The Physics of Everyday Phenomena
Free
About this course
Course Title: The Physics of Everyday Phenomena Teacher: Ms. Kirsten Song
Phone:(626) 919-2000 E-mail: ksong@michaelt293.sg-host.com
Course Overview
Physics is an advanced level science course that includes mathematics to describe how our world functions. All students are required to have a base level mathematics knowledge for this course. This course will delve into matter and energy, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, and electric charges. Students will be required to use their critical thinking skills to formulate their own experimental paper and work on it for the duration of the term.
| Course Aims | Course Objectives |
The aim of this course is to enable the students to:
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The objectives of this course are:
Objectives A (Thinking like a physicist) *Describe physics concepts verbally, graphically, and mathematically *Apply classical conservation laws to derive and understand physics principles Objectives B (Becoming a researcher) *Come up with your own research topic that relates to the prompt *Be able to respect deadlines and be on time *Understand the key components that go into creating a research paper |
Assessment
We will have in-class assessments designed to reflect our learning activities. Assessments will include weekly/bi-weekly quizzes, end of unit exams, classwork, and one term long research paper.
Required materials
Spiral notebook with lined paper (must be college ruled) / Pencil / Pen / Calculator / Laptop
Textbooks and Resources
Griffith, W. T., & Brosing, J. W. (2009). The Physics of Everyday Phenomena: A Conceptual Introduction to Physics (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Grading/Assessment:
| Percentage | |
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 80-89.5 |
| C | 70-79.5 |
| D | 60-69.5 |
| F (Fail) | 59 and below |
Approximate expectations for assignments and assessments:
Grading consists of quizzes, exams, classwork, bell ringers/exit tickets, and a term-long project. No homework (unless needed) will be given.
Exams will be given after each consecutive unit and will last the entire class period. Quizzes will be given on a weekly-biweekly basis and will be simple. If you listen in class, you will have no problem with these and will take ~15 minutes. Exams will consist of defining terms, mathematical problems, along with short answers and open ended questions. The exams and quizzes will not be multiple choice. Everything that requires an explanation must be in complete sentences. Incomplete sentences will not be graded.
The term-long research project will be assigned within the two weeks of school. Students will have certain days during the week to work on this project in class. The goal of this project is to think beyond physics and into the real world depending on the student’s perspective in life. Students will be able to choose their topic, as long as it is approved by the teacher. There will be multiple check in days where the student will meet with the teacher to make sure they are on track. This paper will consist of a self-assigned topic, project introduction, background research and/or visions for the future, results, and an abstract.
Classwork will be turned in on the same day and will be used to improve on the material we are going over that day or week. Any papers turned in must be neat and not crumpled. Any unneat papers will not be accepted.
Parent Notification:
All assignments and quizzes/test grades will be available on ALMA. Parents can also email ksong@michaelt293.sg-host.com for any questions regarding students’ performance in class.
Late Work/Redo’s:
No late assignments will be accepted. Late work will only be accepted in the case of an excused absence which must be made ahead of the day. Students will have as many days as they were absent to make up the work. It is the job of the student to find out what work they have missed, either through email or in person.
Re-test policy: Students must prove that steps have been taken to prepare, improve and grow from the experience that will allow an opportunity to re-do the test. Students must ask permission from the teacher to retake a test and it will be upon the discretion of the teacher to grant the request.
Attendance/Tardiness:
All classes at South Hills Academy follow student handbook policies and guidelines.
Student Behavior Expectations:
All students are expected to help create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning for all participants. Behavior that disrupts teaching and learning is unacceptable; accordingly, all face-to-face or online interaction should be civilized, respectful, and relevant to the topic.
Academic Integrity:
Honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals in accordance with South Hill Academy.
Cell Phone Expectations:
No cell phones allowed.