Physics Syllabus

Fall '11 – Spring '12

This course will focus on the concepts and ideas related to vectors (addition, subtraction, and multiplication), kinematics, such as velocity, acceleration, and displacement, Newton’s three laws of motion, free-body diagrams, circular and rotational motion, torque, gravitational forces and celestial motions, light, waves, energy, momentum, charged particles and their associated forces on other objects, and possibly an introduction into electrical circuitry.

Course Objectives

STUDENTS WILL…

1. Analyze how phases of matter are explained by kinetic theory and by forces of attraction between particles.
2. Apply the kinetic molecular theory to solve quantitative problems involving pressure, volume, and temperature in ideal gases.
3. Demonstrate the relationships between force and motion in Newton’s laws.
4. Solve graphically and analytically vector problems related to force.
5. Relate gravitational or centripetal force to projectile or uniform circular motion.
6. Apply quantitative relationships among mass, velocity, force, and momentum.
7. Apply the quantitative relationships among force, distance, work, time, and power to solve problems or to describe situations.
8. Explain how extremely large and extremely small quantities and very rapidly moving objects are not necessarily described by the same laws that Newtonian physics describe.
9. Calculate the force on a charged particle at rest and/or in motion.
10. Determine if an object is in equilibrium and distinguish among stable, neutral and unstable equilibria.
11. Describe mathematically the relationships among potential energy, kinetic energy, and work.
12. Describe how energy can be transferred and transformed to produce useful work and to calculate the efficiency of selected systems. 
13. Describe the use of isotopic dating in determining the age of fossils.
14. Interpret wave phenomena using models of transverse and longitudinal waves.
15. Analyze the different frequencies and wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.
16. Investigate how light behaves in the fundamental processes of reflection, refraction, and image formation. (example: manipulate prisms, mirrors, lenses)
17. Use single and multiple slits and diffraction gratings to demonstrate the wave properties of light.

Behavior

ü      We will follow a three-strike policy for most inappropriate classroom behavior (talking, sleeping, not doing homework during designated time, etc.).

ü      Do not pull on faucets or gas lines (automatic detention)!

ü      Do not throw trash into sinks or into lab tables.

ü      Do not write on lab tables.

ü      Follow appropriate lab instructions and procedures.

ü      Absolutely no horseplay during labs.

ü      Unless given permission, stay out of the teacher’s desk AND closets.

ü      Treat others with respect.

ü      DO NOT TALK WHILE I AM TALKING!

Computer Usage

• Computers will be treated as though they are a privilege.

• Inappropriate computer use will result in that student(s)' computer privileges being taken away for an appropriate amount of time.

• Suspected inappropriate computer use will result in one warning and a second suspected act will result in computer privileges being taken away for an appropriate amount of time.

Grading

• Assigned homework will be due the next day unless otherwise stated. I will NOT except late homework but will take what you have done (the lowest homework score during a particular quarter will be dropped, however).
• There will be on average one quiz per week. Tests will be designed to be approximately 40 minutes in length.
• Your quarter grades will depend upon the following weights:

                            Semester grades will be determined by the following weights:

• If there is a previously excused absence (such as a sporting event or any other school sponsored event), homework must be completed and turned in fully completed before leaving or it will be classified as an uncompleted assignment and entered in as a zero in the gradebook. Also, the student will be given a one hour detention for not fulfilling classroom obligations before leaving.
• Students with an excused absence for reasons such as illness have one week from the assigned date to turn in the make-up homework, quizzes, and/or tests. After one week, the grade will turn into a zero and no credit will be given. Special exceptions exist for those that miss extensive time from school. Arrangements for these cases will need to be made with Mr. Sees.
• Since this is a lab class, laboratory experience must be completed. If not then students will receive and incomplete for the grade which will later turn the quarter grade into a failing grade if not completed.
• Please feel free to contact me either by phone or email. The school’s phone number is (605)563-2291 and my email address is Patrick.Sees@k12.sd.us.

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