Physics

Instructor:  Denise Grell

            Email:  denise.grell@chisd.net

            School phone:  469-272-2000 ext. 7251

            Conference times:  9:05 – 9:55

Credit:  ½ credit per semester—1 credit for the year

Course overview:

Physics is a study of the physical aspects of the world.  Topics will include properties of matter, atomic structure, motion, energy, forces, work, machines and electricity.  In Physics, lecture and class notes will be combined with laboratory investigations where students will use the scientific method to make informed decisions using critical thinking skills.

Expectations:

Expectations levels are high in Physics.  Students are expected to come to class with their materials and prepared to learn.  They are to ask questions and become actively involved in their own learning by participating in all class activities and discussions.  All homework, projects, labs and assignments are due on the due date.  If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for getting all make up work and returning it within the time allotted according to the student handbook.  Missed exams are to be made up before or after school, or at lunch.  All forms of cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Required supplies:

It is recommended that each student have a journal for keeping notes and a binder for returned papers, handouts, etc.  This journal will be graded, and students are expected to be able to locate and produce a paper if needed.  Donations of Kleenex, dry erase markers and hand sanitizer are greatly appreciated and will receive extra credit (3 per six weeks).

Grading

            Tests/Projects                                      40% 

            Daily Work                                         60%

These percentages will make up 85% of the students’ grade, with the remaining 15% coming from the district required final exam.

Course Schedule:

The following is a tentative course schedule.

Semester 1                                          Semester 2

Physics Skills & Processes                 Conservation of Momentum

Kinematics & Graphing Motion         Thermodynamics

Newton’s Laws of Motion                  Mechanical & Electromagnetic Waves

Two-Dimensional Motion                  Electrostatics & Electricity

Universal Gravitation                         Magnetic Fields

Conservation & Energy                      Atomic, Nuclear, & Quantum Physics

Lab Safety:

Science is a lab based class and it is of utmost importance that students become familiar with and follow all lab safety rules, lab procedures, and oral instructions.  A CHISD safety contract will be completed and turned in by each student before they are allowed to participate in a lab activity.  Failure to turn in the safety contract will prevent a student from participating in lab and may result in a zero for the grade.  In Addition, all students will score 80% or better on a basic safety test before they will be allowed to participate in a lab.

Exams and major projects:

Students will be given adequate notice of upcoming exams and project due dates.  These will be posted in the classroom.  There will be two tests each six weeks.

Tutoring:

Tutoring will be offered before school according to the schedule posted in the classroom.  Students are expected to come prepared with questions about the topic on which they are requesting help.

School policies, attendance, tardies, discipline

All campus and district rules and policies will be enforced.  Students should be respectful of school and personal property and behave in an appropriate manner at all times.

I am looking forward to working with your student.

Sincerely,

Denise Grell

Cedar Hill High School