PHYSICS SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: MR. MALINKOVICH
EMAIL: IMALINKOVIC@CPS.EDU OFFICE: RM. 310
Description: This is an algebra-based physics course. The topics covered in this course include mechanics, fluids,
light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the atom. Students are expected to select one of the above
topics and work independently on a science fair project related to the chosen topic during the first semester.
Course Goals: As a result of this course, students will be able to demonstrate mastery of the above topics through a
science fair project and presentation, homework, quizzes, and tests. Students will also be prepared to enroll
in an AP Physics Course.
Illinois Learning Standards Addressed by course: We will cover all content standards for this course. (See class
webpage)
ACT College Readiness Standards Addressed by course: This course will focus on the 20-23 range on the CRS
Instructional Materials for course: Conceptual Physics
Grading Scale: A >90%, B>80%, C>70%, D>60%, F<60%
Grading Percentages:
Topic
Weight (in %)
Scientific Method
(ex: projects and labs)
30
Exams
(mid-term and final)
10
Tests & Quizzes
30
Assignments
(classwork and homework)
25
Participation
5
Credits: 1 Credit
Procedures/Policies
Materials needed: The following materials are required everyday: textbook, notebook, writing utensil, and a
scientific calculator.
Turning in your work: To earn credit for this course, you must turn in your work. Assignments, projects, tests and
quizzes, and exams must be turned in on time into the designated bin on my desk.
Getting your work back: I update gradebook on a daily basis whenever possible. You will see your grade for
homework assignments on the day after you turn it in to me. You will see your grade for all other work within one
week of having turned it in to me.
Homework: Homework will be assigned and checked at the beginning of class. Daily assignments are based on
notes, experiments, and handouts. A copy of daily homework assignments can be found at the Kenwood
Academy website.
(http://kenwoodacademy.org/apps/staff/)
Class absences: Make up work will only be permitted for students who present a valid note of absence approved by
the attendance office on the day following the absence. (Missed tests will be made up outside of class time at
teacher discretion.)
Late work policy: Aside from work turned in late due to an excused absence, work turned in late will not earn full
credit.
Attention Signal: When you hear me say “scholar”, you will raise and hold your hand in the air while remaining
silent. You will attempt to make eye contact with me in order to show me that you are ready to be scholars. This
process should take between 3-5 seconds.
Guidelines for Success: Following class rules, coming to class prepared, determination, open-mindedness,
practice, and knowing when you need help are all necessary components of a successful students’ plans to be
successful in this course.
Class Rules: In addition to the Kenwood Student Code of Conduct Policies, we will uphold the following rules:
(respect)_____________________________________________________________________________________
(tardy)
(ID’s and clothing)
(electronics)
CHAMPS
*Additional policies will be added as deemed necessary by the instructor.
Activities /Class Procedures: Students can expect to follow the same procedure everyday in class.
- Bellringer
- Check HW
- Review lesson objectives
- Activity
- taking notes
- reading
- solving problems
- peer to peer
- class discussion
- experiment
- assessment
- Reflection
How to study for this course: Reviewing class notes for 15 minutes each day in addition to completing all
homework assignments is extremely helpful in helping to ensure that one does not fall behind in his/her
studies. Many homework assignments in this course require that you practice solving problems. If you do
not know how to solve a particular problem or are unsure of your answer, you must schedule an
appointment to meet with me outside of class in order to practice solving physics problems. You should
close your notes after having reviewed them, wait five minutes, and attempt to summarize everything that
was written in your notes. Until you can summarize the day’s notes without looking at them, you do not
fully understand everything that is required for this class. You must ask questions about any topic you do
not fully understand either in class or outside of class. Create flash cards of all bold terms covered in class
and assigned for homework. Physics is like a foreign language; if you do not keep up with learning
vocabulary terms daily, you will find yourself overwhelmed when you begin to study for tests and quizzes.
Office hours: Before school: 7-7:45am, After school: by appointment ROOM 310
Teacher Contact information: imalinkovic@cps.edu
Course Sequence: Semester 1: Mechanics
Semester 2: Properties of Matter, Heat, Sound and Light, Electricity and Magnetism,
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
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Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement:
By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understood the above requirements and expectations.*
Student’s name: ____________________________________________________
Please print
Parent/Guardian’s signature: ____________________________________________________
Please sign
In order to encourage communication, please include complete contact information below.
Contact Information:
Home phone _______________________
Cell phone __________________________
Day time number _____________________
Additional contacts (such as other family members or friends):
_____________________________________________________________________________
*Please detach and return this portion to the instructor no later than Monday, September 8, 2008.