Syllabus Physics 2013/2014

Instructor: Ms. Lauren Murphy Contact: Lauren.Murphy@leanderisd.org Phone: 512-570-2000 ext. 42123 Tutorials: Monday Friday 8:00 8:30 am Course Website: www.murphyrouse.weebly.com Online Gradebook: see txConnect link on LISD homepage Course Description Physics is the study of matter, energy and their interactions. Physics is best understood through active participation and hands on experiences. Course Outline Fall Semester Scientific methods, kinematics, forces, Newtons Laws of Motion, circular motion and twodimensional motion. Spring Semester Momentum, impulse, work, power, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, light and modern physics. Supplies Notebook (min 100 pages), writing utensils, dry-erase markers, 1 package of note cards, 1 glue stick, colored pencils, 1 package of sticky notes. *Please come see me if you are unable to get any of these supplies. Grading Labs 25% Interactive Notebooks 25% Exams & Projects 50% Materials Each student will create an interactive notebook that will be used in class every day. Students will not need a textbook for this course. The interactive notebook becomes the textbook for physics. The materials above are REQUIRED for the interactive notebook. General Rules 1. Cell phones will be used only when instructed by Ms. Murphy otherwise they will remain on silent and put away. If you choose not to follow this rule, Ms. Murphy will collect your phone and turn it into your AP. Second offense will result in a referral. 2. Sit in assigned seat 3. Follow safety procedures 4. Do not interrupt instruction 5. Respect yourself, others and the instructor Consequences for violations of general rules 1. Verbal warning 2. Move assigned seat 3. Referral 1

Assessments Target quizzes will be given in class to assess understanding of current topics in addition to at least two exams or projects each six weeks. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of each semester and will count for 1/7 of your semester grade. Continuous Improvement In accordance with the LISD Grading Guidelines for the 2013-2014 School Year, in order for a student to be awarded a passing grade of 70 in a course or subject, the student must demonstrate 70% mastery of the districts curriculum objectives in any recording period. Based upon mastery of objectives on unit exams, students who would like to demonstrate a higher level of understanding will be given the opportunity (one per 6 weeks) to do so (see Continuous Improvement Guidelines document). Reassessment must be completed two weeks of the day the original exam was given. Absence Policy It is the students responsibility to make up any work from absences. First, check the course website calendar and Ms. Murphys Interactive Notebook to determine what work you have missed. Copies of any handouts given during class can be downloaded from the course website. As school policy, you have two class periods to turn in missed work or make up a quiz or test due to absence, including the day you return to class. Please note: If you were present the day the exam date is announced, you will take the exam with the rest of the class even if you were absent the day prior to the exam. Exams are announced a week in advance of the exam date. All make-up exams will be available in the CO-OP. The exam must be made up within two days of your return to school from an absence. Late Work 10 points per school day will be deducted for any assignment turned in beyond the due date. Students have until 4:00 pm to turn in assignments on the due date, after which it will be counted late. Academic Integrity Students enrolled in this class are expected to adhere to the principle of academic integrity and commit to upholding integrity by completing all academic assignments in the manner expected, informing the teacher of suspected instances of academic misconduct by peers, and fully engaging in the class and its related assignments for the purpose of learning. Students who violate the academic integrity policy will receive an office referral and may be given a zero for the assignment. This includes plagiarism. Please understand if you violate the academic integrity policy of this course letters of recommendation, NHS privileges, and even scholarship applications can be denied.