Physics I Syllabus

Mrs. Spence. John Marshall HS

Physics I is a course designed for high school students in the 11th, or

12th grade. Topics studied include kinematics (motion), forces, energy,
momentum, heat, electricity & magnetism, waves & optics, fluid mechanics
and atomic/particle physics. The course is supported by an interactive,
inquiry-based laboratory environment where students gain hands-on
experience with the concepts being studied. The content of this course is
derived from multiple sources, including the SAT Subject Test in physics.
To access my website:
Classroom Expectations
In summary:
1.) Possess a positive attitude and be honest and proactive about getting extra
help when needed.
2.) Complete all assignments in the time allotted, unless prior arrangements
have been made.
3.) Be present during class, both mentally and physically. Arrive on time.
Maintain focus and effort. Contribute to classroom discussions.
4.) Do your own work. Cheating, copying or plagiarism will result in a zero and
notification of a parent or guardian.
5.) Treat all staff, students, equipment and furniture appropriately and
respectfully. Notify a teacher if you feel that you are not being treated this way.
6.) Adhere to all school rules policies and procedures.

Typical Classroom Day

The times listed at the end of the paragraph are the maximum amount of
time that will be spent (typically) on each phase. Lab days and designated
project days will not follow this outline.
1.) Beginning of Class: Please enter the room in an orderly fashion
and begin working on the warm-up, or your chosen work if you are
finished with the warm-up. Write down any questions that you
have. (No more than 10mins)
2.) Question and Answer Section: After passing your work to the
front of the row for collection, we will address any questions about
the work or material. During this time we will introduce a new topic
and provide you with a chance to discuss what you might think it is,
or how it may work. (No more than 10mins)

3.) Presentation/Activity/Instruction: During this time I will

introduce the new topic, or reinforce an old one. This will be done
via a variety of methods; on the whiteboard, a slideshow
presentation, demonstration, activity, or good old fashion talking.
During this time it is advised that you take notes and write down
questions (to be addressed at the end of class). Any notes taken by
you are available for your use on class tests. (No more than
25mins)
4.) End of Class: If there is any time left in the class period it is for
you to work on any worksheets, class activities, or homework
assigned, or ask any questions that may have cropped up during the
presentation section.
General Procedures:
1.) Homework is passed to the front of the row to be collected.
2.) All homework, activities, or worksheets currently due will be listed on the
left hand side of the whiteboard, and the class website.
3.) Chosen Work is work that you decide to do. You may work any problem
from any of the physics text books on the bookshelf and turn it in. Three of
these problems can replace any one problem that I have assigned you. Ten
of these problems can replace any non-test grade entirely. Chosen work
cannot be a sample or example problem, you may only submit each problem
once, and all problems have to be hand written (including the question).
Chosen Work can only improve your grade, never lower it.
4.) Exams are closed book, but open notes. Only articles handwritten by you
personally are considered notes.
Grades
* Activities/Homework/Warmups
30%
* Quizzes/Tests
30%
*Labs/Projects
30%
*Participation/Behavior
10%
Instructor goals, strategies for student success, course calendar, and more
can be found on the course webpage by scanning the QR-code above or via
this URL: http://myrules1.weebly.com/