North Mac High School
Honors Physics Syllabus
Instructor: Mrs. Zalisko
e-mail: azalisko@northmacschools.org
Room: 115
Grades:
As an honors class, this course will be taught at a higher level,
so receiving a B is equivalent to receiving an A in a non-honors course.
My expectations are also higher. I expect all assignments to be neat and turned in on
time. It is a given that cheating will result in a zero for you and any person who allows
you to cheat.
Text: Conceptual Physics, 9th ed. by Paul Hewitt
Class format:
1. You will be expected to read your textbook. Please complete all assigned readings
before class.
2. Know the terms for each chapter unless I tell you otherwise. You can find terms
defined at the end of each chapter. Review questions are often used in quizzes and
tests. Read through questions and find the answers before you are tested.
3. Within each chapter, focus on “Check yourself” and “Check your answer” boxes to
check your understanding of the concepts.
4. Homework assignments will be taken from the exercises and problems at the end of
each chapter. I will assign exercises and problems at the start of each chapter, and
they will be due 2 days before the chapter/unit test. Each answer is worth one point.
(example: 2 a, b, c = 3 pts)
5. Labs are worth 30 points, 15 for the lab and 15 for the report.
6. Tests will be given for chapters or a unit, as listed on the back. An exam may include
one chapter or several chapters. Study you notes, homework questions, labs, and
vocabulary. I will provide a study guide before every exam. Be prepared to use
concepts in new situations than given in class.
Due to the conceptual nature of this class, asking questions is very important. It is often
easier to complete a math equation (assured of a “correct” answer), than actually
understanding a process or idea. There will be many examples given in class that
explain an idea. You will be expected to extrapolate that understanding to new
situations.
Schedule on reverse side
Units: Fall Semester
I. Mechanics:
Chapter 1 & 2 – Science & Newton’s 1st Law
Chapter 3 – Linear motion
Chapter 4 – Newton’s 2nd Law of motion
Chapter 5 – Newton’s 3rd Law of motion & vectors
Chapter 6 – Momentum
Chapter 7 – Energy (w/project)
Chapter 8 – Rotational motion
Chapters 9 & 10 – Gravity; Projectile & Satellite Motion
1st semester final exam
Units: Spring Semester
II. Properties of matter:
Chapters 11 & 12 – The atomic nature of matter & Solids
Chapters 13 & 14 – Liquids, Gases & Plasma
III. Heat
Chapters 15 & 16 – Temperature, Heat, and Expansion; Heat transfer
Chapters 17 & 18 – Change of Phase & Thermodynamics
IV. Sound:
Chapter 19 - 21 – Vibrations, Waves, and Sound
V. Electricity & Magnetism:
Chapter 22 & 23 – Electrostatics & Electric current (w/Project)
Chapters 24 & 25 – Magnetism & Electromagnetic induction
VI. Light:
Chapters 26 & 27 – Properties of light & color
Chapters 28 – Reflection and Refraction
VII. Quantum theory, Atomic and Nuclear Physics (no exam)
VIII. Relativity (no exam)
2nd semester final exam
(Updated Fall 2014)