Mr. Burns
Email: raymond.burns@montville.net
Physics: Class Syllabus
Grading Policy:
Tests: 45%
Labs: 25%
Quizzes: 15%
Homework: 15%
Labs: Groups of 4. There will be one 80 minute-lab period. At least one formal lab will be
assigned per year. I will give more details on what I expect from labs as they are assigned.
Quizzes: You will be notified of quizzes one day in advance. Most quizzes will only take 15
minutes to complete.
Participation: Participation does not only mean raising your hand in class. It also entails doing
assignments when instructed to, not disturbing your other classmates, being an integral part of
your lab group, and giving overall respect to your teacher and peers.
Homework: We will be having homework in most circumstances once a week. Assignments will
be collected and all work must be shown.
Projects/Reports: These will be assigned 1 per marking period. They will count as lab grades.
Projects will be graded more subjectively than other assignments; therefore more points will go
towards creativity, effort, and artistic ability. Projects are meant to be fun. More details will be
given as each project is assigned.
Laboratory Equipment: Most equipment used in laboratory investigations are EXPENSIVE.
Therefore, if you are given the privilege to use a piece of laboratory equipment, you are also
responsible for keeping the unit undamaged. You will be fined for any damage done to
laboratory equipment. Furthermore, do NOT touch anything setup for other classes! This
classroom is shared with other teachers.
Textbooks: Your textbook will be used as only one resource. Additional materials will be
supplied often.
Calculators and Partial Credit: I insist that calculators be used on tests. I will not give you a
calculator. This class will use scientific calculators with trigonometric functions. However, I also
give partial credit for all mathematical work. If you rely solely on your calculator, and only place
an answer with no work shown, and the answer is incorrect, I can give no partial credit. On the
contrary, if you show your work as you do the problem (neatly & accurately) I can attempt to
give partial credit where applicable. Showing all your work will most likely be the reason for
your success in physics.
Cheat Sheets: I allow a single 3 x 5 note card, both sides, to be used on tests. Formulas will not
be given to you, but you may write them down on the cheat sheet. You may also place
definitions or concepts on the cheat sheet. No example problems. Each cheat sheet must be
hand written by the student – no photocopying. Cheat sheets will be examined during tests.
Late Papers and Absences: Papers, such as lab reports, homework, projects, or other
assignments must be completed by the due date. If a paper is not completed, you have one
additional school day to complete and turn in the assignment; however, 20% will be deducted
from the grade of the paper. If you want to hand something in very late, you must speak with
me first.
If absent, you are responsible to see the teacher to get any missing assignments, and then a
new scheduled due date will be assigned, relevant to days of absence. If absent, you are also
responsible to get a copy of any notes that have been missed, either from a fellow student, or
by staying after school to copy the teacher’s notes.
General Rules for Classroom:
1) Be Prepared
2) Be On Time
3) Be Respectful