Clarksburg High School

Physics
Susan Partridge, Instructor
Course Syllabus
susan.partridge@clarksburgschool.net
2017
731-986-3165
Course Description: In Physics, students will explore the relationship between matter and energy and how
they interact, as well as practice the application of technology, scientific tools, and critical
thought skills in solving problems. As scientific learners, students will collect and analyze
data, interpret results, draw conclusions, and communicate their findings. Throughout the
course, students will work both independently and collaboratively, in a laboratory based
classroom. The goal for the course is for students to gain a more meaningful understanding of
the living world around them as well as a deeper appreciation of their place in it by studying
the following content standards: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electricity.
Students who successfully complete Physics will be proficient in the following areas:

Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Identify mass and weight data using units in the SI system.

Given various examples of quantities, categorize them as scalar or vector quantities.
Given Newtons laws of motion, analyze scenarios related to inertia, force, and action-reaction.
Solve motion and conceptual problems regarding velocity, acceleration, and displacement using
displacement-time graphs and velocity-time graphs.
Given the static and kinetic friction coefficients, select the appropriate coefficient of friction and
calculate the force needed to move the object.
Select the correct vector diagram to illustrate all forces on an object affected by gravity, friction,
and an applied force.
Given an inclined plane, the required coefficient of friction, and an object of a specific mass, select
the appropriate trigonometric functions to determine whether the object will slide down the plane.
Given a projectile launched at an angle, select the correct equation for calculating the maximum height
of travel, time of flight, and/or the maximum horizontal distance traveled.
Relate the variables of work, power, kinetic energy, and potential energy to mechanical situations and
solve for these variables.
Relate temperature changes with the changes of kinetic energy and the flow of heat energy.
Solve an applied problem of heat exchange with respect to specific heat, heat of fusion, and/or heat
of vaporization.
Describe all forms of heat exchange.

Electricity and Magnetism

Text:

Create a simple electromagnet.

Draw an electric field, given a scenario of charged particles.
Solve problems of resistance using Ohms law.
Draw and explain series and parallel circuits.
Solve problems related to voltage, current, and resistance.
Physics, Principles and Problems (if lost/damaged, replacement cost will be $10)

to use the online version of the text, go to http://glencoe.com/ose/ ; the access code is ABD895CEA7

Physics

Clarksburg High School

Course Syllabus
2017
Class Requirements:

Susan Partridge, Instructor

susan.partridge@clarksburgschool.net
731-986-3165

Students are required to have the following supplies specifically for Physics class.
1.

Three-ring binder (1 inch) with loose leaf paper that is to be organized in the following manner:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

assessment log that serves as progress report

booster sheets, with the most recent on top
notes (definitions and notes from class on loose leaf paper and any handouts) kept in chronological
order, beginning with January
clean paper
syllabus
returned bellringers
returned assessments

2.

Pencils with erasers and pencil pouch

3.

Scientific calculator

Content Activities:
A combination of lecture, class discussion, flip chart presentations, videos, cooperative learning, and
problem-based learning will be used in this course. Grades will be determined by the satisfactory and
timely completion of assignments.
At the beginning of each week, students will be provided with a booster sheet which details the topic(s)
being studied, the vocabulary associated with the lessons, quiz/test/exam date, objectives being
assessed on the quiz/test/exam, and formulas needed for solving any problems.
By using the booster sheets, each student should ALWAYS know what topics are being presented and
when assignments are due. Also, by using the while you were out note in the mailbox, each student
returning from an absence should ALWAYS know what he/she missed. The while you were out note
needs to be turned in to the teacher with the completed assignment.
Homework is assigned regularly to allow the student to review information, to practice new skills, or to
extend concepts presented during class. Daily Assignments will be checked for understanding. If all
daily assignments are completed on time during each nine-week grading period, the lowest grade will be
dropped. Failure to complete an assignment on time will result in a study session or afterschool
detention. Parents will be notified of any third or subsequent incomplete assignment.
Grading:
for each grading period

Lab Reports/Projects

@100 pts

Quizzes*/Tests

@100 pts

Notebook check**

@100 pts.

Exam

85% of the grade

15% of the grade

* All vocabulary quizzes are fill-in-the blank with no word list and may be embedded within a test.
**Notebook will be checked prior to exams.
Course Overview:
Unit/Topic
Mechanics
Thermodynamics and Electricity

*the timeframe is an estimate

Assessments
Classwork, Labs, Projects; Quizzes;
Tests; Notebooks; Exam

Timeframe*
st

1 nine-weeks
2nd nine-weeks

Clarksburg High School

Course Syllabus
2017

Physics

Susan Partridge, Instructor

susan.partridge@clarksburgschool.net
731-986-3165

Classroom Rules

1. Be Prepared.

Students must have notebook with paper, pencil, book, and completed assignment each
day. Be ready to begin class when the bell rings. No student will be allowed to return
to the locker after class has begun.
2. Be Respectful.
- of others ... a student should maintain a positive learning environment during class.
- of the teacher a student must listen for and follow directions.
- of self a student should always do his/her own best!
Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequence:
First violation a zero will be awarded for that assignment plus a lunch detention
Second violation a zero plus Saturday School
Third violation a zero plus alternative school
3. Be Responsible. - Students must be seated and quiet when the bell begins to ring.
Consequence:
Students who are not seated, and quiet, when the bell begins to ring
will be counted as being tardy. Remember: three (3) tardies or three (3) early
dismissals is equivalent to one (1) absence and more than five (5) absences will
result in assignment to learning lab.
All assignments are to be complete within allotted time.
when absent
o assignments due on the date of absence are expected upon return to class
o any assignments made/returned during absence will be placed in the assignment
mail-box along with a while you were out note that describes the instruction
missed during the absence; it is the students responsibility to check the mailbox
o lessons (projects, tests, quizzes, etc.) assigned during absence are expected
within three day of return to class for full credit; assignments not completed
within three days will result in assignment to afterschool detention
o tests/quizzes missed due to absence are to be made up during skinny
period/after school by appointment; it is the students responsibility to schedule
the test/quiz, which must be made up within three days of return to school
No extra-credit work will be granted at the end of the grading period .
Consequences

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PUNISHMENTS
per class period
WARNING
CONDUCT CARD
(includes write-off)
LUNCH DETENTION and NOTICE TO PARENTS
AFTERSCHOOL DETENTION
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

1.
2.
3.
4.

PUNISHMENTS
per 9-week grading period
CONDUCT CARD
(including write-off)
LUNCH DETENTION and
NOTICE TO PARENTS
AFTERSCHOOL DETENTION
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

REWARDS
1.

Five extra points on vocabulary quizzes, if all terms are spelled correctly.

2. Lowest grade dropped, if all homework is completed in a timely manner.

3.

stars

I have read the above rules and consequences.

Parents signature

Date

Clarksburg High School

Course Syllabus
2017

Physics
Students signature

Susan Partridge, Instructor

susan.partridge@clarksburgschool.net
731-986-3165
Date