SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
HONORS PHYSICS SYLLABUS
Honors Physics
Grade Level 11-12
TEXT:
Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics, Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall Books, 2005.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES:
1. The students will demonstrate a knowledge and comprehension of procedures
necessary for successful learning and problem solving.
2. The students will develop laboratory skills of observation, measurement,
interpretation and data analysis.
3. The students will use analytical thinking skills as the prime technique applied
to mathematical problem solutions.
4. The students will develop a better awareness of physics in nature and use
scientific inquiry in explaining natural processes.
CONTENT (subject to changes):
1. Mathematical Toolkit (Chapter 1) (2 Weeks)
Graphing - Scientific Notation Significant Digits — Algebra Review
2. Motion and Vectors (Chapters 2 and 3) (4 Weeks)
Displacement, Time, Velocity, Acceleration
3. Motion in Two Dimensions (Chapter 3) (4 Weeks)
Projectile Motion
5. Forces (Chapter 4) (4 Weeks)
6. Energy (Chapters 6) (4 Weeks)
Work, Power, Conservation of Energy
7. Uniform Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation (Chapter 5) (3 Weeks)
8. Momentum and Collisions (Chapter 7) (3 Weeks)
9. Rotary Motion (Chapter 8) (3 Weeks)
10. Electrostatics (Chapter 16-17) (4 Weeks)
11. Current Electricity (Chapter 18-19) (4 Weeks)
12. Waves and Sound (Chapters 11-12) (2 Weeks)
13. Optics (Chapter 23-24) (2 Weeks)
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prerequisites for this course: Academic Algebra and Geometry.
2. The student will maintain a notebook containing all class notes and assigned
problem solutions.
3. The student will also maintain a Physics portfolio of selected homework
assignments, writing assignments, quizzes, and reflective writing assignments.
4. The student will read the textbook sections dealing with the material currently
being discussed.
5. The student will need to study and prepare for all tests and quizzes.
6. The student will perform all assigned experimental procedures and submit the
required lab reports in the allotted time.
EVALUATION:
1. Students must have a final average of 60% or greater to receive credit for the
course.
2. Determination of final average: 20% for each marking period; 20%for the
final exam.
3. Determination of grade for each marking period: Assignment Weighted
System
a) Tests, Quizzes, and Projects
60%
b) Homework, WebAssign, and Writing Assignments
20%
c) Lab Assignments and Lab Reports
20%
4. Oral Presentations. Each student will be required to do a 5-7 minute
presentation on a selected topic or personality in physics. The student will
provide a detailed outline to present to the class prior to the presentation. The
presentation and outline will be a portion of the fourth marking period grade.
5. Incompletes will be given only if a student has a substantial amount of
excused absences, (i.e. long term illness or emergency at home) or failure to
take the final exam within the school’s set deadline. Students are responsible
for all make up work. Students must complete assignments in a period of days
equal to the number of their absences. Late assignments are not acceptable
and will receive a zero.
TUTORING:
Mr. Webb is available for tutoring most days before and afterschool. For
morning help, you must ask for a pass. Wednesday mornings are usually
filled with faculty meetings so they fill up the quickest.
CLASS RULES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
No interrupting the teacher or fellow students.
No cursing or inappropriate language.
Safety in the lab is necessary at all times.
No food or drink in the class.
CONSEQUENCES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Verbal warning
Change of seat
10 minute timeout in the lab area
Detention
Referral to the office
PROCEDURES:
1. Begin working on the AYE (As You Enter) in your notebook before the bell
rings. Look to the blackboard or TV for your AYE. Sit quietly until others
are finished.
2. Place homework on desk to be graded, collected, or reviewed.
3. Be prepared to take notes, discuss, or be assessed on the previous night’s
readings or homework.
4. When working in groups assign tasks and work together. No spectators
allowed.
5. Bathroom breaks should be taken in the first or last five minutes of class.
6. Often you will have 5-10 minutes of free time to work on homework at the
end of class. High achieving students use this time to work ahead and ask
questions. Do not use this time to talk about “stuff”.
7. Class ends when Mr. Webb dismisses you.
DROP/ADD DATE:
Any changes in your schedule must be made by September 16.