Tech Physics
2005-2006
Course Description:
This is a course in applied science. It blends an understanding of basic principles with practice in real world applications. In addition to providing you with a firm foundation for understanding the technology that surrounds you, we will examine the transition of new scientific discoveries from ideas to products used by consumers and industry. This course focuses on important concepts that are cornerstones of other scientific disciplines and technology. Each unit builds on earlier units to help you understand more complex concepts and how these concepts apply to mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal systems.
Units to be studied:
Rate
Electricity
Vectors
Magnets
Force
Waves/Vibrations/Sound
Momentum
Light/Optics
Work/Energy/Power
Required Materials:
Textbook: Physics in Context, Conceptual Physics
Notebook: 3-ring binder (at least 1”)
Paper: Loose-leaf
Calculator: Scientific, inexpensive
Writing instruments: Blue or black pen, pencil; No other colors will be accepted for general written assignments or lab records!
Grading:
35% Daily Work (class assignments, worksheets, notes, participation, homework)
25% Notebooks
20% Tests/Labs (written assessments and participation)
20% Final – End of Course Test and class final
Grading Scale:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 74-79
D = 70-73
F = 0 – 69
Make Up Work:
Students are responsible for missed assignments and obtaining missed notes or handouts. When you return from an absence, see me before or after class to discuss make up work. If you are present on the day an assignment is given, but absent on the day the assignment is due, the assignment will be due on the day you return. If you miss a lab or test, see me to arrange for a make-up. Work must be made up within 5 school days or you will be given a zero.
Late Work:
All homework will be turned in on time; if a homework assignment is not turned in during the class period on the day it is due, you will receive a zero.
For assignments other than homework (projects, reports, labs, etc.):
1 day late: 20% of the total points available will be deducted from the grade you would have received.
2 days late: 40% of the total points available will be deducted from the grade you would have received.
3 days late: 60% of the total points available will be deducted from the grade you would have received.
4 days late: 80% of the total points available will be deducted from the grade you would have received.
5 days late: no credit will be given.
Policies & Procedures:
All students are responsible for adhering to all of the school rules found in your student agenda/planner in addition to specific rules and expectations for this class.
Treat Others with Respect.
Be quiet when others are speaking
Do not insult or disturb others
No inappropriate language
Be prepared for class and participate.
Have a pen, pencil and paper every day.
Keep papers organized.
Stay focused on class discussions and work on assignments.
Pay attention and take notes.
Ask relevant questions.
Be responsible.
Complete all assignments to the best of your ability.
Study for tests and exams.
If you are absent, find out what you missed and complete all make-up work.
Do your own work on all assignments!
Follow Instructions.
Immediately follow directions from teacher or other adult.
No food, drink, candy or gum.
Water is permitted when in a closed-top container.
Consequences for lack of responsibility/misbehavior:
All subsequent: Referral to administration or 30 minute detention. Serious offenses will result in immediate administrative referrals.
If a detention is skipped, the time will be doubled and you will have one chance to make it up. Skipping a detention twice will result in an administrative referral.
The Graduation Test:
The science portion of the Georgia High School Graduation Test covers process skills, biology and physical science (physics and chemistry). We will spend time in class reviewing throughout the year. Please see me if you feel that you need any extra help or practice in preparing for this test; I have review materials and several practice tests available.
Extra Help:
I am available before or after school for help. If you are having trouble with anything we cover in class, I strongly encourage you to come see me so we can go over the material. The material we cover is cumulative; you will be expected to use knowledge from previous units to understand what we cover later in the semester.