Physics Syllabus

Mr. Long - Room 206

Description:
This course involves an in-depth investigation into our universe, from the very small
(electrons, photons) to the very large (planets, stars). Emphases are on reinforcement of
the scientific method, lab construction and write-up, and the integration of science and
mathematics.
Organization:
This is a lecture-lab course. Students will be given information relevant to the current
subject, and then will investigate those topics through the use of projects or laboratory
exercises. The course also focuses on developing analytical thinking. Lab exercises may
be entirely student driven. Evaluations (such as quizzes and tests) will ask the student
to analyze and synthesize their thoughts in essay/narrative form.
Required Supplies:
The student is required to bring the following to class every day:

Physics Textbook
Three-Ring Binder
Pencil
Calculator
Course Objectives:

1. To introduce basic concepts of physics

2. To reinforce the scientific method
3. To develop an appreciation of our universe
In addition to these objectives, students will be able to answer the following questions:

How can the motion of an object be described in a measurable way?

What is a force?
What causes the motion of an object to change?
How can rotational motion be described in a measurable way?
What causes changes in the rotational motion of an object?
How can the periodic motion of objects be described?
What causes an object to oscillate instead of moving in a straight line?
How do an object's mass distribution and interactions with other objects and forces at a
distance influence the objects motion?
Course Chapters:
The following are the chapters in our textbook that we may cover in this class:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Measurement
Motion in One Dimension
Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors
Forces and the Laws of Motion
Work and Energy

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Momentum and Collisions

Rotational Motion and Gravity
Rotational Equilibrium
Vibrations and Waves
Sound
Light and Reflection
Electricity

Course Units:
This course will be broken down into eight big questions, which encompass the main
concepts of physics. Next to each big idea is a list of the chapters that we may cover in
that unit.
Unit

Chapters

Introduction to Physics

Measurement

Big Idea #1: Objects that move in translational

motion are described in terms of position, velocity,
and acceleration.

Measurement
Motion in 1-Dimension
Two Dimensional Motion
and Vectors
Forces and Laws of Motion

Big Idea #2: All forces arise from the interactions

between different objects.

Rotational Motion and

Gravity
Electricity
Forces and Laws of Motion

Big Idea #3: All changes in translational motion are

due to forces.

Rotational Motion and

Gravity
Electricity

Big Idea #4: The rotational motion of objects is

described in terms of angular position, angular
velocity, and angular acceleration.

Rotational Motion and

Gravity

Big Idea #5: All changes in rotational motion are due

Rotational Equilibrium
to torques.
Big Idea #6: Objects that move in simple harmonic
motion can be described in terms of position,
velocity, and acceleration and can result in the
production of waves that travel through space.

Vibration and Waves

Sound
Light and Reflection
Forces and Laws of Motion

Big Idea #7: All simple harmonic motion can be

explained using forces and/or torques.

Rotational Motion and

Gravity
Electricity

Big Idea #8: All motion can be explained using the

laws of the conservation of energy, the conservation Work and Energy
of momentum, and the conservation of angular
Momentum and Collisions
momentum.
Grading Policy:
The following weighted grading scale will be used to determine a students grade for
each marking period:

Tests 40%
Quizzes 20%
Labs 30%
Homework 10%

Homework Assignments:
Homework will be graded for correctness. Your homework should be well organized and
legible. Illegible homework will be counted as incomplete and marked as a zero in the
grade book until the issue is rectified. We will not review each problem assigned for
homework. Problems that do not involve any calculation may be discussed at my
discretion. Problems that do involve some amount of calculation will, in general, be
similar enough in nature to sample problems we complete on previous days. In addition,
the detailed review of one problem could take from five to ten minutes. Thus, I will not
review every problem assigned in detail. I will always provide some means to check your
homework, most commonly in the form of the end answer to the problem. However, I
am more interested in the process of getting to the answer, rather than the answer itself,
so problems turned in with just the final answer without any work shown will be counted
as a zero.
Missed Class:
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on what you missed by
looking at the assignment calendar online. If you missed one day of class, you will have
one day to make up your work. If you miss two days of class, you will have two days to
make up your work, and so on. It is the students responsibility to check in with the
teacher for help with missed material during the period of absence.
If an excused absence takes place during a test or lab day, it is up to the student to
make arrangements either before or after school to make up the assignment. Lab
assignments that have not been made up within five school days after the return of the
student will be recorded as a zero in the grade book.
Many times throughout the year students are involved in special activities that cause
them to miss class (e.g. field trips, music lessons/rehearsals, competitions, sports, etc.).
Involvement in such activities does not excuse a student from having assignments done.
If this pertains to you, you need to get your assignment(s) ahead of time and turn

it/them in on the day of your return. Otherwise, you will receive a zero on the missed
assignment.
Classroom Expectations:

Participate in class.
Science class is an environment that should strongly encourage questioning and
discussion, and I do my very best to provide this environment. A seemingly simple
question can probe or challenge a concept in physics, so there has never been a
class where the phrase, there is no such thing as a bad question, has been more
true.
We must be respectful of all thoughts and perspectives. This means that we may
politely dissent against a particular point of interest and engage in discussion.
However, I have a zero tolerance policy for disrespectful speech, no matter who it
may be directed at.

Produce quality work.

The quality of your work is a reflection of yourself. This will never be more important
than when you enter college or the work force. As such, I expect the same treatment
for your work.
Written work that is turned in for a grade must be neat and legible. Lab reports must
be typed and checked for grammatical and spelling errors. On tests and quizzes,
unless otherwise stated, all work must be shown and provided in a coherent manner.
Students will receive only one warning if their homework is deemed unreadable.
They will have the opportunity to resubmit the assignment one day after the
assignment has been deemed unreadable.

Contact Information
Email: mlong@sssd.com
Website: mrlongscience.wikispaces.com