Course Name: Honors PhysicsP

Year: [GR3] 2011-2012

Teacher Name: Dr. Richard L. Kahler

Course Description:[GR4]

This is an introductory physics class that will introduce the principles of physics, will teach basic problem solving skills, and will explore the structure and meaning of physics in the larger intellectual context of western society.

Objectives:[g5]

Course Goals:

To help students build a cohesive knowledge of physics; cohesive knowledge refers to understanding that physics is not just memorizing formulas and solving simplified problems but rather seeing how its pieces are related to each other and to our culture in general.
To reinforce the knowledge learned through problem solving practice.
To provide a hands on learning experience through laboratory activities and demonstrations.
To encourage students to relate their knowledge of physics to the world they live in and to other subjects they are or will be studying.

Department Goals:

The ability to develop an inquiring interest in the natural world.
The ability to be able to work both independently and as a member of a team during laboratory experiments.
The ability to read a variety of sources for content, as well as motivation and bias.
The ability to logically organize material in order to propose or predict alternate outcomes.
The ability to develop language skills useful in discussing scientific subject matter.
The ability to demonstrate understanding of scientific concepts in each subject area.

School Goals:

St. Margaret’s School in accordance with the school motto: “As we grow in age, may we grow in grace” has developed goals for the school. Reflective of our commitment to provide for the growth of young women in every area of their lives, our goals as a school are that our students become:

Outline of Topics:[GR6]

First Trimester:

Classical Mechanics

Measurement and Mathematics

Motion in One Dimension

Vectors

Motion in Two and Three Dimensions

Force and Newton’s Laws

Applications on Newton’s Laws

Work, Energy, and Power

Momentum

Uniform Circular Motion

Gravity and Orbits

Thermodynamics

Temperature and Heat

Kinetic Theory of Gases

First Law of Thermodynamics, Gases, and Engines

Second Law of Thermodynamics, Efficiency, and Entropy

Second Trimester:

Light and Waves

Oscillations and Harmonic Motion

Wave Motion

Sound

Wave Superposition and Interference

Reflection

Refraction

Lenses

Interference

Diffraction

Electromagnetism

Electric Charge and Coulomb’s Law

Electric Fields

Electric Potential

Electric Current and Resistance

Capacitors

Direct Current Circuits

Magnetic Fields

Third Trimester:

Modern Physics

Special Relativity

Quantum Physics

Nuclear Physics

Dates of Trimester Exams:

1st trimester
Friday, November 18

2nd trimester ( all 1 and 1/2 hours exams)
Thursday, February 16

3rd trimester
Thursday, May 31

Textbook:[GR7]

Two texts are required

Physics: Structure and Meaning,, Leon N. Cooper, Brown / New England

Principles of Physics, Kinetic Books Company

This is a cdrom that you will purchase in class. It is to be installed on a computer that you can access every day for reading and homework.

Supplementary Materials:[GR8]

You will need to have a TI-84 Calculator

You must have dependable access to the internet to do the online homework,

You must have access to a pc on which you can install the cdrom textbook.

Grading: (Components, Trimester Exams and Weighting)[GR9]

Your grade for the ten week grading period will be based upon the following:

One fourth Online Homework

One fourth Lab Reports

One half Tests

I may add or subtract 5% from your final average based on class participation and attitude.

You will have an exam after each trimester that will count as 33 % of your trimester grade.

Course Policies:

Attendance[GR10]

Good attendance is an important part of academic success. Absence policies are explained in the Student Handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to inform her teachers, to obtain any missed assignments and notes, and to make up any missed work. Any absence not specifically determined by the school to be “excused” will be considered “unexcused.” An unexcused absence (planned or unplanned) will result in a deduction of two percentage points off the term grade for this course.

Lateness

It is the student’s responsibility to arrive on time, and she is expected not leave early. For every three unexcused tardies, two percentage points will be deducted from the term grade.

Missed Assignments

Homework will consist of online problem sets, and lab reports. You must have dependable access to the internet to do the online homework. The online homework will be assigned a week in advance. It will have a posted deadline. It is automatically graded at the deadline. It will not accept a homework submission after the deadline.

Class participation is important and expected. The correct form of participation includes treating all others in the room with respect.

Other Information/Suggestions:

Support Services (Teacher Available, Saturday Study Hall, Math Lab/Writing Center)[g11]

I will be available in the classroom for designated TA periods. I will wait for ten minutes. If no one shows I will be in my office in the cottage. If you know you will be late for TA please make an appointment. Likewise, if you need help outside of designated TA periods, make an appointment with me.

Honor Code:

On my honor I will not lie, cheat, or steal. In addition I will take responsibility for those in the community who do so.

Honor Pledge:

On every project and test, I expect the following pledge to be written by you and signed with your full name.

On my honor, I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized help on this exam/paper/project.

[g1]TO PRINT WITHOUT THE MARKUP OF THE COMMENTS:

In the Print Dialog box, there is an option for “Print What:” Choose “Document” instead of “Document showing Markup.”

[GR2]Each heading has a comment with further instructions. You may want to add other headings or delete some of these. For each heading of the syllabus, begin typing on the subsequent line. Be sure to save to your home folder and e-mail me, Grace P. Rhinesmith, a copy.

[GR3]Type the academic year 2008-2009

[GR4]In this section of your syllabus, you should create a general description, overview and focus for your course.

[g5]You will need to include course objectives as well as the department and school goals. Your objectives should reflect the skill level of the content and skills outlined in the St. Margaret's School Curriculum Guide.

[GR6] In this section, you may want to include an outline for the year or major topics to be covered.

[GR7] What textbook are you using? You may also want to include other readings for the course.

[GR8] What other materials and supplies are needed for your course?

[GR9]Include major components including scope and weighting of the final assessment of each trimester, if any. You also need to include due dates for major projects, papers, exams. You should also explain the weighting of the trimester exam. (25 or 33%)

[GR10]This policy is in the Student Handbook. You should ask your students to refer to that section on page 28.

[g11]You should explain your policies and location of Teacher Available, Saturday Study Hall, and use of labs for support.