Physics Syllabus 2015-2016

Instructor: Mr. Alexander Enriquez

Phone: (562) 861-2271 ext.1230

Class: Room 230

Email: aenriquez@piusmatthias.org

Tutoring: Available M-F 3:00 pm-3:45

pm (Contact by email for confirmation)

Course Description:
Physics is often considered its own branch of
science focusing on the nature of matter and
energy. All branches of science are concerned with
these topics however in physics the student will be
more focused on the interactions of matter and
energy in our physical world. Students will be
embarking on a journey that begins with the
theories of Socratese and ends with the complex
and powerful theory of relativity according to
Einstein.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Command of terminology and vocabulary commonly used by physicists

Understanding of Physics theories allowing the student to recognize physical
phenomena in their lives
Efficiency in a laboratory which includes:
o Care, sanitization, and maintenance of laboratory equipment;
o Care, sanitization, and maintenance of laboratory facilities;
o Proper documentation of data in a well organized laboratory notebook;
o Proper use of common equipment used in physics including balances,
measuring tools, and electrical equipment.
Critical thinking skills to tackle problems not only in physics but across all
disciplines
Become effective communicators able to communicate complex ideas in
physics in simple terms for the general public to understand
Understanding of applications and other technological programs such as
PowerPoint, Google Drive, Internet, etc.
Confidence in the students own ability.

Required Textbook:
o
o

o
o

Access code for Mastering Physics with eText for Conceptual Physics 12th Edition
by Paul G. Hewitt
Mastering Physics Website:
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringphysics/
Course ID: enriquez54853
Access for MasteringPhysics eText for Conceptual Physics 12th Edition by Paul G. Hewitt
must be purchased by Monday August 31, 2015
NOTE: Access codes must be purchased from Pearson education or they will not
work for the course.
Course documents (assignments, assessments, etc.) will be located on the Mastering Physics
platform. To gain access to this platform, visit the Mastering Physics website above to
purchase an access code from Pearson education.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have daily access to a technological device and Wi-Fi to access
the Mastering Physics platform.

Course documents (assignments, assessments, laboratory activities, etc.) will be

issued by the instructor.

Additional Required Materials:

$ 30 Science Lab Fee paid through SMART Tuition by Friday 08/21/15.
Personal Laptop (must adhere to 2015-2016 Technology Guide)
Pens (as many colors as desired), pencils, highlighters, and colored pencils
1 Binder- 2 Heavy Duty 3-Ring Binder with at least 250 pieces of paper
(college or wide)
5 Dividers
1 Composition Notebook
Ruler (at least one foot with inches AND centimeters)
Calculator TI-84 (Texas Instruments)
3X5 index cards (constant supply and can choose any color)
Ream of printing paper for classroom
Grading Procedure:
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
59% and below
Weighted Grade Totals:
Unit Exams
Unit Quizzes
Final Exams
Labs & Laboratory Write Ups
Projects & Papers

20%
10%
20%
20%
15%

Binder, Homework, & Classwork

15%

Powerschool:
All grades will be accessible on Powerschool for both parents and students. If you or
your parents are concerned about grades please initially check Powerschool. Parent
and student login information will be administered by the school administration.
Grade Determination
Exams, Quizzes, & Final Exam:

Exams will be administered for each unit covered (100 points). The exams will
be comprised of vocabulary matching/use, multiple choice, short answer
demonstrating understanding of theories and concepts, word problems
demonstrating understanding of units/mathematics and concepts.
Quizzes will be given throughout the year ranging from 5-20 points. Quizzes
will be given throughout the year at the instructors discretion. Certain quiz
dates will be announced. Others will be spontaneous (POP quizzes). Quizzes
are used as preparation for exams and when compiled can serve as another
study guide.
The final exam for each semester will be cumulative, and worth 200 points
Make-up exams and quizzes will be allowed pending instructor approval.

Laboratory Participation & Write-Ups:

When a lab is conducted in class full documentation is expected within the

lab notebook (composition book). Laboratory notebook structure will be
further elaborated in class. Lab notebook composition and data analysis
will be evaluated between 25-50 points. Labs will be conducted in groups
of varying sizes; however, each student is responsible for his or her own
write-up.
Laboratory participation will be given for each lab (constituting 5 of the
25-50 points) mentioned above. These points are given on a pass/fail
basis. Reasons for losing participation points include (but are not limited
to):
o Being overly disruptive
o Grave safety violation or multiple misdemeanor violations
o Missing data
o Disrespect towards classmates or instructor
o Lack of effort

Projects and Papers:

During certain units, projects will be assigned. These will require the student
to illustrate and communicate theories and ideas covered in class. Projects
will include (but are not limited to) posters, PowerPoint, videos, etc. Projects
will be graded based on a rubric determined in class ranging from 25-100
points.
During certain units, research papers will be assigned challenging students to
analyze peer reviewed journal articles. Only selected academic databases will
be allowed to take data from. All papers will be submitted to
www.turnitin.com. Prior to submitting a final paper, students will be required
to submit a series of outlines which will be assessed by the instructor.

Homework & Classwork:

Throughout each unit homework will be assigned to allow the student to

practice new skills learned in class. Homework is worth 5-25 points. Students
are expected to complete homework assignments by the due date issued.
Homework will be placed on the front left corner of the desk and is
considered late if not done so by the tardy bell.
o The school-wide late policy is as follows
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors- 0% if late
Feedback will always be given on homework and is ALWAYS expected even if
late

Binders (Key to Success!)

2-inch three-ring binder will be NEEDED/required through this course. Binders

will be organized as follows:
o Reference Sheets- Sheets containing information on protocol,
guidelines, etc. (Examples include syllabus, grade sheets, laboratory
safety, etc.)
o Notes- Daily notes kept in chronological order
o Assignments- Classwork and homework are to be kept in
chronological order in this folder.
o Lab Handouts and Lab Reports- Lab sheets, and lab reports are to
be kept in chronological order.
o Tests/Quizzes- All returned tests and quizzes in chronological order.

Make up Work and Late Work

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

o It is important to note that the opportunity to make-up work (exams,
assignments, etc.) applies strictly to excused absences. Please refer to the
2015-2016 Parent/Student Handbook (p.16) to review acceptable reasons
for absences.

o
o

Students are granted a 48-hour grace period to submit the appropriate

documentation to the Attendance Office for excused absences. Beyond 48
hours the absence is considered unexcused.
Students will not be permitted to make-up work (exams,
assignments, etc.) from unexcused absences.

Exams, Quizzes, and Final Exam

o Exams missed due to an excused absence must be taken prior to or on
the return of said absence. EXAMS MISSED DUE TO AN UN-EXCUSED
ABSENCE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE MADE UP. Quizzes due to an
excused absence will follow the same procedure as exams.
o If a final exam is missed the student will be required to make-up the
final on a date determined by the administration.
Laboratory Write-Ups
o Students must have an excused absence to make-up laboratory
research. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated therefore no makeup is allowed. The student is responsible for emailing the instructor
about the absence. The student will be required to make up the lab
write up within 2 days of the return to school. Some laboratory
exercises cannot be made up due to lack of resources however, a write
up is still required. The student will collaborate with other students and
the instructor to ensure an understanding of concepts since they will
be on exams.
Papers & Projects
o Students are expected to submit all projects and papers before or on
the due date.
o Late projects and papers will receive a 0.
Homework and Classwork
o In some cases homework due that day may be completed in a
tutoring session. This is up to the instructors discretion. An
example of such a case is in the event a student has reasonable
attempts at the homework however a grave misunderstanding
of the material inhibits the student from completing the
assignment. The student must email the instructor with the
exact problem(s) and a tutoring date and time agreed upon. If
the student does not complete the homework on the agreed
tutoring date in front of the instructor no credit is given.
Late Work Policy (Homework, Classwork, Projects, etc.)
o School-Wide late policy:
Freshman
1st quarter: 50% maximum if late; if submitted by next
school day
2nd quarter & beyond: 0% if late
Sophomores, Junior, & Seniors
o 0% if late

Classroom Policies

Tardy Policy
o Student is considered tardy if not in the proper seat when the tardy
bell rings. Tardy students will receive a detention. If a student is
resistant to the issue of a tardy detention a dean detention will be
issued. Habitually tardy students (3 or more) further disciplinary action
will be conducted (ex. Conduct referral, Saturday detention, probation,
conference with the Dean, or suspension/expulsion).

Behavior Policy

Students are expected to follow the Student behavior and Lab safety
guidelines at all times. These forms will be signed during the first week of
school.

Bathroom Policy

You will receive 4 hall passes for the semester. These can be used for
bathroom breaks or retrieving items from the locker. Upon leaving the room
all electronic devices will be left at the instructors desk.

Food and Drink Policy

No food or drink with only three exceptions. The first exception is WATER
WITH A CAP. The second must be due to medical reasons such as diabetes
and this must be brought to the instructors attention. The last is for students
on a rigorous weight gaining program. They must have a note from a PMA
coach or licensed personal trainer.
During laboratory exercises food and drink is NEVER allowed. This is because
dangerous chemicals and sensitive equipment will be present.

Dismissal Policy

Students are to remain seated until the instructor dismisses the

class. Each student is responsible for their immediate area and will not be
dismissed until the area is left how it was found which will be pristine.
Students MUST walk upon exit of the classroom.

Disciplinary Policies

General Discipline Policy

o The following are guidelines for minor discipline problems.

1st incident: Conference with the student (warning)

2nd incident: Instructor detention
3rd incident: Dean Detention, Parent-teacher conference
In the event of a major discipline problem the administration will
determine the consequence.

Academic Honesty Policy

In forming a community built upon a relationship of trust, understanding and

Christs teachings it is understood that members of the St. Pius X-St. Matthias
Academy will understand academic integrity. Students are expected to
produce honest work and not tolerate academic dishonesty from anyone.
Academic dishonesty whether by an individual or group (of ANY size) will
have severe disciplinary action.
Academically Dishonest actions include but are not limited to:
o Using unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when
taking a test, quiz, examination; writing papers; solving problems; or
completing academic assignments.
o Plagiarism, including but not limited to paraphrasing, summarizing, or
directly quoting published or unpublished work of another person
without proper documentation. This includes online sources,
computerized services, or purchasing finished product.
o Taking an exam for another student
o Providing information and/or answers regarding exams, quizzes,
homework or other classroom assignments unless explicitly authorized
by the instructor.
o Any of the above occurring within the Web or distance-learning
environment.

Communication

Parent-Teacher Communication
o Parents are the primary educators of their children. As an instructor it
is my job and passion, to support the parents in their role. It is
expected that constant communication is kept between I the instructor
and the parent(s)/guardian. No amount of communication can ever be
considered too much in my eyes.

Return this portion upon the following class meeting time in a Homework
fashion (yes, there is a specific way to do so *hint: refer to the homework
section*).
I have read the above syllabus and agree to abide by its contents. I also
recognize there is a 30 dollar science lab fee that must be paid through
SMART Tuition by Friday 08/21/15 if not I will be billed.

Student
Signature
Student
Printed Name
Parent
Signature
Parent Phone
Number 1
Parent Phone

Number 2
Primary Email