Physics, 2014-2015
Teacher: Megan Noel, M.S.
Phone: 512-594-1275
Classroom: B-210
Email: megan.noel@pfisd.net
Class website: thenoelfiles.com
Remind101: Text @noelphys to 760-660-4297
Course description: This is a challenging course designed to encourage students to be actively involved in learning
physics. Students will investigate how physics is an integral part of our daily lives through hands-on activities, labs, and
problem solving. Topics of study include: motion, conservation of energy and momentum, force, electricity and
magnetism, thermodynamics, waves and quantum physics.
Homework: Homework assignments will include 3-10 practice problems, preparation for labs, lab reports, and/or
collecting research and data and will be assigned at least twice a week.
Tests: There will be an exam after each unit. These unit tests are cumulative and comprehensive, and any important
material previously covered may be included.
Course materials: Spiral or composition note book (to be used as your lab notebook); a 3-ring binder, dividers with tabs,
graphing or scientific calculators, notebook paper, pencils/pens, internet access (can be at school if needed).
Make-up work policy:
1. The student is responsible for all make-up work.
2. The student will schedule time before or after school to complete make-up work.
3. Make -up work is expected with-in 2 days, following your return to class, unless other arrangements are made with
the teacher’s approval.
4. Students should turn in all assignments due on the day they were absent, the next day they return to class.
5. Students are not exempt from a test or an assignment because they were absent.
Redo/Retest Policy
1. Students may retest or redo any major assignment if their grade is below a 70%.
2. The retest will be different from the original test & a 70 is the maximum a student can score.
3. Before the student takes the retest they should:
 Correct original test.
 Come to tutorials for reteaching.
 Complete all assignments that have not turned in or finished.
 Schedule the Retest during tutorials within 5 days of the original test.
4. Most labs, quizzes, & assignments scoring less than a 70% can be improved for a better grade.
Late Work Policy
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All students will be afforded the opportunity to submit late work.
Late work is defined as work that was assigned to the student and was not completed by the due date and the
student does not have a good reason for it being postponed. (If student has a good reason the due date will be
extended.)
The teacher will determine the worthiness of the late assignment submitted. The assignment should be complete.
Late work submitted will receive a grade that is no higher than a 70 if the work is complete.
Late work must be submitted by the end of the 3-week grading period.
Grading:
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Major (Summative) Grades
4 or more per grading period
Minor (Formative) Grades
10 or more per grading period
Category Weight 80%
Category Weight 20%
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Tests/Exams
Projects
Performances
Products
Major Labs
Presentations
Independent practice
Quizzes
Warm-ups
Reviews
Journals
Components of Writing Process
Lab Experience
Daily work
Tutorial schedule:
Times
Mornings
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mr. Milton (B214)
Mr. Anderson (B215)
Mr. Anderson (B215)
Mr. Caswell (B-209)
Mr. Anderson (B215)
Mr. Carney (B-209)
Ms. Noel (B-210)
Mr. Carney (B209)
Mr. Milton (B214)
Mr. Milton (B-214)
Mr. Carney (B-209)
teacher meetings
Mr. Caswell (B-209)
Ms. Noel (B-210)
Mr. Caswell(B209)
8:00 – 8:50
AM
Afternoons
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Lab notebook: A good scientist keeps an organized lab notebook of all work done in lab. This notebook will be where
you record lab set ups, take data, etc. We will discuss how to set up the lab notebook on the second or third day of class
so please make sure you have a spiral or composition book by then.
Physics binder: Each student will keep a binder for notes, daily work, labs, and tests. This will help students organize
materials and study for unit tests. Pertinent handouts from Ms. Noel will also be kept in this binder.
Classroom expectations:
1. Be respectful. This has many forms:
a. Respect your peers by listening to their responses without interruption.
b. Respect your teacher by being on time to class, being prepared, and not interrupting instruction.
c. Do not use electronic devices, other than those needed in labs, while in class unless directed. Turn
off all ringers to prevent interruption of instruction.
2. Think like a scientist. As soon as you walk in the door, you are to emulate a scientist in your behavior and
work. A scientist is:
a. Prepared. Please have work completed and ready to turn in when due, and be ready to learn and
take instructions when in the classroom.
b. Safe: follow all lab safety procedures at all times, for your safety and that of your classmates.
c. Always thinking: Take time to consider your answers on your work. In many cases, as long as you
show you thought about a problem, even if it is wrong, you will get credit if you show you thought
about it reasonably.