Course Disclosure - Physics
Instructor:
Email:
Phone Number:
School:
School Year:
Mr. Merrill
kumerrill@dsdmail.net
801-402-8800
Davis High School
2015-2016
Text:
Glencoe’s Physics: Principles and Problems by Paul W. Zitzewitz, Ph. D.
Found online at http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com User name and password are provided by the instructor.
Course Description:
Physics is a one-year course that promotes learning through discovery activities. The three main topics—
motion of objects, forces acting on objects, and energy--will be explored throughout the year. Students
will work individually and in small groups as they observe the principles of physics unfold through real life
scenarios and in laboratory settings. Real-life applications of the physics concepts will be the main daily
focus. Math will be incorporated almost daily in the understanding of the physics concepts.
Recommended Math: Secondary Math I with a C or better each term.
Supplies Needed:
Scientific Calculator
Graph Paper
Notebook or Line Paper and Pencil/Pen
Three ring binder or folder
Internet Access
$10 Lab Fee
Grading:
A: 93-100%
A-: 90-92%
B+: 86-89%
B: 83-85%
B-: 80-82%
C+: 76-79%
C: 73-76%
C-: 70-72%
D+: 66-69%
D: 63-66%
D-: 60-62%
F: Below 60%
Approximate Weight:
Tests/Quizzes
Assignments/Labs
40%
45%
Notes
Summaries
5%
5%
Class Participation
5%
Assignments:
An assignment calendar will be given at the beginning of each unit. The calendar will include assignments,
labs, readings, and test due dates. These calendars will be available online. There will be time provided in
class for students to work on assignments individually and in groups. Assignments should be completed
by the due date and turned in. Students will grade each other’s assignments. Assignments are meant to
give students practice mastering physics concepts. Students may compare answers and check their work
with their peers but they may not copy the answers/work of others. Portions of assignments that are not
finished in class will be homework. If students miss class or do not work on assignments in class, then the
amount of time working on assignments at home will increase. Makeup assignments for excused
absences are due within two school days of the absence for credit for all students.
1
Quizzes:
A quiz will be given periodically to check for student understanding. Quiz scores should be used by
student, parents and teacher to add in providing additional assistance for students that a deficiency in
fulfilling specific objectives. Quizzes are often indicative of student performance on unit tests therefore
students may retake quizzes up to one week from the original quiz date in order to remediate and show
mastery.
Laboratory:
This class consists of up to several labs or activities per quarter. The students will have the opportunity
and responsibility of working with equipment that may be expensive. Students are required to act
professionally during labs and respect the equipment. Monetary charges to repair or replace damaged
equipment due to student horseplay will be the responsibility of the student and parents/guardians.
All lab groups will be assigned by the teacher. Makeup labs for excused absences are due within one
week of the absence for credit for all students.
Tests
Three unit tests will be given each quarter. Each unit will be about three weeks long. Students should use
assignment and labs to practice fulfilling objectives. Quizzes should be used to check their understanding.
Unit tests are summative assessments and cannot be retaken. If students have a prearranged absence
he/she should take the test during the review day. The test reviews are available about one week prior to
the test. Makeup tests for excused absences are due within one week of the absence for credit for all
students. If students miss the review day, it is expected they print the review from my website and
prepare themselves to take the test on the test day. Missing the review day does NOT qualify the
students to take the test at a later date.
Absents/Late Work:
Absent work turned in as directed in the sections above will be eligible for full credit. If absent work is not
turned in the proper timeframe then the work will be treated as late. If you are in class during a test day,
you are required to take the test. No makeup assignments/tests will be accepted for unexcused
absences. For extended illnesses or other emergencies please make special arrangements with the
teacher for a makeup work schedule. The teacher reserves the right to accept or deny any or all late work
from any student. If late work is accepted, partial (up to 75%) credit will be given. No late work will be
accepted after two weeks from the original due date.
Loss of Credit
Cheating, copying assignments, quizzes, tests, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in a zero
score for that test, quiz, or assignment without the possibility for makeup credit. Unless explicitly
directed, students talking on or using any electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, tablets, music players)
during testing, assignments, labs or quiz time will receive zero credit for that activity.
Security for curriculum integrity is paramount; the teacher reserves the right to cut any or all credit for
any assignment, lab, quiz, test, or any other activity of a given student if the teacher feels, believes or has
suspicion that the student is not following the directions associated with class work.
Extra Credit
No student should hinge their success or failure in this course on extra credit. Few extra credit
opportunities will be presented each quarter. Students should be present and complete regular
assignments, quizzes, labs, summaries and tests. Students that have any missing assignments or have lost
credit as discussed in the Loss of credit section, are not eligible for any extra credit for that quarter. The
teacher reserves the right to eliminate extra credit opportunities for any or all students.
2
Classroom Rules:
Students will:
 Leave cell phones, audio and/or visual players, games, food, and gum at home or in their
backpack while in the classroom. All electronics should be turned off. Drinking water in an
enclosed container is acceptable in the classroom area, but not in the lab.
 Be respectful in action and speech, and not talk while the teacher or another student is
speaking.
 Be responsible by coming to class prepared and on time. Please do not disrupt the class with
tardiness. Twenty extra credit points will be given to students with zero late marks, and ten
extra credit points will be given to students with only one late mark at the end of the
quarter.
 Be honest by completing their own work and abstaining from cheating, coping, and stealing.
 Observe school rules and procedures as expressed in the Student Handbook.
 Hall passes are for emergencies only. Take care of bathroom, drinking fountain, phone calls,
etc. before class starts. Two hall passes will be allotted to each student per quarter. They are
worth ten extra credit points each at the end of the quarter if unused.
Citizenship:
Your citizenship grade is based on honesty, attendance, punctuality, and conduct.
Honesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating will bring an automatic “U” and a score of zero.
Attendance
Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class period. You are expected to attend every class session.
Choosing not to attend is choosing to fail. Truancy will result in an automatic “U”.
Tardiness
1 or 2 tardies in a term will result in a warning, 3 tardies will result in an “N”, and 4 tardies will result in a
“U”.
Conduct
You are expected to conduct yourself at all times in a manner consistent with the guiding principle.
Students that are respectful, responsible and honest, and follow both class and school rules will receive an
“S”.
Students who demonstrate exemplary conduct beyond the simple task of following class and school rules,
but also strive to make the learning experience positive for themselves and others, may receive an “H”.
Conferences/Meetings are encouraged when needed. Contact me by email or the main office (801-402-8800)
for appointments.
3