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“The world is charged with the grandeur of God.”

“The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” - Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J.

St. John the Evangelist Interparochial School

Department of Science

HS Physics 2015-2016 Academic Year

Mr. Michael Szopiak Room H1 [email protected] (225) 687-3056

Course Website: mszopiak.weebly.com

COURSE OVERVIEW

Welcome to our physics course! I am excited to begin working with you on this journey toward understanding the fascinating universe. The study of physics focuses on the principles that govern the working of the world around us – it is our task to see this world anew in order to discover these wonders with awe and gratitude. We will uncover many aspects of the universe’s beautiful simplicity, while also growing to appreciate its complexity of expression in the world. Our study will push us to understand and explore the application of these principles through collaborative activities and problem-based learning, so your active participation is critical! Since science classes often build off of one another,

you are expected to be familiar with topics to which you have already been exposed – chemistry, biology, and especially physical science. This course will build heavily off of your prior knowledge of mathematics, also integrating concepts you will be learning concurrently, in order to solve physical equations. Students are expected to already have a solid grasp of algebraic and geometric principles. Physics can offer challenging coursework, but the only requirements for success are a curious wonderment for the world around us, a willingness to learn, and sustained dedicated effort.

As you will experience this year, the study of physics can provide us with an opportunity to see the workings of this world, so full of wonders, with new eyes. So get excited for an amazing adventure – indeed, “the world is charged with the grandeur of God.”

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ASSIGNMENTS, ASSESSMENTS, AND GRADING

A student’s grade will be based upon the following criteria:

Assignment Percentage Grading Scale (see Handbook) Examinations 40% A : 93 - 100 Quizzes 25% B : 85 - 92 Lab Reports/Papers 15% C : 75 - 84 Homework 15% D : 67 - 74 Reading Checks 5% F : 0 - 66

The final semester grade will be calculated according to St. John policy, in which each nine weeks’ grade is worth 40% of the semester grade and the midterm/final exam is worth 20% of the semester grade.

Examinations (Tests & Performance Assessments): During each unit, students will complete a test that assesses their understanding of the concepts within the unit. In addition, at the end of many units, students will be tasked with completing a holistic unit performance assessment that gauges their comprehension and analysis of the unit’s central concept and the unit’s goal. The format of these performance assessments will vary throughout the year, but will generally encourage students to use different talents to engage the topics discussed in class.

Quizzes: At the end of most lessons (2-4 days each), students will complete a short 8-10 minute quiz in order

to assess how students are progressing in their attainment of (1) the lesson objective and (2) the unit goal unto that point. Quizzes will always be announced.

Lab Reports/ Papers: At the completion of laboratory investigations and some demonstrations, students will be

tasked with composing a written lab report. While students will work in groups for many of these investigations, each student is responsible for turning in his/her own lab report. In addition, occasionally throughout the year, students will be tasked with writing scientific responses and personal reflections to scientific articles.

Homework: Students should expect homework every night. Homework is due at the beginning of class and

must be neat, complete, and organized in order to receive credit. It will be checked every class period and must be on time. If homework is incomplete or not in a suitable condition to be turned in, students are required to have it neat, complete, and organized by the following class period (if this becomes habitual, a student may be required to meet with Mr. Szopiak after school to complete missed homework). On occasion, homework notebooks will be collected and selected problems will be graded for accuracy.

Reading Checks: At the beginning of most weeks, students will take a short reading check to ensure that they are

following along with readings in the textbook. These checks are not intended to assess mastery of the physics concepts, but rather to ensure students have familiarized themselves with the reading content.

**Please note that there is no extra credit; rather, students are given ample opportunities to demonstrate their continued learning and developing understanding through frequent assessments.

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COURSE LEARNER OUTCOMES & COURSE PLAN

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: ! Analyze physical phenomena in terms of physical theories and algebraic mathematical concepts in order to

conceptualize and solve physical problems. ! Construct conceptual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena to explain scientific

knowledge and experimental findings. ! Interpret self-collected data and experimental results in order to compose an evidence-based argument. ! Analyze directional motion kinematically (including on position, velocity, and acceleration) and dynamically

(including forces, energy, and momentum). ! Apply the law of conservation of energy in order to analyze the conversion and transfer of chemical, thermal,

mechanical, and electrical energy. ! Interpret light and electromagnetic wave phenomena as the interaction between energy and matter. ! Differentiate questions that lie within the realm of empirical inquiry and scientific knowledge from those

that do not.

The following is a projected annual plan for this course:

Principles of Motion in 1-Dimension 1st Quarter Principles of Motion in 2-Dimensions

Forces and their Effect on Particle Motion 2nd Quarter Properties and Applications of Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation Conservation of Energy: Transferring and Transforming Energy Vector Conservation of Momentum 3rd Quarter Principles of Wave Propagation and Interactions Properties of Electric Fields and Forces The Application of Electricity in Circuits 4th Quarter (The Interaction of Magnetism and Electricity)*

*Time permitting

ACADEMIC POLICIES Required Materials:

It is expected that students will have the following materials out on their desks at the start of class, beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.

Textbook: ! Physics. Serway and Faughn. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 2009. Supplies: ! One 1½ or 2-inch binder with 4 binder dividers ! College-ruled notebook paper (loose-leaf) ! One composition notebook ! Wood or mechanical pencils (and erasers) ! Personal graphing [preferred] or scientific calculator

NOTE: You may not share calculators on quizzes and examinations. ** In addition, all students are required to pay a $15 fee to help offset the cost of lab materials.

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Late Work: Assignments are considered late when they are not submitted at the beginning of class—i.e. when the bell rings—on the day the assignment is due.

! Homework is necessary practice for material we cover in class. Late homework is a severe detriment both short term and long term; accordingly, late homework is unacceptable. It must be completed for the following class period; if late homework becomes habitual for a student, he/she will be required to complete it after school with Mr. Szopiak on the day that it was missed.

! Should a student chose to submit a lab report or paper late, the assignment will be assessed a complete letter-grade deduction per day late.

Extensions for homework and reports/papers may be requested under reasonable circumstances. Homework extensions must be requested in writing prior to 8:00pm CST the day before it is due. Report or paper extensions must be requested in writing prior to 8:00pm CST two days before it is due. In either case, a written request (written note or email) must be neat and professional, and indicate: (1) the assignment, (2) the day it is currently due, (3) how long of an extension is being requested, and (4) the reasonable circumstances for the extension.

Absent Work: In accord with the Parent-Student Handbook, if a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to submit work missed during the absence and make up any missed work, outside of instructional class time. Students have three school days to make up any missed assignments; per school policy, “if this is not done within a three day period, students will receive a grade of the highest F or the actual grade earned, whichever is lower.”

Tardiness:

Students must be seated in their assigned seats when the tardy bell rings. If not, the student will be recorded as tardy and the student’s violation card will be marked.

Leaving the Room During Class: Students are expected to remain in the classroom throughout the entire class period. In the case of an urgent need to leave the classroom, a student will be required to carry a hall pass/teacher’s note with them. Students will have one bathroom pass for each quarter (excluding emergencies). Only one student is allowed outside the room at a time.

Academic Integrity: All forms of academic dishonesty (planned or incidental, including unacceptable use of materials or devices, cheating, sharing test questions or answers, and plagiarism) are serious offenses and violate the gospel values of self-discipline, respect, and honesty. Students found participating in inappropriate academic conduct will receive a zero on the specific assignment. Students should be aware that clearly adhering to class testing procedures is one important way to uphold one’s academic integrity.

**Students should also recognize that inappropriate academic conduct constitutes a major infraction of school policy; students are therefore also subject to the corresponding disciplinary penalties.

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CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

As young men and women at a Catholic high school, students are invited to see the classroom as a place to actively grow in Christian virtue. Classroom rules and expectations are based on this distinctive character formation of Catholic schools. Therefore, students are expected to advance and encourage the following rules in the classroom at all times:

Respect: Show respect for yourself and others in the classroom. Engagement: Engage and actively participate in the class and the coursework. Preparation: Come prepared and ready to learn. Integrity: Maintain integrity in all coursework. The Handbook: Adhere to all rules and regulations of the St. John Parent-Student Handbook.

Students have both the responsibility to model this behavior and the right to expect this behavior from their peers and their instructor. If a student chooses not to meet these expectations, proper disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with school policy. It is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents or guardians to read and understand all that is presented in the Parent-Student Handbook, particularly with respect to actions that merit disciplinary action. If a student chooses to do something that merits immediate removal from the classroom (i.e. repeated minor infractions or particular major infractions), that student is choosing to see an administrator.

ADDITIONAL HELP

Students are strongly encouraged to form study groups and to utilize outside resources to aid in their learning. In addition, I will often be available before school and after school in the classroom for extra help. I strongly encourage students to see me if they are struggling with a particular topic. Often, I will be available in my classroom before school, during lunch, and after school, but you can always set up a meeting via email, too. Mr. Szopiak’s class website can also be a valuable place to search for helpful links and additional materials. You can find it at: mszopiak.weebly.com. The expectations for this course are high and physics will require a curious mind and dedication, but I am excited to begin this exploration of the world with you.

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Please read the preceding syllabus, fill out the information below, and return this page only by Tuesday, August 11, 2015. If you have already completed the below information for another course, please simply sign at the bottom of the page. Student Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Primary Adult Contact(s): ________________________________________________________________ Relationship to Student: _________________________________________________________________________ Phone(s): ____________________________________________ Email(s): _____________________________________________ What is the best way to get in touch with you? _______________________________________________

For Students: Please spend a few minutes helping me get to know you: your likes and dislikes, your aspirations (for life and the course), your fears, etc. I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness! ___________________________________________

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For Parents/Guardians: I would also enjoy learning a little more about you (as well as your child)! Share anything you’d like, related to school or otherwise. I look forward to working with you throughout this year! ___________________________________________

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We have read the above class syllabus, and we understand and agree to it. Student signature: _____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian signature: ______________________________________________________________

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