John H. Reagan High School 713-861-5694
www.jhreagan.org
Enabling our students to realize great heights
Pre-AP Physics
Course Syllabus 2011–2012
Instructor: Ms. Amanda Flocke Email:eflocke@houstonisd.org Room: A201
Tutorials: Tues. & Thurs. until 5:00 Conference: Mon. through Fri. 2:50-3:40
Course Overview
This course is a comprehensive survey of physics that explores the history and
theory of the discipline through laboratory experimentation and practical
application. Pre-AP physics is for students who have an interest in science and
engineering. This course will provide a thorough preparation for most AP and
freshman-level college physics courses. Topics covered include kinematics,
dynamics, conservation laws, gravitation, projectile motion, vectors, wave
properties, magnetism, electricity, optics. Pre-AP physics places a great
emphasis on mathematics and creative problem solving.
General Expectations
Students are expected to:
1. Be on time.
Physically in your seat BEFORE the bell rings
2. Be on task.
Listening attentively and taking notes
Actively participating in discussions, labs and group assignments
3. Be prepared.
Arrive to class with all necessary materials
Complete all reading and/or homework the no later than night before class
4. Be respectful.
Respect others’ views and feelings
Respect school and personal property
RESPECT YOURSELF!
Required Texts/Materials
Text: Serway, R. and Faughn, J. (2002). Physics, Texas Edition. Holt, Rinehart
and Winston. (Books will be provided in class.)
Supplies (due by Monday, Aug. 29):
Composition notebook
Blue or black ink pens
#2 Pencils
Colored pencils
Pencil sharpener that collects shavings
3x5 note cards with a storage box
OPTIONAL ear buds
OPTIONAL A donation of ONE of the following: Package of glue sticks,
Kleenex, hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand soap (You will receive three
points on the second quiz for your donation.)
Course Outline
First Semester Second Semester
1. Review 5. Mechanics IV
Laboratory safety Fluid mechanics
Math skills - buoyant force
- significant figures - fluid pressure and
- scientific notation temperature
- algebraic equations - fluids in motion
SI measurement - properties of gas
- accuracy vs. precision Heat
- unit conversion - thermal equilibrium
- measurement tools - phase changes
Graphing - controlling heat
- independent vs. dependant
variables 6. Thermodynamics
- recording data Heat and work
- graphical analysis - first law of thermodynamic
Scientific processes - second law of
- scientific method thermodynamics
- design process - entropy
- communicating results and
conclusions
7. Vibrations and Waves
2. Mechanics I
Harmonic motion
Kinematics
- springs
- velocity
- pendulums
- acceleration
- amplitude, period and
- vectors
frequency
Dynamics
Properties of waves
- Newtonian motion
- wave motion, types and
- projectile motion interference
- gravitation - sound waves
3. Mechanics II 8. Electromagnetism
Work and energy Optics
- machines
Static and current electricity
- power
Electric forces fields
4. Mechanics III Currents and circuits
Linear momentum Magnetic fields and forces
- conservation of momentum Electromagnetic induction
- elastic and inelastic
collisions
Rotational motion
- angular momentum
- tangential and centripetal
acceleration
- torque rotation and
inertia
Grading
Tests/Projects 40%
Labs 25%
Quizzes 20%
Daily Work 15%
Retest Procedures
If you earn below a 75% on any test in this class, you have the opportunity to
come to tutorials to receive extra help and retest. The highest grade you will
be able to receive is a 75%. If you are absent on testing day, you must come in
for tutorials in order to make up the test.
Late/Missing Work
Late assignments will be deducted 5 points from the final grade for each class
day the assignment is late (for a maximum of 25 points per week). Please seek
help at tutorials if you have difficulty with the work or is special
circumstances arise.
Projects
Pre-AP physics students are required to complete at least two major group
projects and two major individual projects this year. These project emphasize
real world problem-solving abilities, collaboration and communication skills.
Project information sheets and rubrics will be sent home as projects are
assigned.
Communication
I strongly encourage communication with my students, especially if they are
struggling with their homework. Students may call me before 9:30 pm for help or
clarification. I will also accept texts. No block calls or texts will be
answered. If I do not pick up, please leave a message with your name, phone
number or I will NOT call you back. I also encourage parents to call if they have
any questions on their child’s performance. We are all a team reaching towards
the same goal: the student’s mastery of the course. I am also happy to
communicate via email, which is at the top of my syllabus.
Ms. Flocke’s phone number:_________________________________
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