ACADEMIC PHYSICS
LEBANON 2009-10
MR. BILAK MT.
RM. 340
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The first semester of this course will focus on an area of physics called Mechanics.
Mechanics includes the study of motion, forces, and energy. Sound, optics, electricity, &
magnetism will be explored in the second half of the course. Success in this class depends
on thinking like a scientist, using your imagination & creativity, and on your willingness to
put forth effort & share your ideas. Each day will begin with a warm-up and will likely
include time for individual work, group work, and starting homework.
"The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking." - A. Einstein
SOME EXPECTATIONS:
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ATTEND EVERY CLASS ON TIME
BE PREPARED
o CALCULATOR
o PENCIL
o HOMEWORK
o 3-RING BINDER FOR NOTES AND
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PARTICIPATE
COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME AND WITH YOUR BEST EFFORT
SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE
RESPECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, AND YOUR SCHOOL
HANDOUTS
GRADING:
TESTS / QUIZZES
HOMEWORK / NOTEBOOKS
LABS / REPORTS
CLASS DISCUSSION
50%
15%
25%
10%
* Semester Final will be 15% of total grade
* Grading scheme is subject to change for next semester
*Extra credit opportunities will be provided
EXAMS: These will be a mixture of multiple-choice questions, mathematical problem
solving questions, open-ended response questions, and any other type of question that is
appropriate to the topic at hand. I’ll be sure to explain more before each test date.
QUIZZES/ SMALL TESTS:
These may take many forms including but not limited to
group tests, take-home tests, oral quizzes, and pop quizzes. Since these will be reviewed
immediately, students who are absent will be required to take an alternative assessment.
HOMEWORK:
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Homework assignments will be given about 2-3 times a week. These assignments
will be brief, but essential to the progression of our class.
Homework must be turned in on time for full credit, but will be accepted until a
specified cut-off date for partial credit.
Problems will be graded using Mt. Lebanon’s physics department rubric.
Many times effort will be enough for a 100%. This means that you must attempt all
assignments and challenge yourself.
COOPERATIVE LEARNING: You will be working in pairs or groups of 4 students very
often. In these groups you will be making presentations and submitting lab reports. Rubrics
for grading will be provided.
NOTES/PARTICIPATION: I will sporadically check your class notebooks for credit.
Participation during discussions will also count towards your grade.
ABSENCE: You are responsible for everything that you miss while you are out. This
includes information and learning experiences, as well as assignments. Check for your
“while you were gone” sheet and be sure to talk to me about any concerns you may have!