Physics Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Lisa Pizarchik
CONTACT INFORMATION: The best way to contact me is by email, lpizarchik@derryasd.k12.pa.us
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If you would like to phone, I may be reached during the day by calling the main school number:
724-694-2780. I am usually available 7:00-7:30 am and 3:00-3:30 pm.
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Class materials can be found on the district website: http://derryasd.schoolwires.com.
Select HS/MS Staff, then my name.
COURSE DESCRIPTION/OVERVIEW
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II, with an 85% or higher.
Dual Enrollment: St. Francis University – 4.00 college credits (sophomores may receive college credit)
WCCC – 4.00 college credits (sophomores may receive college credit)
Physics is recommended for all academic students. Demonstrations are used to help the student become familiar with the laws
that apply to the physical world, from elementary particles to the universe. Measurement and problem solving skills are
developed through laboratory experiments. Emphasis is placed on the application of physics principles to everyday occurrences
and to technology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: BIG IDEAS
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Objects that move in translational motion are described in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration.
All forces arise from the interactions between different objects.
All changes in translational motion are due to forces.
The rotational motion of objects is described in terms of angular position, angular velocity, and angular acceleration.
All changes in rotational motion are due to torques.
Objects that move in simple motion can be described in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration and can result in
the production of waves that travel through space.
All simple harmonic motion can be explained using force/or torque.
All motion can be explained using the laws of the conservation of energy, the conservation of momentum, and/or the
conservation of angular momentum.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Three-ring binder - Every student will keep all notes, handouts, and warm-ups in a three-ring binder. The
binder will be brought to class every day.
2. Pen or pencil - Every student must bring a pen or pencil to class every day.
3. Scientific Calculator- It is critical that you become comfortable with your own calculator so you will
need to bring it to class every day; no cell phone calculators, please.
4. Textbook - Every physics student will be issued a textbook for which they are responsible, or given
access to an online copy. You may need to bring your textbook to class, based on the availability of
classroom copies.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
In an effort to make things flow smoothly, I have developed a few procedures so everyone is aware of how things
work in the classroom. These are not rules but things we will do on a regular basis.
Start of Class - When you enter the classroom,
1. check your mailbox.
2. take your assigned seat.
3. do the warm-up assignment. Warm-ups will be checked periodically for grading.
Heading of Papers – Every paper that is handed in must contain your full name and class period. Papers that are
due are to be placed in my inbox. “No name” papers lose a point.
Tutoring – My posted tutoring time is Tuesdays, 3:00-3:30, or by appointment. I am also available before and after
school, and various times during the day. If you are planning to stay, please let me know. Remember to sign the
tutoring log.
Hall Passes – Please ask permission before leaving the room. Remember to sign out and sign in; take (and return!)
the hall pass. Failure to follow this procedure will result in loss of privileges.
Tardy to Class – If you are late to class with a valid pass, sign in, leave the pass in my inbox, and quietly go to your
seat. If you do not have a valid pass, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
End of Period – There are a lot of things to cover in this course and we need all the time we have. Be prepared to
work “bell-to-bell”. Deposit all work and labs in my inbox before you leave.
GRADING INFORMATION
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Warm-ups / Exit tickets (5 points each)
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Labs (15 - 30 points each)
- mixture of formal lab reports, lab activity packets, white board presentations
- late labs lose 5 points per day
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Homework (10 points each)
- Your homework will be graded at times for completeness or correctness.
- No late homework will be accepted. The only exception is for an excused absence (see
below).
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Quizzes (10 - 20 points each)
Tests (40 - 50 points each)
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Retests are given only for emergencies with a note from a parent or guardian. The retest grade replaces
the original grade.
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All collected assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise noted.
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Excused Absence -Work that is missed due to an excused absence may be made up. It is the student’s
responsibility to check for missed assignments. The classroom bulletin board will show assignments and
what is due. Notes should be copied from classmates. Make-up work is due within 3 days of an excused
absence. Make-up labs may be done during a study hall, homeroom, or after school. You may be excused
from one lab per quarter.
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Unexcused Absence - You are not permitted to make up work for an unexcused absence, and will receive a
grade of zero. Labs will also receive a grade of zero.
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We will deal with cheating as per the student handbook – “Offending students will receive zeros on the
assignment/test and be subject to further disciplinary measures.” I encourage students to work together
on assignments. However, copying from another student or allowing another student to copy is another
form of cheating.
COURSE OUTLINE
FIRST NINE WEEKS
CONTENT
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A Physics Toolkit
Algebra Review with Physics, SI Units and Prefixes, Scientific Notation, the Factor-Label
Method, Significant Figures, Measurement, Graphing
Representing Motion
Position-Time Graphs, Velocity
Accelerated Motion
Velocity-Time Graphs, Acceleration, Kinematics, Freefall
ASSESSMENT
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Chapter Tests
Labs
o Paper Helicopter
○ Match the Graph
o Bulls-eye
○ Graphing and Interpreting Data
o Formal Lab Report: Acceleration due to Gravity
SECOND NINE WEEKS
CONTENT
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Forces
Newton’s Laws, Vectors, Equilibrants
Motion in Two Dimensions
Projectile Motion, Circular Motion
Gravitation
ASSESSMENT
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Chapter Tests; Semester Exam
Labs
o Formal Lab Report: Newton’s 2nd Law
o Terminal Velocity
o Circular Motion
○ Force Table
○ Projectile Motion
COURSE OUTLINE
THIRD NINE WEEKS
CONTENT
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Momentum
Impulse, Angular Momentum, Conservation of Momentum, Collisions
Energy and Work
Power, Kinetic and Potential Energy, Conservation of Energy
Thermal Energy
Convection, Conduction, Radiation, Equilibrium
Average kinetic molecular energy, temperature, phase change
ASSESSMENT
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Chapter Tests
Labs
○ Stair Climbing and Power
o Sticky Collisions
○ Conservation of Energy
○ Heating and Cooling
FOURTH NINE WEEKS
CONTENT
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Waves and Vibrations
Mechanical Waves, Sound, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Light
Frequency, Speed, Wave Length
Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics, Voltage, Current, Resistance, Power, Induction
ASSESSMENT
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Chapter Tests; Final Exam
Labs
○ Simple Pendulum
○ Electrostatics
○ Hooke’s Law
○ Ohm’s Law
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE
Our goal is to learn physics, develop critical thinking skills, and have fun. Learning takes place when everyone
works together towards a common goal. To achieve our goals, we need to maintain a positive work
environment that promotes discussion, initiates thought, and enables learning. Listed below are a few obstacles
we sometimes encounter that hinder our learning process. As such, classroom rules have been developed to
help maintain our positive learning environment. If we all adhere to the plan, the year will be productive and
beneficial.
Obey all school rules: no cell phones, hats, hoods, or mp3 players in the classroom. There is no food, drink, or
water allowed in the lab area. If you need special permission for something, ask the teacher. Consequences:
 Verbal Warning (2x)
 Disciplinary Action
***Using your CELL PHONE in class will result in a detention – no warnings.***
Talking Out of Turn, Out of Seat, or Being Disruptive
 Verbal Warning (2x)
 Move Seat
 Disciplinary Action
Being Late to Class
 First and Second Tardy: Verbal Warning
 Third Tardy: Detention
Head Down or Sleeping
 Verbal Warning (2x)
 Send to Nurse
 Disciplinary Action
Cheating
 No Credit and No Make-Up
Being Disrespectful Including Use of Abusive Language
 Verbal Warning (2x)
 Written Apology
 Disciplinary Action
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PARENT OF GUARDIAN
Name of parent or guardian to be contacted for discipline issues______________________________________
How would you prefer to be contacted: phone, email or letter?_______________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________ Best time to call_____________________
Email:___________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
________________________________________________
STUDENT INFORMATION
Interests / hobbies / sports / work :___________________________________________________________
What was your last math course and grade?____________________________________________________
What is one thing you would really like to learn or do in this class?__________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGN-OFF AGREEMENT
I have read this document and agree to bring the required materials to class. I also understand the classroom
rules and consequences.
Student’s Printed Name
Student’s Signature
Parent or Guardian’s Printed Name
Guardian’s Signature
Date
Date