Physics Class Information & Expectations

1.    Welcome to Physics.  This class is intended to be both informative and interesting.  My overall philosophy of interaction with students is one of mutual respect.  If we can maintain that approach, the atmosphere of our classroom will be relaxed and enjoyable.  Please read the information below that provides some information and guidance about the specifics of appropriate behavior. This course will cover the following major units:  1D and 2D Kinematics, Momentum, Forces, Energy, Simple Harmonic Motion, Fluids & Thermodynamics, Kinematics, Waves, Light, & Sound, and Electricity & Magnetism, & Modern Physics. The course will offer the student a wide angle view in an effort to develop a basic understanding of the concepts associated with each of these fields.

 2.    You will use Google Classroom and Khan Academy to access and submit assignments. Class communication will take place primarily on Google Classroom. See Coach Walla for Class Access Codes for your specific class.

 3.    Please bring the following materials with you everyday – a course notebook (more information below), paper, pencils with erasers, 2 dry erase markers, and any assignments for the day. Calculators are available in the classroom.

 4.    A course notebook would be helpful throughout the semester.  I suggest it to be a 3 ring binder with dividers for the following sections:  notes, handouts/activities, tests/quizzes, and labs.  Each section is to be kept in order, with the most recent data on top.  It is strongly recommended that the note section incorporates a thin spiral notebook within the 3 ring binder to prevent loss of older course notes as the semester progresses.  Since this notebook can be used during most quizzes and some tests, it is critical that it be complete and organized. Such a notebook will be a highly useful tool in maximizing your grade in the course.

 5.    There are some things that should not be brought to class – food, gum, drink (except water) bottles, inappropriate shirts or jewelry, and coats.  Sunglasses or hats are not to be worn in class.  No cell phone usage is permitted in class unless specifically authorized by the teacher..

 6.    Backpacks create movement problems.  If brought to class, please take out what is needed for our class, and store the backpacks under/behind your desk or against the outside walls of the classroom, preferably under a table.  They are never to stay in the aisles of this classroom.

 7.    Bathroom passes – Students are to utilize their planners for trips to the bathroom.  Students are asked to please try to use the bathrooms before or after class.  Trips are to brief and chronic abusers of this privilege will have it revoked.

 8.    Covid-19: Students are encouraged but not required to adhere to the most recent CDC Guidelines.

 9.    All school rules pertaining to attendance will be followed/enforced in this class.  I do not tolerate tardiness/truancy.

10. Grades will be based upon a standard scale of

90    -  100%       = A

80    -    89          = B

75    -    79          = C

70    -    74          = D

Below   70          = F

 I will round up any grade of 0.5 to 0.9 to the next higher digit.  Progress Grades will be weighted, with tests and labs counting as major grades, tests being weighted twice. Major grades count for 70% of the over all grade.  To help you monitor your progress, grades will be posted each week, after the third week, by ID number.  If you suspect that an error has been made in calculating your grade, see me for an explanation. 

 11. Makeup policy follows the following guidelines.  Upon verification that your absence was authorized, I will accept homework upon your initial return to class for full credit.   It is each absent student’s responsibility confirm the day(s)’ assignment from the class daily calendar and to obtain class notes for the days missed from a classmate.  Provided that you have told me that you intend to do so, experiments, tests, etc. can be made up before or after school by appointment in my room.  Absences of two days or less will be made up by within one week following your return.  Reduced credit for make-up work applies to anything not accomplished within this time frame.   Individual arrangements will be made between student and teacher for longer absences.  Please inform me ahead of time on school field trips, doctor's appointments, or college visitations. 

 12.  During this semester, a teacher specific website is available that, among other items, has posted on it the daily homework and lesson schedule.  The best way to reach me (and also my preference) is to e-mail me.  Feel free to e-mail me anytime but understand that I may not read it until the next day.  An alternative method is to call the school during the day and leave a message where I may call you back during my planning period.  This is a poorer alternative due to the possibility for phone tag as I try to make and receive calls during my hour planning period.

 13. Tutorials are available in physics at the following times:

Mrs Burton:   3:55-4:30

Mr Walla/Mr Burton:  M-Th  8:15-8:45