Accelerated Physics
Instructor: Mrs. Terri Ogden
Email: togden@pomounties.org
Room 211
Course Goals
Accelerated physics is an introductory course designed to teach the basics of physics. This course will
cover linear and projectile motion, inertia, forces, energy, friction, waves, sound and electricity. Be prepared to
apply trigonometric concepts as well as use algebra skills fluently. Mathematics is the language of physics and
helps to define it. Other topics may be covered, time permitting, such as optics, magnetism, thermodynamics,
and students’ interest. Welcome to the science of energy!
Materials
 Textbook: Serway, R.A. & Faughn, J.S. (1999). Holt Physics. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston:
Austin, TX.
 Supplemental materials such as notes, study guides, readings, et cetera will be provided.
 Students are responsible to obtain a scientific calculator (two line display preferred), notebook, and
writing utensils. Students may also want to keep a 3-ring binder to organize important worksheets.
Grading and Evaluation Procedures
Grades will be composed of tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, homework, and projects. Grades will be
assigned for completion, correctness, and effort. Grading is based on a point system. Your final grade will be
the points you have earned divided by the total points possible for the course. The number of points depends on
difficulty and length of each assignment. Generally, lab reports carry the same weight as tests, so treat them
with as much importance. Lab reports and assignments that are handed in late will be given partial credit at a
penalty of one letter grade per day for each day late.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Some homework will be graded on correctness and
completeness and others on just completeness, depending on the assignment. Plan to spend a minimum of thirty
minutes a night reading and studying for class, and additional time for homework. Reading ahead in the
textbook will serve you very well in attaining a high level of understanding.
Notes from reading assignments are due at the beginning of class, and cannot be turned in late, unless
you were absent. Notes not ready at the beginning of class will receive a zero score.
Academic Integrity
All students are expected to abide by the school’s Academic Integrity Policy. This means no copying,
cheating, or plagiarizing. Anyone violating this will receive a zero on the assignment and detention. During an
exam, even looking at another person’s test is considered cheating. Do not let other students copy your work, as
you will both receive a zero. Collaboration on homework or lab reports will occur, but all work should be your
own. Extreme violations of this policy can result in failure for the marking period or the entire course.
Revised 08/25/11
Laboratory and Safety
Students are expected to behave with proper decorum in laboratory. If any special safety precautions
are required for lab, they will be announced several days in advance. Students who do not follow the safety
procedures will be asked to sit out of lab and complete it on their own time. Rules that should always be
followed:
 Wear closed-toed shoes. We work with masses that can break your toes!
 Tie long hair back. Nothing is worse than cutting hair out of machinery.
 NEVER have a classmate hold your lab paperwork. Their absence does not excuse you from having
your lab materials.
 Except when advised, each student will turn in his or her own individual lab report.
 The storage closet is OFF-LIMITS.
Procedures and Expectations
 Tardiness is not accepted. Class will start on time every day. Students are expected to be in their seats
prepared to learn when class begins.
 Students are expected to be prepared for class. This includes bringing your book, notebook,
calculator, and writing utensil (pen, pencil, et cetera) to class.
 Be respectful and courteous to everyone in class. This classroom will be a friendly environment and
harassment-free. Think before you speak or act.
 Restroom passes will only be issued using student agendas. Students requiring a blue pass for restroom
purposes will be in violation of unpreparedness, and school rules. Students must sign out and back in
on the sign-out sheet next to the door.
 Do not ask for a restroom pass in the middle of instruction.
 My desk and the space behind it is OFF-LIMITS.
 Remember, all school rules in your agenda apply in this classroom as well.
 All assignments, tests, and labs must be handed in on the day they are due, if you are in school at all on
that day. This includes field trips and sporting events. Feel free to drop assignments off early if you
know you’ll be absent later. If I am not in my room, you can leave assignments in my mailbox in the
main office. Missed class due to illness will be handled on a case-by-base basis.
NOTE: Finished lab reports are a highly sought-after commodity… do NOT just leave them lying on
my desk. There will be a folder available for each class to turn in their labs. If I am not available, leave
it with a trusted lab partner to turn in, or in my mailbox.

Ask questions, answer questions, and most importantly, realize that YOU are who makes this class
important! And try to have a little bit of fun along the way, too.
Please make an appointment with me at anytime if you need extra help! I can usually stay late if asked in
advance. Time to get help during the school day is possible…I have math labs 1st period and 6A/6B
period (but realize that the math students get priority), I also have 8th period prep … DON’T WAIT !!
Revised 08/25/11