Physics I Honors

2008 - 2009 Syllabus

Instructor


Course Description
This course is designed to help students analyze problems in the real world. Topics include mechanics, matter, waves, light, electricity and magnetism.  This course will challenge students to use critical thinking skills and principles of application in problem solving.

Course Objectives
To help students understand the fundamental concepts of physics and to show how physics applies to real-life problems.

Course Content
Physics Toolkit
Representing Motion
Accelerated Motion
Forces in One and Two Dimensions
Gravitational Interference
Momentum and Its Conservation
Energy, Work, and Simple Machines
Energy and Its Conservation
Thermal Energy
Vibrations and Waves
Sound
Light
Reflection and Mirrors
Refraction and Lenses
Interference and Diffraction
Static Electricity
Electric Fields
Current Electricity
Series and Parallel Circuits
Magnetic Fields

Materials Needed
Text: Physics: Principles and Problems, ISBN: 0078458137
Pens, Pencils, Erasers
Loose-leaf for turning in assignments
Notebook for taking notes

Assessment
Tests: Chapter tests will be given on a regular basis and will be announced.  Missed tests will be made up.
Quizzes: Announced and unannounced quizzes will be given throughout the course.  Missed quizzes will be made up.
Homework: Homework will be given on a regular basis.  Homework assignments will be collected and graded, and are to be turned in on the due date.  When a student is absent, the student is required to complete the homework assignment from the missed day.
Lab Reports/Projects: Laboratory experiments/projects will be conducted throughout the course, and reports will be due for each experiment/project.

Quarterly grades will be calculated as follows:
     Tests                           40 %
     Homework                   25 %
     Quizzes                       20 %
     Lab Reports/Projects    15 %

Policies in the students handbook will be upheld.  Respect for self and one another is expected at all times.  Students are expected to participate actively during each class.  As the instructor, I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus as I deem necessary.  I look forward to a great year!