NAME ______________________________________
DATE _______________
Physics IA Course Description and Grading Policy
What is Physics?
Physics deals with the properties, changes, and interactions of matter and energy. The course covers mechanics,
thermodynamics, wave behavior, sound, light, optics, static charges, electric current and magnetism.
Why should you take Physics?
You should take physics if you are considering a career in any scientific, engineering, technical or medical profession.
Knowledge of physics is essential to architecture, astronomy, engineering (aeronautical, aerospace, civil, electrical,
mechanical, or petroleum), as well as geology, geophysics, medicine and medical technology. Also, physics is a science
class required by the state of Texas, to satisfy your science requirements to receive your diploma.
What is expected of you in this class?
Physics is a challenging college preparatory course that is math-intensive. The study of physics requires more than
rote memorization. You must have good problem solving skills to succeed. Tests and quizzes will contain problems where
work to obtain the solution must be shown. You need to be able to explain the rationale used to determine the answer.
You will be expected to turn in work that is a reflection of your best effort. All work needs to be legible and work/essay
questions requiring a written response should reflect proper grammar and spelling befitting a college-bound student.
Grading:
40% Tests/Projects
30% Labs/Activities/Quizzes
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20% Daily Assignments(Class Work, Notebooks and Homework)
10% Class Participation(Warm Ups, Vocabulary Express, Words
of the Week and Note-Taking)
No “extra credit” assignments(aside from opportunities given to the entire class.)
No dropped grades
o Homework:
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Randomly graded - You will receive a due date but will not know in advance which ones will be graded.
Always do assigned homework.
Why homework is beneficial:
- to gain a better understanding of each new concept
- provides practice and sharpens skills
- improves success on tests and quizzes
o Lab Work: You will be working cooperatively in a lab group to collect and analyze data. At times you will be asked
to do the lab report as a group, turning in only one, and at other times you will be asked to turn in individual reports.
o Late Work Policy
All assignments passed in on the day the assignment is due(until 3:55 p.m.) will be accepted for a five point
penalty.
One class period or 1 day late:
Highest possible grade is 90% - 10 Pts.
Two class periods or 2 days late: Highest possible grade is 80% - 20 Pts.
Three class periods or 3 days late: Highest possible grade is 70% - 30 Pts.
Four class periods or 4 days late: Highest possible grade is 60% - 40 Pts.
Assignments more than four class periods late – 0 – 50 Pts. (WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!)
o Missed work:
Absences: Policies regarding make up work due to absences can be found in the Student Handbook. It is the
STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to get make-up work from their teacher. If a TEST or QUIZ is missed, it can be
MADE UP in tutorial.
Tutoring:
Tutoring will be available on Wednesday, during lunch, usually from 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. There
will be a few occasions when tutorial may need to be canceled which I will make sure to give the class advanced
notice. Please sign in, in the designated location to validate that you attended tutorial. Do not hesitate to ask
questions in class and use your class time wisely.
Classroom Materials:
Five Star Spiral Notebook(preferably College Ruled Paper 150-250 sheets)
Graphing Calculator – TI-83 or better (a few calculators will be available for student use in class)
NOTE: You may use a Scientific Calculator, though it may not provide all of the functions of a graphing calculator.
NOTE: You may download a FREE Graphing Calculator Application onto your mobile device, Android or Apple.
Protractor
Block Eraser
Pencils (ALL assignments must be completed using pencils)
Highlighter(s)
*Thumb Drive
Classroom environment:
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No food(gum and candy) or beverages are allowed in the classroom except bottled water in its original container.
Personal electronics are used ONLY when permitted in the classroom, expressly for educational purposes.
No writing drawing or scratching on the tables or desks.
Never touch lab equipment unless instructed to do so.
Never borrow anything from the teacher’s desk without permission.
Please use the trash and paper recycling bin containers properly.
Respect the personal space and property of other students in your class.
Honor Code:
There is a firm policy on cheating. I BELIEVE IT IS WRONG!!!
If a student is caught cheating on any assignment, test and quiz, or project, three consequences will result:
1. The student will receive a zero on that assignment regardless of whether it is a daily grade, quiz, test, major
project or semester exam.
2. A discipline referral will be filed with the appropriate assistant principal.
3. I will call the parent or guardian, to inform them of the observed infraction.
Keep in mind that cheating will compromise your membership in the National Honor Society and the likelihood of getting a
favorable college recommendation letter from me. Your good reputation is an invaluable asset. To risk the loss of a
scholarship or a favorable recommendation as the result of cheating is foolish.
Cheating includes but is not limited to the following behaviors:
 Passing or sharing information about quiz and test content
 Communicating with anyone but the teacher during the quiz or test
 Copying or transferring information for other classes during physics class (discipline referral will be
completed)
 Using cheat sheets or writing information on any other material
 Using a cell phone or graphing calculator to store and transfer information
Student Responsibilities:
Every student is expected to be on time for class, have all the required materials, and take an active role in the
learning process. By understanding the guidelines above you have taken the first step to success in Physics 1A/1B at
R. S. Sterling Aviation High School.
Physics website: _____________________________________________
Parent and student: Please sign the acknowledgment below and staple this sheet in your
Interactive Physics Notebook.
I, ___________________________________ , in Period _____ on this date, _______ August 2015
STUDENT
and ____________________________ , have read and understood the guidelines above.
PARENT/GUARDIAN