Course Description and Expectations
Honors Physics
2007-2008
Walt Peck
Physics is the science that seeks to answer the most basic questions about the physical
universe. A broad range of fundamental phenomena are therefore in its domain, including
motion, force, heat, energy, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, wave behavior, and optics.
Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and, in many ways, the most successful in
explanatory power.
Honors Physics is a comprehensive overview of this science. It provides students with an
opportunity to apply and develop their skills in mathematical and mechanical problem solving.
Given the importance of physics to our society and its culture, I think this course is an essential
part of any student’s general education. For students going on to further work in the sciences, the
health professions, or engineering, this course is particularly helpful.
This is the second year that Honors Physics is being offered at Whitney Point. The intent
is to provide a more rigorous introduction to the science than does Regents Physics in order to
better prepare prospective math, science, and engineering students for college coursework. In
comparison to Regents Physics, Honors Physics will move more quickly, cover a greater number
of topics, and go into more depth.
Due to the mathematical nature of this course, it is preferable that students have passed
Regents Math III. If you do not meet this expectation, please speak to the teacher or your
guidance counselor.
The course is based on the New York State Learning Standards and students will earn
Honors quality points. The New York State Regents Examination in Physics is the final exam.
Classroom Rules
1) Students shall be on time for class and for lab. Students late for class (not in the room by
the bell) will be noted as tardy if they arrive without a pass. Three tardies results in a
detention. A detention will also be given for a student who is late just once if he or she is
more than 3 minutes late without a pass.
2) Students shall bring the following materials to both lab and class:
 Notebook (with a separate section or separate notebook for labwork.)
 Pen or pencil (if you need to borrow one, just ask)
 Scientific or graphing calculator (if you cannot afford one, please speak
to me confidentially)
 Reference tables (do not write on them)
 Textbook
3) Absences- Students who miss a test, quiz, or labwork due to being absent from class must
complete the owed work as soon as possible after their return with a blue admission pass.
Work owed for over two weeks will be given a zero. Homeworks that are missed must
be completed by the next time I see you in class after you received the assignment.
4) Mature behavior in the classroom and the lab is assumed and expected. Behavior that
interferes with other students’ learning will not be tolerated.
Course Expectations and Grading
1) Unit Tests- The course is divided into about 17 units, each lasting approximately two
weeks. The test at the end of each unit will be worth up to 100 points. Make-ups are not
allowed. You can expect plenty of warning about upcoming tests and will usually have a
review day in class prior to the test. (60-70%)
2) Quizzes- These will be given occasionally, with values of less than 100 points each.
Some may be unannounced. (5-10%)
3) Homeworks- Expect almost daily homework assignments. I will check some in class,
others will be collected and graded. Each will be worth 2 to 5 points apiece. If you need
help on any assignment, seek out a friend, stop by my room (I have periods 3 and 11
free), or give me a call at 277-6910 anytime before 10 p.m. (10-20%)
4) Labs- The laboratory is intended to closely accompany the lecture portion of the course.
The labs are designed to give students hands-on experience and the chance to have a little
fun experimenting with various pieces of equipment. Each student will be required to
submit a write-up for each laboratory exercise, worth from 2 to 10 points. The score may
include a component based on the student’s participation in his or her group during the
lab. All required labs must be completed by June 1st in order for a student to be eligible
to take the Regents exam. (10-15%)
Please note: the percentages assigned to each course component above are approximations only.
Grades for a marking period are determined by simply calculating a percentage of total possible
points earned, including those earned in the laboratory.