Physics: Start with Success in Mind

Mr. Blake Holderman

Metro High School, 1929 Kenny Rd
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:30-4:00 PM
BlueQuill page: www.bqlearn.com/metro

holderman@themetroschool.org
School phone: 614-259-6639
OSU Tutor hours: TBD

Where ignorance lurks, so too do the frontiers of discovery and imagination

Neil deGrasse Tyson
Welcome to Mr. Holdermans Physics class for this school year. Physics is not an easy subject, but a great many
things in the world (and outside of it) can be better appreciated by learning its mysteries. You may even enjoy
it, and I hope that you do. Think of Physics as a tour of the secrets of the universe with me as your guide; I will
show you the way, but it is up to you to create a meaningful experience out of it. I have high expectations for all
of my students, but together we will balance those expectations with a relaxed, safe, encouraging classroom
atmosphere that will set you up for whatever success you choose. I truly look forward to working with each of
you.
Classroom Principles
In order to accomplish our goals for this year, it is important that we establish a set of classroom guidelines.
You will uphold the following expectations at all times.
1. Be respectful. Be respectful of other people and yourself, of ideas not your own, and of classroom equipment.
A positive classroom environment is one in which you can feel comfortable to be yourself and to not be
judged for it. There is a reason this is the number one expectation, and I wont tolerate otherwise.
2. Be prepared. Come to class with materials appropriate for you to complete the days activities. You should
have a minimum of pencil, paper, and a calculator. This also means that you should be prepared to engage
in the content of the class, so keep up with assignments and readings.
3. Be a scientist. Scientists question everything, and often do not get the correct answer the first time. You will
develop a critical eye for nonsense in this class, but that starts by being inquisitive. If you do not
understand something: ask. If you approach science with an innate questioning attitude, you will learn
more than just physics this year.
Class Structure
Content
This course covers basic physics and also tries to answer the question, What is science? We will learn about the
following topics this year in seven units: nature of science, scientific measurement, velocity and acceleration,
forces, momentum, work, energy, power, and electricity and magnetism (E&M).
Classroom Procedures
What do I do if I am absent? If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check in on what you missed.
The website should be your first point of reference, but your peers might also be helpful. Make sure to
check in with Mr. Holderman if you need any assignments. If you miss a test day, you need to be ready
to take the test on the day you return.
We will follow the rules and expectations described in Metros student handbook. Make sure you are
familiar with policies such as dress code and tardy policies.

Assignments and Grading

Homework Homework is the foundation of you understanding the material on your own. All homework must
be completed. If you fail to complete three homework assignments, you must come in during office hours to
finish any incomplete assignments.
Lab You are expected to actively participate in lab and class discussions. These will help you learn the
processes and content of science as scientists have in the past. These inquiry-based labs will allow you to ask
questions and discover the answers on your own in order to build your own understanding of the content and
laboratory skills of a scientist.
Retake Policy: In order to remediate an assignment or retake a test, you must take the following steps first:
1. Make sure all assignments for that unit are complete and turned in
2. Fix all mistakes on the first test on a separate sheet of paper. Be sure to include a) an explanation
of what you got wrong, b) the correct work and answer
3. Turn in corrections and schedule a retake two days before you intend to take the test
Mastery Requirements: To achieve mastery in this course, you must:
1. Master all seven (7) unit tests
2. Have all major assignments (labs, projects) turned in and completed at or approaching a mastery
level
3. Score at the mastery level on the ACT Physics Quality Core final exam
Safety: During the days we are engaged in a lab activity, it is important to keep the area clean and free of
obstacles. Food and drink will not be permitted at the desks. During normal class time, all student materials
(book bags, purses, etc) must be kept out of walking lanes. Put bags under your desk or along the back wall.
I want you to know
You will be wrong, and thats okay! The classroom should be a low-stress environment in which you
can feel comfortable failing, as long as you try. You will have many opportunities to learn the content.
You wont always agree, and thats okay too. I encourage appropriate argument and discussion. You
may not always agree with me or my policies, and when that is the case, talk to me. I am a reasonable
human being and open my doors to talk about anything that may be troubling you.
We are on the same team. We both want you to succeed, so allow me to help you by being open and
honest about your needs in the classroom. If you are struggling, we can work together to find a solution.
Academic Integrity
At Metro, we define academic integrity through the demonstration of the Cardinal Qualities of HONOR,
COURAGE, and RESPONSIBILITY. To live above the line in terms of academic integrity, these three virtues
need to be part of our daily behavior. Plagiarism is defined as taking and presenting as ones own a material
portion of the ideas or words of another or to present as ones own an idea or work derived from an existing
source without full and proper credit to the source of the ideas, words, or works (Administrative policy
regarding student cheating and plagiarism from Kent State University, June 2007). Give credit where it is due!
As defined, plagiarize includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The copying of words, sentences and paragraphs directly from the work of another
(b) The copying of illustrations, figures, photographs, drawings, models, or other visual
(c) The presentation of work prepared by another in final or draft form as one's own without proper credit; and
nonverbal materials, including recordings, of another without proper credit; and without citing the source, such
as the use of purchased research papers.

Physics Contract
I,____________________________________________ , (print students name) have read the syllabus and
understand what is expected of me while in Mr. Holdermans class. If I fail to follow the guidelines listed in the
syllabus, I may receive a zero for the assignment, quiz, or test and/or be removed from class. During Physics, I
know that I am responsible for:

Actively participating and being engaged during class

Completing all assignments given throughout the year AND submitting them on time

Being proactive in seeking assistance by attending office hours and tutoring sessions

Aspiring to reach mastery in all of the aforementioned course components

Exemplifying the habits of a Metro student

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Parents, please include any information about your student that you wish to share with Mr. Holderman. Include
contact information if you would like a follow-up.
Parent Comments