SAINT JOSEPH'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL
PHYSICS -- COURSE EXPECTATIONS

September, 2011

Instructor: DEACON THOMAS P FITZPATRICK

Office Phone: (215) 978-1988 email: tfitzpatrick@sjprep.org

Web Page: http://www.mrfitzics.com

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Course Description:

This is a college preparatory course intended to prepare students to study physics in a curriculum such as engineering or physics. The course is algebra based with some use of calculus. Students are expected to develop the ability to apply imagination and ingenuity to the solution of problems. The major intent of this course is to help the students to gain the ability to succeed in more advanced courses in college. At the same time, the major areas of physics will be covered in an effort to develop an understanding of and an appreciation for the principles of physics.

The topics covered will include:

a. problem solving

b. vector algebra

c. mechanics

d. mechanical waves and sound

e. geometric optics

f. basic electricity and magnetism

g. electromagnetic waves

h. thermodynamics

If time permits, the following topic will be introduced:

Modern Physics including relativity and quantum physics

Grading:

Quarter grades:

20% Test Problems.
20% Test Objective Questions.
20% Homework Assignments, Quizzes and Other Assignments.
20% Classroom Work.
10% Lab Work.
10% Lab Reports.

Semester grade: simple average of quarter grades and exam.
Final grade: simple average of both semester grades.

Tests:

 Three two-part tests per quarter. Usually, tests will be given every other cycle. This pattern will be adjusted to accommodate Kairos retreats and other important events

Homework:

 Before each class, students should read ahead the sections that are expected to be covered during the next class. After each class, students should review class notes, compare the class lesson with the text paying particular attention to summaries, sample problems and review sections. Answers to odd numbered problems are in the back of the book beginning on page 972.

In addition to the daily, routine homework, problem sets will be assigned and graded. This work must be neatly done on appropriate paper and turned in before the class on the due date.

Lab Reports:

 Each student will be required to submit several lab reports each quarter.  The format for lab reports and the rubric for grading are posted on line.  Reports must be turned in on the date posted on the class calendar.

Class Work:

 Active involvement in the learning process is required.  Students will be required to explain homework problems and will be graded on this work.

Quizzes:

 Unannounced and graded according to the type of questions.

Materials required in class each day:

1. Scientific calculator. (This should be the student’s own calculator.)

2. Notebook.

3. Pencil or other writing instrument.

4. A few colored pencils might be helpful.

Materials required to be available:

1. Graphing software. (Most spread sheets do adequate graphing.)

2. Word processor.

3. Stapler or paper clips.

Test taking:

  1. Tests will be given in two parts. The first part (20 points) will consist of short answers and essays and multiple choice questions. Calculators are not permitted during the first part. The second part (20 points) will consist of problems for which calculators may be used.
  2. All work must be shown in the space provided in order to receive credit. Basic arithmetic should be done with a calculator and not shown on the test paper.
  3. Each student must bring his own calculator for tests.
  4. No printed or handwritten material other than that provided by the teacher may be used during a test. This includes calculator manuals, directions and reference cards.

Final Examination Exemptions:

According to Science Department policy, any student who completes the course with an A average in each of the four quarters and the first semester examination may be exempted from taking the final examination and will be considered to have earned an A for the course. This exemption policy is not subject to revision or alteration and is not automatic. Note: the student must earn an A for the fourth quarter.

Absence or canceled school:

  1. If school is canceled on a day that a test is scheduled, the test will be given on the next class day.
  2. If a student is absent for any reason, he must see the teacher on the day that he returns to school in order to make arrangements to make up the work that was missed. This also applies to missed tests and quizzes. Missed work, including tests and quizzes will be counted as zero if the student fails to meet these requirements.
  3. Assignments that were due during a student's absence or on the day of his return are due on the day of his return. The student may ask for an extension but the teacher's decision is final. It is the student's responsibility to obtain assignments and complete them even if they are given during his absence. It is doubly bad for a student to miss school and to skip homework.

Academic Honesty - Cheating is wrong for several reasons. Among them are:

⇒ Cheating is a lie. It attempts to give the impression that the student’s skills, effort and/or knowledge of the subject are greater than they are.
⇒ Cheating is stealing. It falsely gives a better grade to a student than that student deserves and leaves an honest student with a lower grade. This can ultimately result in a college admission or a job being given to a less qualified cheater and not to an honest, deserving student.
  1. Any student who copies another's work or allows another to copy his work, is guilty of cheating and will be given a zero for the assignment.
  2. In tests and examinations: Any student found to have cheated, attempted to cheat or made preparations to cheat will be given a zero for the entire test or examination.
  3. Lab Reports are to be the student’s own work. Only the data may be shared among the members of a lab group. Copying another student’s purpose, procedure, graphs and/or analysis constitutes cheating and both students will receive a zero for the report. In addition, using data obtained by others without one’s own participation is also cheating as is the fabrication of data.
  4. Students are not permitted to store any formulas or data in a calculator's memory except those explicitly mentioned by the teacher.
  5. School policy requires that all incidents be reported to the Assistant Principal for further action. Refer to the student directives for details.

Extra Help

Extra help is available after school each day in the Physics Prep room until at least except when meetings intervene. Before school, extra help is usually available in the Physics Prep room from approximately . Extra help is not available before school on test days. Help during the school day is available whenever a mutually acceptable time can be found. Students are encouraged to come for extra help in groups of two or three.

Text Book: (This book is the property of the state of Pennsylvania and must be returned in good condition!)
Giancoli, Douglas C.
Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th Ed.
Copyright 2005 by Pearson/Prentice Hall
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458
ISBN 0-13-184661-2 (High School Edition)
ISBN 0-13-060620-0 (College Edition)

Thomas Fitzpatrick
St Joseph's Preparatory School
Philadelphia, PA
4 September 2011 Valid HTML 4.01 Strict