Lawrence High School Science Department Lawrence High School 1901 Louisiana Street Lawrence, KS 66046-2999 Physics / Advanced Physics / AP Physics Mr. Gleue (Gloya) Mr. Bricker Mr. Kuhlman Room 114 Room 113 Room 115 Email addresses: agleue@usd497.org abricker@usd497.org tkuhlman@usd497.org Web page: http://teachers.usd497.org/agleue/index.html (Check out the links for physics help!) Science department website: http://lhs.usd497.org/science/ Teaching Schedules 2013-14: Hour 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gleue Bricker Kuhlman Adv. Physics Adv. Physics Physics Physics Physics Adv Physics Plan Astro and Geology Astro and Geology Astro and Geology Astro and Geology Astro and Geology Astro and Geology Plan Physics Physics Plan AP Physics B AP Physics B AP Physics B Physics We are available for extra help before school, afterschool, etc. …………………………………………………………………………. Textbooks: Physics / Advanced Physics: Physics, Principals and Problems, copyright 2005 (see: www.physicspp.com); code for online textbook: A7AFD238AE . Type in: http://www.glencoe.com/ose/ and then enter code. AP Physics: College Physics, 6th edition, Wilson, Buffa, and Lou, copyright 2006 and College Physics, 4th ed. By Raymond Serway & Jerry S. Faughn (see: http://info.brookscole.com/serway/ and choose 6th edition—top left.) 2013_intro_to_the_course, p. 1 Things to bring to class every day: Text, planner, 3 ring notebook, writing utensils, and scientific calculator (must include sci notation & trig functions). A jump drive is also helpful to have and carry around! (Notebook: 3 ring binder with sections for notes, homework, labs, etc.) …………………………………………………………………………. Grading: Total points based on: tests, quizzes, labs, special projects and papers, etc. A percentage is obtained based on your points over the total points possible. The grading scale is as follows: A+ 99.50-100 % A 92.50-99.49 A- 89.50-92.49 B+ 86.50-89.49 % C+ 76.50-79.49 % D+ 66.50-69.49 % F < 59.50 % B 82.50-86.49 C 72.50-76.49 D 62.50-66.49 B- 79.50-82.49 C- 69.50-72.49 D- 59.50-62.49 (from planner: “The Lawrence school district uses two different systems to determine grade point averages. The primary system, which is used to determine the class rank, top ten percent, and valedictorian, is a non-weighted, four-point formula where for every class A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0. A second system, which students may use on college or scholarship applications, uses weighted grades for all AP (advanced placement) classes where A=4.5, B=3.5, C=2.5, D=1.0, and F=0. All other non-AP classes are figured on the traditional 4-point system.”) …………………………………………………………………………. Homework: Homework will be assigned; these assignments are usually based on problems or questions over topics we are currently studying. Evaluations (tests/quizzes) are based on the homework, lecture, and discussion. There possibly will be an online homework component to the course. …………………………………………………………………………. Tests/Quizzes: We will often have a test at the conclusion of each chapter or unit. Announced or unannounced quizzes will also be given. Types of questions on these evaluations could range from short answer, multiple choice, matching, definitions, problems, true/false, and essays. There also may be quarter exams. 2013_intro_to_the_course, p. 2 Projects: We will have several special projects over the year. These projects may include assignments such as biography papers, book reports, formal lab write-ups, research papers, construction projects, etc. …………………………………………………………………………. Attendance Procedure and Policy So much of what we do and learn in this course is introduced during class. Many of our activities are based on group or lab work. Attendance, therefore, is very important. Try to be present for every class. However, if you are sick or absent, please see me upon your return concerning missed work. You are responsible for finding out what we did during your absence and making this work up! From Planner: You must attend all classes unless your absence is excused. Not only is daily attendance required by the State of Kansas, it is essential for the successful completion of your courses. The most common cause of academic failure is absence. Since we sincerely want you to succeed at Lawrence High School, we will respond to every unexcused absence from a class. …………………………………………………………………………. Classroom expectations: Respect the rights of students to learn! This involves: * Being courteous; * Talking only at appropriate times; * Getting to class on time; * Being prepared when class starts; * Maintaining academic honesty; * Using acceptable language (verbal/non-verbal); * Coming to class ready (rest-room & drinks before or after class). See your planner for additional information. Using your planner: Your planner is an excellent tool to help you achieve success during the year and throughout high school. Within these pages include the student handbook, testing information, college-prep schedules, financial aid and scholarship advice, graduation requirements, names of activities and clubs, the athletic/activities calendar, etc. In the middle section, there is a wealth of study tips, time-management ideas, communication, spelling, and writing guidelines, math/science formulas, etc. The last section is the calendar where assignments, meetings, and priorities can be written. 2013_intro_to_the_course, p. 3 Staying organized / Student Success There will be many assignments, lab activities, worksheets, etc. during the school year. You will find it helpful to divide your notebook into sections (for example, sections for lab activities, notes, homework, etc.) Keep an organized notebook--this will make studying more efficient and allow you to find things quickly. Some of our evaluations are open-notes; a complete notebook will be helpful on these assessments. …………………………………………………………………………. Suggestions for Student Success at LHS: • 1. Attend all classes on time and be ready to learn (have pen/pencil, paper, calculator and book ready to go.) • 2. Bring your planner to classes each day and record assignments, grades earned, etc. • 3. Participate in activities. • 4. Be honest to yourself and others, and take responsibility for your actions. • 5. Respect yourself and others. • 6. Use your school library. It is open before and after school; it has computers available. • 7. Limit the number of hours you work per week. Research shows that generally students who work more than 20 hours per week experience a reduction in grade point average of at least one letter grade (i.e. from A to B, etc.) • 8. Use time efficiently to see teachers about your classes, to use the library or to go to specific labs for tutoring help. • 9. Make sure you have a place and time at home to study. …………………………………………………………………………. Additional Information: In this class, we will study selected concepts and ideas from the six basic units of physics: mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. The course is fairly mathematical and we will use equations, formulas, i.e. algebra II – based mathematics. It is important that you have a scientific calculator, as there will be some scientific notation, trigonometry, etc. You should have a good foundation in algebra before attempting this class. Homework is based on reading, definitions, worksheets, review questions, etc. On some occasions you will have some class time to work on your homework. Depending upon time available, I try to go over the assigned homework in class. Doing well on homework will help you do well on the exams and quizzes. Tests are based on notes, concepts, problems, and other content. There will be quizzes, too. These may be announced quizzes or "surprise or pop" quizzes. I want every student to succeed in physics! However, physics can be a challenging subject, and you may find you need extra help. There are resources to help you succeed! The book is a helpful resource—and we have different textbooks, too, if you would like to check one out. Additionally, I've included a sampling of helpful Internet websites (see "Help with Physics") on my website: http://teachers.usd497.org/agleue/index.html. There are many other web resources, also. Please feel free to come see me for extra help, too. Have a great year!! 2013_intro_to_the_course, p. 4