Mr

Mr. Poley Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

michael.poley@hies.org 2011 – 2012 School Year

(404) 303-2150 ext. 855 Fall Semester

AP Physics C Syllabus

Text

Course Description

AP Physics C is a course designed to help prepare students to take the AP Physics C exams administered by the College Board on Monday, May 14, 2012. At the end of the course, the student should be able to interpret and discuss physical data, proceed through the analytical steps in describing physical phenomena and problems, use mathematical tools to interpret and solve physical situations, and perform and interpret laboratory exercises to illuminate physical ideas. The course covers topics in mechanics including forces, motion, energy, momentum, and rotational motion, and topics in electricity and magnetism, including static electric forces and energy, circuits, magnetic forces, and electromagnetism. The course uses calculus in some of the mathematical treatments of topics. For the fall semester, the units, with an approximate timeline, are as follows:

I. Motion in a Line and in Two and Three Dimensions. 3 weeks. Chapters 2, 3, 4.

II. Newton’s Laws of Motion. 3 weeks. Chapters 5, 6.

III. Work, Energy, Power. 2 weeks. Chapters 7, 8.

IV. Momentum. 2 weeks. Chapter 9.

V. Circular Motion, Rotation. 2 ½ weeks. Chapters 10, 11.

VI. Oscillation, Gravitation. 2 ½ weeks. Chapters 13, 15.

Expectations and Grading

You are going to be in a challenging course, and meeting this challenge will take conscientiousness on your part. You are literate and competent to read, understand, and write about the information presented, both in the textbook, in the classroom presentations, and in the laboratory activities. You provide your own motivation for being here and learning. When textbook reading assignments are given, you will read thoughtfully and completely. Class time will be used for learning experiences, interaction, and questions. Questions not asked will be answered on your own. The grading scale is as follows:

Tests: weight of 10 Quizzes: Weight of 4

Informal lab reports: weight of 3 Formal lab reports: weight of 4

Class participation and preparation: a weight of 10

Homework average: a weight of 10

Semester final exam: 20% of overall grade

The final exam will be cumulative, covering material that was learned during the course of the semester. The final exam will be required for any student whose average at the time of the exam is below 75; this is in addition to the AP exam itself.

Classroom Behavior

Simply, you are expected to:

1) Demonstrate Respect for yourself, for the other students, for the school, and for your teacher. Specifically, some examples of this behavior include:

a. Be in your seat when the bell rings.

b. No conversation which disturbs anyone else, including the teacher

c. No moving of furniture or handling of equipment without the teacher’s consent.

2) Behave in a Scholarly Manner so that your learning experience and the learning experience of others around you may be useful to you. Specifically, some examples of this behavior include:

a. Bringing handouts, a pencil, either your laptop and charger or your book and calculator to class each day. You may not use class time to retrieve any of these items.

b. Participation in all class activities

c. Having your homework out when the tardy bell rings.

Integrity Code Violations

Just so there are no misunderstandings, integrity code violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Copying someone else’s lab report. Even though you will collect data with a partner, the report you submit must be your own work.

2) Copying someone else’s homework. I don’t mind if you work together on homework assignments, but you will learn nothing if you simply copy another’s answers.

3) Cheating off of someone else’s paper during a test or quiz. This also includes telling someone in another section or someone taking the test late what was on a particular test.

4) Lying about an absence or any other type of falsification of information.

Any indication of an integrity code violation will likely result in a formal discipline procedure as described in the student handbook. In general do not put yourself in any position where there is the possibility of inappropriate behavior.

Extra Help

I will be available normally after school until 4 p.m. except when I have appointments or meetings. If you are getting below an 80 on tests you should be getting help regularly. If you have an average that is below 75 you are required to use the tutorial period until your grade comes up. Come to me during this period to get help. I can occasionally be able to help students during lunch or before school. Check with me if you have a time conflict.

Assignment Submissions

Assignments turned in late without an excuse are downgraded by eight points per day. Missed assignments due to excused absences are re-scheduled on a one-on-one basis; you will have one day for each day missed to schedule a missed assignment. Missed assignments due to unexcused absences receive a grade of zero, and cannot be made up.

Food, Drinks, and Gum in Class

You may not consume food, drinks, or gum in the classroom. Any and all food and drink, including water bottles, must be in your backpack or bag, and remain there during the period.

Fire Drills

You will exit the lab, turn left, exit the rear of the hallway and proceed down the concrete ramp to Baker field. I will designate a “point” person that will lead the group (I have to check the hallway and doors). I will take roll when you get to the field. Do not wander off and chat with friends.

Tornado Drills

We will exit the room and try move to the boys’ and girls’ bathroom on the 300 Hall. Sit down with your back against the wall, and cover your head.

Electronic devices

Any personal electronic entertainment or cell phone must be left in your locker. You may not receive calls during class. Students that violate this rule will have their equipment confiscated for the day.

I have read and understood this syllabus: _________________ __________________

(student signature) (parent/guardian signature)