes class notes, homework assignments, tests, quizzes, labs, and projects.
COMMON ASSESSMENTS: Common
unit assessments will be administered to students every five weeks.
EXAMINATIONS: At
the end of each semester, students will be given a common end of the semester final.
This final examination will be cumulative.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE/ RESOURCES:
Tutorial sessions are available for students before and after school at no cost to the student. Science fair
project help will be available during Science Club times.
Class Expectations and Requirements:
1. Respect others and yourself.
2. Respect instructional time.
3. Come to class prepared to work and learn.
4. That we all help each other to succeed – we’re all in this together.
5. Have a good attitude and an open mind.
6. Bring your “A” game to class
2
7. No excuses: take responsibility for your actions
8. Don’t let anyone copy your work
9. You always have to try – even if you don’t particularly care for what we’re doing in class.
10. To adhere to all of Morgan Park’s school rules and policies.
11. To do homework and study your physics outside of class.
Materials Required:
Scientific calculator
Ruler
Notebook
Colored Pencils
Folder
Class Fee: A class fee of $20 will be collected to cover materials for projects,
labs, and activities. 50 pts. extra credit will be awarded to those who turn in the
fee in the first two weeks. The $20 class fee is due by September 28th.
After this date this fee will become a debt payable to the Main
Office.
Class Website: Access to the class website will be essential to ensuring your success during the class.
To access the site go to http://www.morganparkcps.org. Then select Classes/Homework under the Students
tab at the top of the page. Select Physics under Class Name. Here you will find downloadable notes,
homework, weekly schedules, help/solutions to assignments, and other useful resources and materials to
assist you. It is crucial that you check this website on a daily basis to be successful in physics.
Accessing Grades and Performance
Students and Parents can access grades, attendance, missing work and other class pertinent information thru
IMPACT. There are separate accesses for the student (“Student Portal”) and the parent (“Parent Portal”)
on the IMPACT website. To access the site go to https://parent.cps.k12.il.us
COURSE SCHEDULE Note:
Schedule may change due to continued planning by teachers and
administration.
WEEK
1
2
3
4



TOPICS
Physics
Graphing
Scientific Method
WEEK
20



SI Unit
Measurement
Intro to Displacement
21 & 22


23 & 24

1-D Motion Terms and
Concepts
Displacement



25

Free-body Diagram


Velocity
Acceleration
26

Fettuccini Project


TOPICS
Graphs of
Projectiles
Comparing
Projectiles
Newton’s three
Law’s
Inertia
Force
Force and
Acceleration
3


Graphing 1-D Motion
1-D Motion Problems
6

Toy racer Lab
7, 8 & 9
Quarter
Exam



1-D Motion Problems
Stopping Distance
Quarter Review
10, 11 &
12



Acceleration Lab
Reaction
Free fall Equations and
Problems
13

Midterm Review
5
Midterm
Exam
14 & 15





16
17 & 18
19



Air Resistance
Science Fair
Egg drop lab
Vector and Magnitudes
Vector Components
and Trig
Projectile Motion
Equations and Plane
Semester Exam Review

Forces Review




Types of Energy
Work and Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy





Trebuchet Project
PE electric
Voltage
Amperage
Midterm Review
33

Voltaic Cell Project
34


Resistance
Ohm’s law
35

Ohm’s Law Project
36

Capacitors
37

Finals Review
27
Quarter
Exam
28 & 29
30
31
32
Midterm
Exam
Semester
Exam
Semester
Exam

The instructor retains the right to vary this syllabus due to school schedule changes or as the
instructor deems necessary due to circumstances.
4