Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School
Mountain View College
PHYSICS
Course Syllabus 2014-2015
Instructor:
Room:
E-mail:
Tutoring:
Dr. Catalina Boudreaux
Room W60A
CBoudreaux@dallasisd.org
M, W, Th: 4:05 pm – 4:50 pm and by appointment
Textbook:
“Texas Physics” by Serway and Faughn; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015
School Phone: 214-860-3680
Faculty Office: 214-860-6315
Course Description:
This is a one-year course intended to set the grounds for succeeding in both the theoretical and
experimental parts of AP and College Physics courses. The course includes discussions of the basic concepts,
applications, and problems solving techniques on a variety of topics such as: motion, forces, universal
gravitation, momentum, mechanical energy, work, thermodynamics, electricity, electric circuits, magnetism,
waves, light and sound, and the basic elements of quantum physics. Students shall be awarded one credit for
successful completion of this course. Algebra I is suggested as a prerequisite or co-requisite. This course is
recommended for students in Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
Students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use the scientific method in investigations,
and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving skills. This course
provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills. The
student will, for at least 40% of instructional time, conduct field and laboratory investigations using safe,
environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices.
Required Materials:
• Holt McDougal Physics (Textbook)
• Class Notebook
• Laboratory Folder
• Scientific Calculator
• Pencil and Eraser
• Pen (black or blue)
• Ruler (cm- and in-graduated)
Resource List:
Below are useful websites and a book which contain additional information about topics covered in this
course, including background information, animations, and simulations to enhance your understanding.
• The Physics Classroom:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/
• University of Colorado -- PHET Simulations:
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics
• Hyperphysics (Georgia State University)
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
• The Cartoon Guide to Physics by Larry Gonick (1991)
Behavioral Expectations:
 Set high academic standards for yourself.
 Treat others with courtesy and be respectful and considerate with other’s feelings, opinions, and
thought.
 Always pay attention and participate actively during all class discussions.
 Follow class rules, procedures, and instructions properly at all times (no food, drink, cell phones,
music players, etc.)
 Do not speak when your instructor is speaking. Raise your hand and ask politely if you have any
questions.
 Never lie, cheat, steal, use profanity, or obscene gestures.
Classroom Rules:
 Students must arrive to class on time, be prepared to work, and stay on task until class is dismissed.
 Students must bring pencils, notebook, textbook, and any other material requested by the teacher to
every class. Pencils should be sharpened before the bell rings.
 Students must listen and follow directions the first time they are given. Stop talking immediately
when instructor calls the class to attention.
 Students must keep hands, feet, and any other object to themselves.
 Students must OBEY all ECHS, MVC, and Dallas ISD rules and procedures. The dress code will be
enforced at all times. Wear your ID badge.
 Students are not to touch the computers or the equipment without the instructor’s permission.
 Students must complete all assigned work and submit it on time. Attend tutoring when needed.
Consequences for breaking class rules:
 First infraction will result in a verbal warning via teacher/student conference.
 Second infraction will result in the student’s parent being contacted.
 Third infraction will result in a parent conference at school.
 Fourth infraction will result in the student being referred to the office.
 Severe disruptions will be sent immediately to the Principal’s Office with a written referral.
Student Core Beliefs:
 “My future success depends on working hard today.”
 “I have high expectations for myself, my classmates, and my school.”
 “I aim for excellence even when it's difficult.”
Attendance:
Attendance is absolutely necessary at every class session. It is in your own interest to attend class and
to participate fully in all activities. Material covered in class (sometimes no contained in the book) may
appear in homework problems and/or exams. Attending class and paying attention is the key to a good grade.
Professional and mature behavior is expected at all times, both in and out of class, towards all members of
the class.
Tardiness:
Students are expected to arrive on time for class and attend the entire class. You will be expected to
enter the classroom orderly, take your seat and work quietly while the class begins. Entering class after it is
in session or leaving class early can be disruptive to other students. After 20 minutes, a tardy is considered
an absence. Absences due to tardiness are included in classroom absence totals. Please notify your instructor
if you are going to be late or absent. If you are absent, you are responsible for obtaining and completing any
missed class work or tests. Absences, physical or mental, are the kiss of death in physics.
Cell Phone/Other Electronic Devices:
To avoid interruption of class sessions, students are required to turn off all cell phones and other
electronic devices and place them out of sight prior to the beginning of class. If cell phones are visible and/or
heard throughout the regular school day, they will be collected and taken to the office. No phone calls, texting,
or browsing the Internet is allowed during class. Students not conforming to this policy will be subject to
disciplinary action as put forth by ECHS, Mountain View College, and the Dallas ISD. If given permission,
they may be used for instructional purposes only.
Suggestions for Student Success:
To succeed in this course, you are expected to study the material from the posted notes and textbook in
advance of the corresponding class and then come prepared to discuss it and ask questions, as well as to work
with others through several practice problems, rather than to listen passively and take notes. You may be
quizzed at the beginning of the class on study material. Class time will be used to discuss ideas (rather than
to present them), to answer questions, to clarify points of confusion, and to practice doing physics. Moreover,
you should also study all the examples presented in the textbook. A few of the examples will be discussed in
class, and problems given in the exams will be similar to some of the problems shown in the textbook. After
reviewing the in-class notes you ought to integrate the material with what is explained more extensively in
the textbook and become familiar with the concepts and the equations relative to the subject matter presented.
Only a solid knowledge of the material gives you a good chance to solve the problems assigned in the exams.
Class Participation:
To gain a better understanding of the material, you are expected to be involved in class discussions.
Each class period you will be asked to think about and answer questions related to the material. Your answers
to these questions will be graded for participation, not correctness, but each question should help clarify your
understanding of important concepts in physics. Your final grade may be increased by having a good
participation in class throughout the semester.
Problem Assignments:
You will be given homework assignments for each topic. It is crucial that you complete and understand
every assignment. I encourage you to work as groups on these assignments. The best way to learn in this
class is to thoroughly work and understand the assigned problems. The homework must be completed and
submitted on the designated date as indicated by the instructor. Please notice that some homework
assignments must be submitted online. For this course, most homework will be in electronic form, but there
may be paper-and-pencil homework in a few cases. We will have many quizzes consisting of assigned problems
and current topic questions at the start of most class periods. The questions assigned as homework will be
similar to the questions in the exams.
If you do not have a computer at home, go to Library early in the morning, during lunch, or after school,
and print the assignment or do it during your ACE period. Please be courteous and request permission to use
the computer before you start to work.
Use a printed version of the homework to do your work. When your online homework is completed, go
back to the homework Web site and submit the answers.
Late work policy:
All work, unless otherwise specified, is due at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments must
be turned in no more than THREE days after the due date, even if the student does not have the class on those
days. Late work will be accepted with points deducted:
•
0 days late, 10% deduction; if turned in after the homework is collected, but before the next day.
•
1 day late, 20% deduction; if turned in the following school day.
•
2 days late, 30% deduction; if turned in the next time you have my class.
•
3 days late, 40% deduction; if turned in three days after the due date.
After three days, a student may complete a missed assignment at the discretion of the instructor and
under her supervision. No work will be accepted one week beyond its due date.
Research papers, classroom projects, or any other assignment which is assigned one or more weeks in
advance do not qualify for the late work penalties as outlined above. If the assignment is not turned in on the
specified due date, it will not be accepted late.
Portfolio:
All students must keep a portfolio of everything related to this course. During the year, the students will
have a notebook check to ensure that all course material, notes and coursework is kept in an organized
manner. The portfolio will not only serve as a study guide for the semester and end of course exams, but will
also begin to teach the characteristics of organization and responsibility.
Quizzes:
There will be several quizzes given throughout the course. The score on each quiz will count as credit
toward the final grade. There will be no make up for a missed quiz. The lowest grade on a quiz will be
dropped.
Retesting:
If you fail a test you may be allowed to retest over the same material. You must make an appointment
to retake any test within 5 days, either before or after school.
Grading System:
Classwork/Homework
Major Tests/Quizzes
Projects/Products
Six Weeks Test
40%
25%
20%
15%
Test grades include (but are not limited to) chapter tests and/or section tests. In order to do well, YOU
MUST STUDY FOR TESTS! Just showing up without advance preparation almost always leads to a failing
grade. Classwork/Homework grades include (but are not limited to) class work, class participation,
homework, short quizzes and bell ringers. Projects include reports, laboratory work, research, compositions,
presentations, etc. If marked, your Physics portfolio will count as a project grade. Six Weeks Tests will
concentrate on the material covered during that six week period, but will also contain concepts from the
previous six weeks.
Academic Integrity:
Paraphrasing another’s work calls for a citation to the author. Even when you cite accurately, you need
to use your own words; use direct quotes sparingly. It is imperative that you create your own work and use
your own words. Cutting and pasting from another sources is not acceptable. Never cheat, copy, steal,
plagiarize, or misrepresent someone else’s work as your own. Unauthorized use of material is plagiarism and
is considered cheating. Make sure to properly reference all information obtained from books or the Internet.
Cheating is NOT acceptable. If a student is caught cheating, parents will be notified and work will
receive a grade of zero on the assignment. Repeat offenders may fail the six weeks and be referred for
discipline.
Academic Integrity Statement:
I will use my own thoughts, my own words and do my own work to support my own learning. This means:
NO CHEATING
NO COPYING
NO STEALING
NO PLAGIARISM
NO REPRESENTING SOMEONE ELSE'S WORK AS YOUR OWN.
Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited
to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. The DISD’s Student Code of Conduct is available at
https://www.dallasisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001475/Centricity/Domain/11/code_of_conduct.pdf
Academic Progress: Students and their parents or guardians are encouraged to discuss academic goals and degree
completion with their instructors.
Course Content
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3F(S)
4A(R)
4B(R)
4C(S)
4D(R)
4E(S)
4F(S)
5A(S)
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5B(R)
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5C(S)
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5D(S)
5E(S)
5F(R)
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5G(S)
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5H(S)
6A(R)
6B(R)
6C(R)
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6D(R)
6E(S)
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6F(S)
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6G(S)
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7A(S)
Express and interpret relationships symbolically in accordance with accepted theories;
Generate and interpret graphs and charts describing different types of motion;
Describe and analyze motion in 1D using kinematic equations;
Analyze and describe accelerated motion in 2D using kinematic equations;
Calculate the effect of forces on objects;
Develop and interpret free-body force diagrams;
Identify and describe motion relative to different frames of reference.
Research and describe the historical development of the concept of gravitational, electromagnetic, weak
nuclear, and strong nuclear forces;
Describe and calculate how the magnitude of the gravitational force between 2 objects depend on the
masses and the distance between their centers;
Describe and calculate how the magnitude of the electrical force between 2 objects depend on their
charges and the distance between their centers;
Identify examples of electric and magnetic forces in everyday life;
Characterize materials as conductors or insulators based on their electrical properties;
Design, construct, and calculate in terms of current through, potential difference across, resistance of, and
power used by electric circuit elements connected in both series and parallel combinations;
Investigate and describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in applications such as
generators, motors, and transformers;
Describe evidence for and effects of strong and weak nuclear forces in nature.
Investigate and calculate quantities using the work-energy theorem in various situations;
Investigate examples of kinetic and potential energy and their transformations;
Calculate the mechanical energy of, power generated within, impulse applied to, and momentum of a
physical system;
Demonstrate and apply the laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum in 1D;
Demonstrate how the macroscopic properties of a thermodynamic system such as temperature, specific
heat, and pressure are related to the molecular level of matter, including kinetic and potential energy of
atoms;
Contrast and give examples of different processes of thermal energy transfer, including conduction,
convection, and radiation;
Analyze and explain everyday examples that illustrate the laws of thermodynamics, including the law of
conservation of energy and the law of entropy.
Examine and describe oscillatory motion and wave propagation in various types of media;
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7B(R) Investigate and analyze characteristics of waves, including velocity, frequency, amplitude, and
wavelength, and calculate using the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength;
7C(S) Compare characteristics and behaviors of transverse waves, including electromagnetic waves and the
electromagnetic spectrum, and characteristics and behaviors of longitudinal waves, including sound
waves;
7D(R) Investigate behaviors of waves, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, resonance, and
the Doppler effect;
7E(S) Describe and predict image formation as a consequence of reflection from a plane mirror and refraction
through a thin convex lens;
7F(S) Describe the role of wave characteristics and behaviors in medical and industrial applications.
8A(R) Describe the photoelectric effect and the dual nature of light;
8B(S) Compare and explain the emission spectra produced by various atoms;
8C(S) Describe the significance of mass-energy equivalence and apply it in explanations of phenomena such as
nuclear stability fission and fusion;
8D(S) Give examples of applications of atomic and nuclear phenomena such as radiation therapy, diagnostic
imaging, and nuclear power and examples of applications of quantum phenomena such as digital cameras.
* The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus as necessary *
“Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember
Engage me and I learn.”
—Chinese Proverb
Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School
Mountain View College
Physics Student Agreement 2015-2016
 I understand my success depends on working hard today.
 I will have high expectations for myself, my classmates, and my school.
 I will aim for excellence even when it's difficult.
 I have read and understood this syllabus.
 My parents (guardians) have read and understood this syllabus.
 I agree to obey all class, school, and college rules.
 I understand all grading policies, student conduct regarding cheating, and what to do for missed
assignments.
 I understand when tutoring is available and it is my responsibility to seek help.
 I agree to attend mandatory tutoring if I do not turn in an assignment, fail a test, miss a lab, have two or
more absences, or have an average below 70.
 I agree to provide a valid email address and to regularly check my email for any messages sent by the
instructor or the school.
 I agree to take any letter from my instructor to my parent (guardian) and to return the letter with a parent
(guardian) signature when requested.
Student’s Name: _____________________________
Student’s Signature: _____________________________
Student I.D. #: __________________
Date: ___________________
Student Information:
Email Address
Home Phone Number
Cell Number
Dear Parent (Guardian):
Please read the course syllabus provided. If you have any concerns/questions about the syllabus or
course, kindly indicate them in the space provided below. I will be happy to meet with you to discuss your
concerns and clarify any issues. I am looking forward to an exciting and productive year and I would
appreciate your continued support in assisting the educational pursuits of your son/daughter.
Your signature on this document would be greatly appreciated as a sign of support and understanding
of the requirements of Physics in the 2015-2016 year at Trinidad Garza Early College High School.
Thank you,
Dr. Catalina Boudreaux
Parent’s (Guardian’s) Name: _____________________________
Parent’s (Guardian’s) Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________________
Parent’s (Guardian’s) Information:
Email Address
Home Phone Number
Cell / Work Number
Other Parent (Guardian) contact phone numbers: _________________________
Best time to call: _________________________