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Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
My Philosophy:
I hear, I forget
I see, I remember
I do, I understand
Lao Tse
Course Description:
This is a one-year survey course in physics. Students need only an average ability in
mathematics; we will apply the principles of algebra and right angle trigonometry extensively
throughout the year. The primary emphasis is the understanding and application of
principles, which underlie a broad range of natural phenomena, experience in everyday life.
Understanding science allows you to make informed decisions, rather than relying on others
to think for you. In this course you will learn and apply problem-solving strategies that can be
utilized throughout your lifetime. In addition we will learn the physics of motion, sound, light
and electricity.
Course Goals:
This course is designed to help students achieve the following major goals:
1. To acquire an understanding of some basic concepts within physics, which can be used to
explain the natural phenomena that we encounter in our daily lives though observation, news
media, journals and magazines, etc.
2. To become aware of and practice using the methods by which scientific knowledge evolve.
Such as, developing the ability to ask questions and to obtain solutions to these questions by
use of intuition, experimental investigation and formal logic.
3. To understand the connections of physics to other disciplines and social issues.
Course Objectives:
This course will develop student’s abilities in the following areas:
1. Understand, and interpret physical information; verbal, mathematical and graphical
2. Describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical
phenomenon or problem; that is:
a. Describe the idealized model to be used in the analysis, including simplifying
assumptions where necessary.
b. State the principles or definitions that are applicable.
c. Specify relevant limitations on applications of these principles.
d. Carry out the steps of the analysis, verbally, mathematically or graphically.
3. Use basic mathematical reasoning – arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, or trigonometric – in
physical situations or problems.
4. Perform experiments and interpret the results.
Course Instructional and Assessment Methodology:
As in any applied science course, the degree to which a student can solve problems, either
qualitatively or quantitatively, describes the degree that the student truly understands the
concepts. Thus assessment is based upon the student’s ability to solve problems in a variety
of situations. This will include, but not be limited to homework, pencil and paper tests,
laboratory investigations and projects. Both homework and pencil and paper tests require the
students ability to solve word problems. It is essential that the student document in their
solution all steps as partial credit will be rewarded based upon the development of the
problem solving strategy. Laboratory reports and projects are predominantly open-ended,
requiring the student to design, implement and interpret results.
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 1 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
We will be using a guided inquiry approach to learning physics, meaning you will be guided
in your investigations of physics principles and concepts. In a typical unit of study we will
begin with some investigations that allow you to explore and explain some physical
phenomena. In conjunction with these investigations you will be reading sections in your
textbook that elaborate on your investigations. These activities will be followed by a lecture
were we will discuss your observations and extend your understanding to solve real world
problems. After a lecture you will be given some practice problems were we apply these
concepts to sample problems. Once you have had a chance to practice, we can answer any
questions and then continue onto the next investigation. This cycle will repeat until we have
completed our unit of study. Each of these units of study includes a set of homework
problems that must be completed and passed in on the day of the unit assessment. It is
recommended that you work on these problems throughout the unit so that you can seek
extra help if necessary.
Student Expectations:
To be successful in this or any course will require you to apply yourself. The extent to
which you do so will have a direct impact on your overall understanding of the principles,
your grade and your level of enjoyment. The material in this course is cumulative, something
you don’t learn in the beginning will cause you trouble later on in the course. If you don’t
understand something, you need to get it straightened out right away. Make good use of your
class time. The investigations you will be conducting can all be completed during your class
time. Being prepared and participating in class will make the other activities such as
homework go much faster. Learn from your mistakes; if you are not successful then try
something else.
If you miss a class, make certain that you are aware of the material covered and what
assignments are are due. This can be done by contacting me, a classmate or checking our
website. Being absent does not mean that you are not responsible for any assignments given
or due. On the contrary, any assignments that were given while you were absent are due
when you return to school. If you are absent for an extended period, more than three or four
days, you will have two days for each day absent to make up that work. It is your
responsibility to make arrangements with me to get any materials that were missed or to
complete any investigations that were done. If you will be absent due to a school-related
event, any assignment given is due when you return to class.
Learning and success in any course is ultimately your responsibility. My
responsibility as a teacher is to facilitate that learning. One tried and true method used to
learn something new is to keep a notebook. As such, each of you will keep a separate, spiral
or three-ring bound, notebook for this course. In that notebook you will keep, in
chronological order, your analysis of reading assignments, notes taken during class and
practice assignments.
Each reading assignment needs to be done before the associated lecture. This
includes your analysis of the reading; reference the Reading Assignment section for specific
details. The reading assignment should be done in conjunction with the laboratory
investigations. A typically laboratory investigation might take a few periods to complete, This
will give you a few days to complete the reading assignment. Please remember that reading
a textbook is not like reading a novel, it takes effort to comprehend the material.
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 2 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
Taking notes during a lecture, class discussion or while reading is a very important
part of learning. Writing something in your own words helps you to process the information
and allows you to relate the new material to existing knowledge. During a lecture or class
discussion, try to capture the main concepts being discussed; usually the instructor in some
way highlights these. Don’t attempt to document what is said word-for-word, there isn’t
enough time and it’s not an effective strategy.
Practice assignments, like any practice, is an opportunity for you to identify and
correct any weakness or refine your skills. These assignments will be given after a lecture
and must be done in your notebook. Practice is your opportunity to find out where you might
need some additional information or help refining your skills. There will be time in class to
answer any questions you have on these assignments, however you must have work to
show that you attempted the problems.
Homework assignments, like practice assignments, are intended to reinforce the
concepts you learned and to highlight where additional practice might be necessary. These
assignments aid you in becoming proficient in applying the concepts being studied. Unlike
practice assignments, homework is collected and graded at the end of each unit. These
assignments must be completed using the prescribed problem solving procedure. Reference
the section on Homework Assignments for specifics.
Grading Policy:
The grading is accomplished using a simple point system, where each assignment or
assessment has a certain amount of points that are awarded based upon the student’s
performance. The student’s grade is derived by determining the percentage of points they
earned as compared to the total number of points available. Due to the limited data set,
grades are not curved.
Each unit typically includes homework, laboratory investigations, and a formal assessment.
The homework is valued based upon the number of problems given, with each word problem
being worth three points and each short answer question being worth one point. All
laboratory reports are worth fifty points unless otherwise noted. The formal assessment is
typically worth the combined points of the homework and laboratories for a given unit.
The quarterly projects are worth about twenty percent of the total number of points awarded
in a given marking period.
All laboratory investigations, quarterly projects and reports are due on or before the assigned
due date. The student’s score will be reduced by ten percent of the total points available for
that assignment for each school day the assignment is late, there are no exceptions.
Homework Assignments:
The homework assignments are due on the day of the unit assessment, unless otherwise
noted by the instructor. You must bring your completed homework assignment to class with a
total score indicated in order to receive credit. You are awarded credit based upon the
number of problems that were completed. To compute you homework grade, give yourself
one point for each question and three points for each problem completed. In order to receive
credit for a problem you must show all of your work, using the prescribed problem solving
methodology. No credit will be given if the prescribed problem solving procedure is not
followed. The student will receive full credit if they have attempted the problem, have work to
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 3 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
show their effort and can explain their reasoning. You don’t need the correct answer to
receive credit. There is no partial credit on homework problems. If you didn’t attempt a
problem and/or complete all of the parts for a problem, you receive no credit for that problem.
All homework assignments must be completed on loose-leaf paper so that they can be
handed in. No credit is given to homework assignments completed late, no exceptions.
Laboratory Investigations and Reports:
The laboratory investigations are contained is an activity guide provided by your teacher.
These activities are intended to allow the student to explore the concepts being investigated
in order to gain a physical sense of the phenomenon. They allow the student to develop a
hypothesis, create an experiment to explore that hypothesis and draw conclusion from their
observations.
If a student is absent when an investigation is done they must make it up before or after
school. Students are not allowed to copy the data collected by their peers; this is considered
plagiarism and will be dealt with as such.
Students will hand their activity guides on the next class period after the investigations are
completed. During each term the student will also complete one formal laboratory report. The
formal report is an inquiry activity centered around one of the principles or concepts being
investigated. This report must be type written and is due within one week or as otherwise
noted by your teacher. A rubric is available that outlines the specific requirements on our
website.
Reading Assignments:
The chapters in the text are divided into sections around specific topics or concepts. The
reading assignment will only cover those concepts that will be discussed in class or have
been investigated in the laboratory activities. You should read each section and complete the
analysis, effectively a simple outline, in your notebook. Provided are the steps to follow for
each section in the reading assignment.
1. In a few words provide a description of the section
2. D.E.C. the content of each section by providing each of the following. This should give
you enough information about the concept when completing homework assignments and
or preparing for a test.
Definition of the concept, this can be both written and mathematical. Make sure to include
all assumptions and limitations.
Example of the concept, this can be a physical example of the concept and/or a sample
problem.
Connections to other areas of physics we have studied, or other classes
3. Write down questions about something that needs to be clarified or something that is of
interest that you would like more information.
The reading assignment will be checked before each lecture, they are worth five points each.
Projects or Special Assignments:
These assignments are due on or before the specified date. It is the student’s responsibility
to insure that their assignments are passed in a timely fashion. Being absent is not an
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 4 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
acceptable excuse for handing an assignment in late. There is typically one project assigned
during each term.
Extra Credit:
There are no special extra credit projects or assignments. On occasion extra credit
assignments will be given which are optional.
Cheating and/or Plagiarism:
Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student suspected of cheating or
plagiarizing will loose all credit for that assignment or assessment, no exceptions. The
student will not have an opportunity to make up this work, no exceptions.
In the case that you have copied an assignment from another student, both students will
receive no credit for that assignment.
In the case that you have copied a phrase, sentence or paragraph from another source, such
as an Internet site or book, you will receive no credit for that assignment.
In the case that you have copied a phrase, sentence or paragraph from another source and
changed a few words, you will receive no credit for that assignment.
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 5 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
To ensure that science experiments are safe, positive learning experiences, students
and parents should read, discuss, and sign this science safety rules and procedures
agreement. The student and science teacher should each keep a signed, dated copy.
1. Never work in the laboratory without adult supervision.
2. Act in a responsible manner at all times. No horseplay or fooling around will be
tolerated in lab areas.
3. Perform only the experiments as directed. Do not do anything, which is not part of
an approved experimental procedure. Follow all instructions given by your teacher
or supervisor.
4. Report all accidents, and/or injuries to your teacher or supervisor IMMEDIATELY.
5. Be prepared to do the lab. Read the procedures to ensure proper understanding.
Ask if you have questions.
6. Wear appropriate, protective equipment: goggles, gloves, and/or aprons when
needed.
7. Know locations and operation of emergency equipment: fire extinguisher, blanket,
eyewash, shower, gloves, and first aid supplies. Know what to do in case of an
emergency.
8. Wear covered shoes (no sandals). Clothing should not be floppy as some is
flammable.
9. Tie back long hair to keep it away from flames and chemicals.
10. Never taste or smell a chemical unless instructed otherwise (in some cases it is
necessary to smell something).
11. Turn off heat source whenever you are not using it. Never operate it unattended.
12. Treat bums immediately by putting burned area under cold water for 15 minutes.
13. Clean up all spills immediately using appropriate equipment or material. This
includes water.
14. Treat all chemicals with the respect they deserve. Know the hazards before you
handle material.
15. Wash off chemicals splashed or spilled on your skin immediately for 15 minutes.
Remove contaminated clothes immediately.
16. Never return unused reagents to the reagent bottle. Take only what you need.
Don't contaminate the reagents.
17. Dispose of chemicals properly. Follow directions given. Containers are available
for broken glass.
18. Never take chemicals, supplies or equipment out of the classroom.
19. Clean your lab area, put away materials, and wash you hands at the end of the
lab.
20. Eating or drinking is not allowed in the work area. Eating is limited to approval of
the teacher outside of the lab area.
21. List your allergies or other medical problems on the bottom of this page. If the
experiment deals with something to which you are allergic, consult with your
teacher or supervisor prior to the activity.
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 6 8/9/09
Course Outline, Student Expectations, Class Policies
& Science Safety Contract
OUR AGREEMENT
I promise to provide a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence.
I will provide timely feedback on all assignments and assessments in order that you can
identify and correct any problems or issues promptly. I will be available to support your
learning and provide encouragement.
_____Mr.Gregorian-Michaelsen__
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen
I have read the “Course Outline, Class Policies & Science Safety Contract” and
understand what is expected of me in order to be successful. I understand, and agree to
follow the science safety rules and procedure. I will put in an honest effort and ask
questions or seek assistance when necessary.
______________________________
Student Name
______________________________
Signature & Date
I have read the “Course Outline, Class Policies & Science Safety Contract” and will
support and encouragement my child to succeed.
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Name
______________________________
Signature & Date
List any allergies or medical problems that your teacher should be aware of:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Mr. Gregorian-Michaelsen 7 8/9/09
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