Principles of Physics--Syllabus

Principles of Physics

1. Course Description:
Principles of Physics aims to give the 9th grade student a solid background in physical science and earth science concepts. As the first required science course for high school students, it has no prerequisite. Principles of Physics is a year-long course that will cover the topics listed below.

Objectives to be covered include:
-Stars and electromagnetic energy
-Mass, gravity, orbits
-Water in the environment
-Atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere
-Climate and weather patterns
-Weathering and erosion
-Plate tectonic theory
-Relative and real dating techniques
-Weather prediction
-Characteristics and motions of objects in the universe

-Energy transfer
-Energy sources
-Electromagnetic spectrum
-Conductors and insulators
-Kinetic and potential energy
-Mass, velocity, work, acceleration, speed, momentum, power, efficiency, inertia
-Simple machines
-Magnetic fields
-Electric currents
-Newton's Laws of Motion

2. Instructional Philosophy:
Course material will be read aloud and discussed in class. Students will have assignments almost every day. They will be given some time in class to work on assignments, in case they have questions. There will be some partner and group work. Some hands-on activities will be done in the classroom, and for others, students will go to the science lab. Students must pass a lab safety test and wear proper clothing and shoes before they will be allowed to participate in lab activities.

Grading will be based on Tests (1/4), Daily Assignments (1/2), and Participation (1/4). Tests will be mainly objective rather than essay. Daily assignments are due the same day if time allows, or at the beginning of the next class period. Late assignments will be graded at half credit, or students may make up the work in PATHS for 80% credit. Participation grades are based on attendance, bringing materials (text, paper, and pencil) every day, participation in activities and discussion, and behavior that does not violate classroom rules. The participation grade is worth 5 points per day, all or nothing.

3. Major Course Goals:
Students will understand the following principles:
--Changes in properties and states of matter provide evidence of the atomic theory of matter.
--Energy has a source, can be stored, and can be transferred, but is conserved within a system.
--The motion of an object is described by its change in position relative to another object or point.
--Forces affect motion.
--Earth's systems (geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) have common components and unique structures.
--Earth's systems (geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) interact with one another as they undergo change by common processes.
--Human activity is dependent upon and affects Earht's resources and systems.
--The universe has observable properties and structure.
--Regular and predictable motions of objects in the universe can be described as the result of gravitational forces.
--Science understanding is developed through the use of science process skills, scientific knowledge, scientific investigation, reasoning, and critical thinking.
--The nature of technology can advance,and is advanced by, science as it seeks to apply scientific knowledge in ways that meet human needs.
--Historical and cultural perspectives of scientific explanations help to improve understanding of the nature of science and how science knowledge and technology evolve over time.
--Science and technology affect, and are affected by, society

4. A+ Core Competencies:
*Students will apply Newton's three laws of motion to explain everyday phenomena.
*Students will assess strategies to limit human impact on resources and the environment.
*Students will explain how the earth's axial tilt affects temperature, seasons, and intensity of sunlight.

During instruction, students will discuss the core competency material, complete a study guide, and take a quiz on the competencies. They should pass at 90%, or may be required to take the quiz over again until 90% is reached.

5. Major Course Projects and Instructional Activities:
A science project worth 200 points will be assigned during 3rd Quarter. Students may choose to work with a partner on the project.

First semester, students will use an earth science text, and switch to the physics text after the earth science objectives are covered.

Second semester, students will use formulas to calculate work, energy, power, mass, speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum, efficiency, and inertia, as well as construct graphs.

6. Classroom Expectations:
*Be on time and in assigned seat when the bell rings
*Have book, pencil, and paper ready. If not, students will not earn the participation points for that day
*No gum, candy, food, or drink is allowed in the classroom
*Work not turned in at the beginning of class on the day after it is due will be graded for half credit

7. Supplies and Materials Needed:
Notebook/paper, pencil/pen, assigned text, calculator, science project board (3rd Quarter)

8. Homework Policy and Grading Scale:
*Most work is due the day it is assigned, as time is allowed in class.
*Work not turned in at the beginning of class the day after it is due will be graded for half credit.
*Assignments with grades under 60% may be done again in PATHS to be graded at 80% credit (per PATHS policy).
*Very few, if any, bonus points are offered during the year.

GRADING SCALE
100-97.....A
96-93.......A-
92-90.......B+
89-85.......B
84-82.......B-
81-78.......C+
77-71.......C
68-70......C-
67-66......D+
65-63......D
62-60......D-
59-0........F

9. Extra Help:
The school PATHS program operates from 3:00-5:00 each afternoon, Monday-Thursday. Science day is on Tuesday.

With advance notice, I can stay after school from 3:00-4:00 most days if a student needs individual help on a specific topic. This is not to sit with them while they do homework.

10. Time and Place to be Reached by Parents:

Telephone: (573) 562-7521
Plan Time: 9:09-9:59, 2nd hour
Email: kcureton@westco.k12.mo.us