Harrells Christian Academy Course Syllabus
Credit Hours 1 unit
Grade Levels 11 & 12
Description Physics is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between them. Physics is a basic science that uses the language of mathematics to relate the physical world to each of us. Based on this premise, physics is taught with an emphasis on the structure of atoms, and the energy in them. The course will also study the different forms of energy that humans use in everyday life.
Physics is a laboratory science. Emphasis is placed on lab work. This lab work includes investigations in which procedures are given and followed, as well as explorations in which the students design experiments.
This is an honors level science. There is a heavy concentration of algebra and trigonometry in this course. Honors students are expected to be able to think more analytically and be able to process more information on their own. The students in honors physics are required to complete a team science fair project.
Textbooks Zitzewitz, Paul, et al. Physics Principles and Problems. New York, NY: Merrill, 1995.
Instructor Dee Cannady
532-4575 School
532-4235 Home
Required Materials Writing instruments
3-ring binder for notes and handouts
Bound composition book for lab
Scientific calculator
Stick glue
Scissors
2 rolls of paper towels (bring in as assigned)
Optional Materials Graph paper
Colored pencils
Index Cards
I. Major Course Objectives
1. Mechanics
a. Measurements
b. Velocity
c. Acceleration
d. Forces
e. Vectors
f. Motion in Two Dimensions
g. Universal Gravitation
h. Momentum
i. Work, Power, Machines
j. Energy
2. States of Matter
a. Thermal Energy
b. Fluids & Solids
3. Wave Energy
a. Energy Transfer
b. Sound
c. Light
d. Reflection & Refraction
e. Mirrors & Lenses
f. Diffraction & Interference of Light
4. Electricity
a. Static electricity
b. Electric Fields
c. Current Electricity
d. Series & Parallel Circuits
e. Magnetic Fields
f. Electromagnetic Induction
g. Electric & Magnetic Fields
5. Modern Physics (as time allows)
a. Quantum Theory
b. Atomic Theory
c. Solid State Electronics
d. Nuclear Physics
II. Course Requirements and 6-week Grading
Students are expected to complete their homework and participated in class. There will be quizzes, both announced and unannounced, that are given periodically throughout each chapter. It is the responsibility of the students to make up all work missed due to excused absences. Lab work will be a major component in which everyone must participate.
Honors
Homework 20%
Labs & Quizzes 20%
Tests 60%
III. Classroom Policies
Rules
1. Be on time.
2. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Be respectful of others both in word and deed
4. Do your own work.
5. Follow instructions the first time they are given.
6. Keep the noise level appropriate for the type of class activity.
7. Sign out if you need to leave the classroom (only one student at a time).
Suggestions
1. Come to class and be on time.
2. Participate: Ask questions.
Take notes.
Keep everything in a notebook.
Study a little every night.
Keep an assignment book.
3. Homework must be completed so use the Activity period wisely.
4. Put your name of all your papers and date on all papers to be graded.
5. Date your notes. Take notes in ink.
6. Use flash cards for vocabulary and other memory work.
7. Feel free to bring water to class, but it must be in a closable-top bottle.
Discipline
Failure to follow rules either written or verbal will result in the following:
1 st offense Verbal Warning
2 nd offense Friday Morning School or a writing assignment
3 rd offense Referral to Mr. Weeks
IV. Competencies Goals
1. Develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
2. Build an understanding of the structure and properties of matter.
3. Build an understanding of regularities in chemistry.
4. Build an understanding of the energy changes in chemistry.
5. Build and understanding of chemical reactions.
This is a fun class, but tends to be one that is very different from the other sciences that students have previously taken. Let’s have a good year and communicate from the start.
