Physics Pre-AP Syllabus
Mr. Warren Puckett Room B-308
warren.puckett@gcisd.net 817-305-4700 Ext. 2066
Conference Periods: 2nd Period
Physics Pre-AP is a first-year algebra and trig-based introductory physics course dealing with a broad range of topics, from the study of motion and energy in the first semester to waves, electromagnetism, atomic and modern physics in the second semester. Even though we are mainly interested in the concepts behind certain physical phenomena, an algebra and geometry background is helpful in expressing these concepts mathematically using simple equations.
DISCIPLINE AND CLASS RULES: CONSEQUENCES
1. Respect All People. 1. Verbal Warning
2. Follow all directions the first time. 2. Student Conference
3. Pay attention and talk only with permission. 3. Parent contact and detention.
4. Be in your seat when the bell rings with materials and assignments. 4. Office Referral.
5. Follow the CHHS Code of Conduct.
6. Severe disruptions / unsafe lab horseplay will be an automatic referral.
TEXT: Conceptual Physics by Paul Hewitt..
MATERIALS: Each student should provide the following supplies:
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Grading Policy In accordance with district guidelines, each six-week grade will be determined as follows:
70% Tests, major lab reports and projects
30% Daily assignments, homework, Labs, quizzes, journals, and notebook checks.
Gradebook conventions: IF a student does not do the homework / classwork, the grade will be shown as a 1%. If the student was absent and needs to make it up within the normal day for a day absence, it will show 2%. If the time limit passes and absent makeup work is not completed, the grade will become a 3%.
Homework : Practice problems, outside reading, pre or post-lab questions or reviewing for quizzes and tests will be assigned every day. We will review, grade, and collect the homework at the beginning of every class. Homework may be done in pencil, blue ink or black ink. Math problems should be done in pencil.
Lab Reports: Generally, for each lab experiment performed by the student, a lab report must be completed in the specific lab format given by the teacher. Each student will receive a document outlining the expectations for a lab report. Often times, there will be a lab quiz given over the concepts discovered in the lab in addition to the lab report. Information gathered from labs will be included on tests.
Late Work and Make-up Work: Because we grade homework at the very beginning of class, of which quizzes usually follow, homework will be accepted late with a 30% penality. All other late work will follow the district guidelines for late and make-up work. I would like to stress that when a student is absent, it is THEIR responsibility to obtain the missing work and to make appointments with their teacher to make-up their Exams and other work within one day for each day of absence.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE TO MAKE UP ANY WORK
MISSED DUE TO ANY ABSENCE. The calendar on the CHHS web page will keep a list of assignments and activities.
Tests: At the end of each unit, a test will be given, usually covering 1 to 2 chapters in the book. In the event of an absence, make-up tests will be given according to district policy and the student is responsible for making an appointment with the instructor. TESTS AND QUIZZES: District guidelines allow one day for each day of absence, and all makeup tests should be made up prior to the retest date. An assignment may be substituted for a make up quiz.
b) ASSIGNMENTS: If a student is absent on the day an assignment is due, the assignment must be turned in immediately upon return.
Retests: Any student who obtains a grade below 70% on a major test may be given the opportunity to raise their grade to a maximum of 70% once during the six weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a time with the teacher to take a similar test over the material within 5 days after the test. Students may retest before or after school at a time agreed upon by the student and teacher.
Tutorials: I arrive at school by 8:00 AM every day. Students are welcome to come to my room for help from 8:00-8:35 Monday –Fridays. After school tutorials are by appointment.
Tardies: You must be in the room before the bell finishes sounding or you are tardy. Tardies will be handled in accordance with current CHHS policy.
1st Tardy = Warning 2nd Tardy = Student Conference
3rd Tardy = D-Hall & Parent Contact 4th Tardy = Office Referral
Broken/Damaged Equipment: Notify the teacher immediately of any broken or damaged equipment. At the teacher’s discretion, a student or group of students may be required to pay for equipment breakage or damage if it is caused by poor classroom conduct (horseplay).
A little note about the class….
Physics is a very fast-paced course heavily rooted in algebra, geometry and trigonmetry. This is considered a stepping stone to the AP class and will go deeper into the topics than a regular level class. The expectations for this course are simple:
1) Come to class & participate (listen, ask questions, get involved in class discussions/labs, & stay focused)
2) Take detailed notes and review them daily
3) Review questions missed on tests, quizzes, daily work and homework.
4) Review and Check-off the “I CAN” statements as we progress through each unit of learning
5) When you are struggling: come to tutorials, form study groups, redo HW and class problems, and follow re-test procedures as necessary.
ParentPrinted Name: _____________________________ Signature: _____________________________ E-mail Address: _____________________________ Phone Number ___________________ Permission to contact about student’s progress through email? Y / N Permission to display your student’s work in the classroom? Y / N |
Signatures: Student Printed Name: _________________________ Signature: _________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________ Phone Number ______________________ |
I have read and understand this course overview and agree to the policies and procedures of this course, as they have been outline in this document.
