2015-16 IB/SL Physics
Janet Saltzman
Physics Instructor, Science Dept. Chair.
Phone: 758-2241 x 71282
Email: jsaltzman@rhscd.org
Webpage: http://www.redhookcentralschools.org/6757178113826/site/default.asp
Office Hours: I will be available at 2:11 – 3:00 PM on Wednesday’s in my classroom after school
for questions and extra help. Please show up by 2:20.
Description:
The IB/SL curriculum in physics covers several units begun in Regent’s Physics in
greater depth and introduces several new topics. We will continue our study of mechanics, waves,
electromagnetics, and modern physics. We will cover several new topics including: thermal
physics, nuclear and particle physics, energy production, and astrophysics.
The IB curriculum in physics is extremely challenging! Students are required to do a great deal
of studying and review independently. We will also devote much class time to problem solving
and to developing the lab portfolio.
Text: Homer, David, and Bowen-Jones, Michael, Physics 2014 edition. Oxford. $85.00
Grading Scheme
You will receive a high school (Red Hook) grade as well as an IB grade for this course.
IB:
The IB grade is based on a three part exam (80%). The exam takes place in May. You are also
required to perform an original independent lab investigation for which you will write a
comprehensive report. This is the internal assessment, IA and counts for 20% of the IB grade.
Red Hook:
Tests and Quizzes (65%)
Students are required to complete all exams and quizzes. Students may use their own data
booklets and calculators on all assessments, but no sharing of supplies is allowed. We will
generally have one quiz per week during a double period class session or a surprise quiz. There
will be at least one cumulative test per quarter.
Lab Skills and Reports (20%)
The IB internal assessment, IA, accounts for 20% of your IB grade.
There are several required IB labs as well as various activities. You must complete 40 hours of
approved labs including the 10 hour group 4 summer project and a second 10 hour independent
investigation.
Lab due dates will be assigned by the teacher according to their difficulty level.
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Reports must be typed. Graphs and data tables must me made using spreadsheet and graphing
software. Late labs will lose 5 points for each day it is late.
Homework Sets (15%)
Physics requires constant practice in problem solving. Homework will be assigned most nights,
and collected at the beginning of class the next morning. Missed homework due to absence is due
the day after returning to school. Students are responsible to call a friend from the class to obtain
missed assignments when absent.
Students will not receive credit unless the homework has the proper format. Homework papers
must have the proper heading that includes the student’s name, the assignment (page number and
problem numbers), the date, and the student’s section. Work must be done neatly on lined
notebook paper. Students must label the problem being solved and show all work for calculations.
Answers for each problem must be circled.
IB homework sets will sometimes be graded as tests or quizzes.
Final Exam: Your final exam grade will consist of two parts:
1. You will complete a take home test for your Red Hook final exam grade. This test will be
administered before IB exams.
2.
After IB and AP exams are completed, you will prepare and present final research
project to the class.
Materials
All students should come prepared each day with the following:
3 ring binder
graph paper
pens
metric ruler
pencils (#2)
calculator
*flash storage drive (optional)
protractor
IB data booklets
Students must cover the textbooks and keep them clean and in good condition.
Internet Resources
*Some of our assignments will be carried out online. Students must hand in the online user
agreement by the second week of class.
My Physics Website Lessons, Links, Homework, and other resources will be posted to my
website: http://www.redhookcentralschools.org/6757178113826/site/default.asp
or go to the Red Hook High School home page under “faculty” and the “Saltzman” to find the
page.
You must be capable of independent work to succeed in this course.. Students must be prepared
each day with their own supplies.
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Absences: This is an extremely challenging course. Absences greatly inhibit success and students
are strongly encouraged to attend all classes.
You are responsible to complete all work even if you are absent!
If you are absent you are expected to check the website and with classmates to determine what
you missed.
Homework will be due within 2 days of your return.
Missed quizzes or exams will be placed in the library. You must make up a missed quiz or test
within 3 days of your return or be assigned a grade of zero.
If you have an extended absence you must make an arrangement with the teacher about make up
work.
Topics Covered
Approximate Hours
1. Physical Measurement and Experimental Uncertainty
5
2. Mechanics
12
3. Thermal Physics
12
4. Oscillations and Waves
12
5. Electricity and Magnetism
15
6. Circular Motion and Gravitation
5
7. Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
15
8. Energy Production
10
D. Astrophysics (Option D)
15
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Student Name (print)_______________________________________________.
IB Physics Contract 2015
I have read and understand the requirements for successful completion of IB Physics as outlined
in the 2015 Course Requirements for Physics. I feel I can meet these requirements.
I agree to cover my textbook, obtain all required supplies, and bring them to class each day.
Student
Signature _____________________________________ Date________________
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