| Concepts of Physics | ||||
| Home | Syllabus | Assignments | Resources | Grades |
Mr. Coupland dcoupland@kwoods.org
Room 205 class web site: www.couplands.net
Welcome to Concepts of Physics! This is the first class in the new KWHS science sequence. Next year you will take Chemistry and the following year Biology. I look forward to working with you this year as you build your scientific skills and knowledge.
The goal of this class is to learn to think and communicate like a scientist. You will build skills including experimental design, data collection and analysis, mathematical modeling, presentation and discussion, and writing lab reports. These skills will be essential in future high school and college science courses and will serve you well in any 21st century career. We will explore the following topics (timeline is approximate):
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Sep |
Plate Tectonics |
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Oct |
Waves and the Physics of Cell Phones |
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Nov |
Energy |
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Dec |
Experimental Design |
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Jan |
Constant Velocity Motion |
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Feb |
Constant Acceleration Motion |
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Mar |
Forces: Newton’s 1st & 3rd laws |
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Apr |
Forces: Newton’s 2nd Law |
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May |
Projectile and Circular Motion |
The following materials are required starting Sep. 9:
There is no textbook – all materials are distributed in activity packets and kept in the binders. You may use a single binder for Concepts of Physics and Algebra 1 if enrolled in both classes.
Grades - are based primarily on lab reports and tests. Also considered are quizzes, the binder (all activities completed), lab notebook, and classroom presentations. A final exam at the end of each semester is worth 10% of the semester grade. Remember we don’t give Ds at KWHS – you must earn a 70% or higher to pass. Students who do not pass will be required to repeat the class next year.
Zangle Student Connect – I enter grades weekly into Zangle, the online grading program. Once students submit a signed computer use agreement to their advisory teacher they receive a Zangle Student Connect login and password. Students are expected to check grades and missing assignments weekly.
Zangle Parent Connect –Parents can keep track their student’s interim grades, missing assignments, attendance records, and other class information through a web site called Zangle Parent Connect. Go to the KWHS web site, www.kwoods.org, for an application and instructions, or call the office.
Progress reports – Occasionally students are given a printed progress report.
Assignments –Assignments are distributed as activity packets at the start of each unit and kept in the binder. Binders are usually stored on shelves at the back of the classroom. Extra copies of activities are found in the hanging folder at the front of the classroom.
Submitting assignments – Quizzes, tests, and lab reports are submitted to the inbox at the front of the classroom in the tray for your class hour. To have your binders graded for a certain unit, first ensure that all assignments are completed, in order, and together in a tabbed divider section. Then submit a binder grading request form to the inbox.
Revisions - Students are expected to revise lab reports as needed after review to produce a high quality product. Students may retake a quiz or test to improve their grade by completing a review assignment and meeting with me first.
Late work – When assignments are handed in on time, I will grade them promptly. When assignments are handed in late, I will grade them when time permits.
Absences – If absent for a lab, you must make an appointment with me to stay after school and make up the lab. You will need to bring a partner with you.
Study hall - I run a study hall 2:50 – 4:00pm Monday and Wednesday. No appointment necessary, just drop in. This is a great place to get your homework done, get extra help, or make up labs or tests. I will announce in class if I can’t be there on a particular day. Students with a failing grade are strongly encouraged to attend the study hall.
Contact me - I am happy to speak to parents or students by phone, email, or in person. The best way for parents to talk by phone is to email me your phone number and a good time to call you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or concerns.
I look forward to a productive and enjoyable year together!
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Kensington Woods High School: 2008-2009
Please read the syllabus and keep it for your reference. Detach and sign this page and return by Sep. 8.. This is a graded assignment for your student.
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student name (printed)
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student signature date
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parent signature date