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Nile C. Kinnick High School This information is also available at: Teacher Name: Mr. Scott Andrews Contact Information: scott.andrews@dodea.edu Location: Main Building (1901), room 106; some labs in room 111. Course Name and Number: Physics in the Universe; SCP410 Course Description: Physics in the Universe presents concepts of physics in relation to world experiences. Information is presented in an integrated approach, linking physics with technology, social perspectives, and the history and nature of science. The course presents a thematic approach to physics using explorations of topics. It is a lab-based course that explores how things work and the fundamental laws of the universe. This course is a standards-based study of fundamental physics concepts, such as kinematics, dynamics, propagation and conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation and orbital mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves, optics, electromagnetic phenomena, on Earth and in space. The theme of energy is prevalent throughout the course. Instructional activities include many laboratory experiences to help students acquire and develop concepts. Special attention is given to the mathematical treatment of data. Computers are used to collect and analyze data, along with integrated software programs, to prepare project and laboratory reports. Text: Galisky, Rylander, Science Dimensions Physics, ©2020, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Philosophy: I believe that students learn most effectively by experiencing science first hand. With this in mind, we will be conducting many experiments and activities, and doing many demonstrations and projects throughout this course. The class will use a variety of techniques to introduce, explore, and reinforce major scientific concepts, theories, principles and skills. Materials: (bring to class every day) Grading Policy: Grades are entered daily as soon as the assignment is graded for all individuals in the class. Students and parents can access grades using Aspen at https://dodeasis.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do. Grades are weighted by
assignment type with a total of 55% of the grade based on tests, quizzes, project scores, and preparation for class, 35% is based on lab work, lab reports, and
class activities, and the final 10% is the homework grade. At the end of each semester,
each
quarter is assigned a weight of 42.5% with the remaining 15% based
on a final exam or project. The final grade for each quarter and
the semester is converted to a letter grade based on the DoDDS Grading
Scale: Assessment: Tests will be taken at the end of most units. There will be one or two tests each quarter. Tests will include various formats such as: multiple choice, short answer, matching, true or false and essay. Test scores may include a scaled grade. A portion of each test will be available to retake in class after reteaching and reviewing is completed. There will generally be one project each quarter. We will be working every week or two on lab activities which will include a written lab report. Any lessons in class, including video presentations, may be followed by a quiz. Reading assignments, past homework, and preparation for class meetings will also be quiz grades. Any assignments that are not turned in at the beginning of the class they are due will be assigned a grade of zero. Homework: Homework will be assigned nearly every class meeting. These assignments will be designed to help students practice course content, review, and identify areas that are in need of further study. Copying is not allowed, although, working together is acceptable as long as both students are actively participating. Any students that are caught copying work will earn a grade of zero for that assignment. Homework will be accepted only at the start of class at the due time and date and then checked and made available for review. Labs and activities that are completed but the final lab report is not turned in are given a grade of 50%. Academic Integrity: Nile C. Kinnick High School has a no-tolerance policy regarding cheating and/or plagiarism. Behaviors commonly associated with cheating include talking during a test, copying answers, being in possession of answers for assignments, copying/pasting from Internet sites, accessing cell phones, or giving answers for assignments to another student. This is not an inclusive list. Plagiarism is the act of taking someone's writings, works, or idea and passing them off as your own. It is also plagiarism to use someone else's work or production without providing the proper citation to give credit to the original source. Students involved in cheating and/or plagiarism will receive a zero for the assignment and parents will be notified. Continued cheating will result in a disciplinary referral to the administration. Late Work Policy: Late assignments are not accepted. If an absence is excused please see the student handbook for the policy on make-up work. If the student has an excused absence from class, it is the student's responsibility to find out what they missed. Check the classroom calendar on the Internet for assignment due dates. Students should see me at the beginning of the next course meeting day to obtain any papers that were passed out or print them for themselves. Laboratory experiences will generally be rescheduled for a seminar period or after school. Work that is missed due to an unexcused absence will be assigned a grade of zero. Students that have an unexcused tardy and are not in class when papers are collected will not be able to turn in their work. Tutoring/Extra Help: If you need any assistance outside of our regular course meetings, please make an appointment to see me after school or during seminar period. I am available nearly every day after school until 2:50 P.M. with Tuesdays being the exception. I will accept appointments for seminar as late as 2:40 P.M. on the "A" day before the seminar. Sign up for seminar in person during class or after school until 2:40 P.M., no requests are taken by e-mail or by phone. I also make myself available for any extra help during lunch, but this is not a time to use computers. Please do not come to see me in the morning before 7:40 A.M. as I am often preparing lab materials and handouts at this time. Classroom Management: To insure that our classroom is an effective place for us to work and learn, we will always respect ourselves, our group, classroom equipment and our teacher. This means to keep up a positive self image, do your part and help others do theirs, and follow the instructions of your teacher at all times. You must be in class on time to prevent from being marked tardy. Always come to class prepared with the five required materials listed. Your student planner shall be filled out each class with the homework to be completed for next class. If you don't bring your planner to class you can lose up to 10% of your grade that day. You have five bathroom passes per semester. Passes are in the back of your student planner. You must leave your cell phone in your backpack when you go to the bathroom. I will check to see that you have your assigned textbook once a quarter on a pre-announced date. Raise your hand if you would like to speak to me and I will see you as soon as I can while I am making laps around the room. Students should not be using any electronic devices in the classroom other than the laptop provided by the school or a student's calculator. Infractions of the classroom rules will result in after class conference, e-mail or call to home, after school detention and referral to the office. Content Outline: Unit 1: Modeling Motion / Effects of Forces Additional Information: Seating plans will be assigned by the teacher on the first day of each month. The people you sit with are your lab group members during lab work. Lab groups are usually a pair of students and then two pairs are combined together into a group of four when equipment is limited. Extra credit assignments are not offered. Students should do their best to correctly and completely finish each assignment that is required. Bonus Points on homework assignments can be earned with a Walls That Learn Project. Accelerating Students: If you will be accelerating in December or May, please get a head start on your work. I will post all of the homework, labs, quizzes, class activities and tests for the 2nd quarter in early November and for the 4th quarter in early-April. Accelerating does not mean taking a grade on the work you did up to the point at which you leave school. You are responsible for all the work that is done for the entire semester and will be graded appropriately. In past experiences, this is a very difficult hurdle to jump over, but with good planning and lots of effort it can still be accomplished in outstanding form. I am here to help you through this challenging time, but do not expect me to give you any slack if you have two days left and a bunch of assignments to complete. Standards: The NGSS standards to be included in Physics in the Universe are listed at: https://www.dodea.edu/curriculum/science/standards#_CCRSS_High_School_%E2%80%93_Core_Courses. This is the fourth year that all juniors are to be taking Physics in the Universe. The completion of Biology in the Living Environment, Chemistry in the Earth System, and Physics in the Universe is inclusive of all Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that DoDEA began implementing in SY19-20 as part of the College and Career Ready Standards for all students. |