29 August 2016

Conceptual Physics – Big Lake High School

Parents and students,

Please take a moment to read over the course syllabus to be familiar with the expectations of
this course. In this physics course we will study the interactions and relationships of matter
and energy as listed below:

⋅ Kinematics (study of motion) ⋅ Reflection and refraction

⋅ Forces ⋅ Electric forces and fields
⋅ Energy ⋅ Basic circuitry
⋅ Momentum ⋅ Magnetism
⋅ Waves (sound and light)

The goal of this conceptual physics course is to offer a less math rigorous study on physics
that meets the requirement for the state of Minnesota. This course includes all of the topics
of the physics course offered at Big Lake, but with a less math intensive approach. The class
will include numerous labs that are modeled after freshmen level college labs and will
prepare the students for an introductory physics course at the collegiate level.

Once you have reviewed the syllabus and guidelines, please sign the following information
sheet to acknowledge that you understand what is expected of your child this year.

Please feel free to contact me at any point throughout the year to discuss your student’s
progress in this class. My preferred form of contact is through email at
a.pelot@biglakeschools.org. I can also be contacted by phone at 262-2547.

This can be a challenging course but I look forward helping your child succeed in
understanding the basics of physics. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Adam Pelot
Big Lake High School
 Conceptual Physics Syllabus
Mr. Pelot
a.pelot@biglakeschools.org (763) 262-2547

Text:
Prentice Hall: Conceptual Physics by Paul G. Hewitt

Materials:

3 ring binder Calculator

Loose-leaf paper/Engineering paper Pencil

- All your work will be kept in your physics binder.

- Do your work in PENCIL.

Classroom Rules:

BE RESPECTFUL
This includes not talking out of turn, following directions the first time that they are given, taking care of lab
equipment and books, etc.

BE RESPONSIBLE
Take responsibility for your own actions. This includes keeping up with assignments, keeping your work area
clean, leave a bad attitude outside the classroom, etc.

Classroom Procedures:

1. Be in your seat and ready to work when class begins.

2. Students will remain at their seats until the final bell rings.

3. Cell phones may not be used during class time. If your cell phone is seen it will be confiscated
and turned into the office with a referral.

4. Two tardies are allowed. A third tardy will result in a detention.

5. One student out of the classroom at a time to use the restroom/get a drink.

6. After an absence, YOU are responsible for getting notes and extra help on any new material
covered during their absence.

7. Cheating in UNACCEPTABLE. Take pride in your own hard work.

8. Get a calculator for class. You will need it!

Grading Scale:
A 94 – 100 C 74 – 77
A- 90 – 93 C- 70 – 73
B+ 88 – 89 D+ 68 – 69
B 84 – 87 D 64 – 67
B- 80 – 83 D- 60 – 63
C+ 78 – 79

Grades will be broken up into two categories.

- 60% Summative: Tests, Quizzes, Formal Lab Reports, Trimester Final

- 40% Formative: Homework, Warm-Ups, Projects, Group work

All summative work needs to be completed to pass the class. All unfinished summative work will be
recorded as incomplete until completed.

- Tests are usually given after each chapter. If absent on test day student will have one week to complete the test
at their convenience, after one week the score may be recorded as a zero.

- Labs will be done during class time and a lab report will count for the grade.

- Quizzes will be given on a regular basis to check understanding throughout a chapter.

- Trimester Finals may be given at the end of each trimester. These are both cumulative tests that will include
a free response problem set.

Formative work needs to be completed and handed in when due.

- Book exercises will be assigned on a regular basis.

- Warm-Ups will be used to assess understanding of the current topic.

- Exercise sets will include a set of free response exercises.

*Extra credit*

Student demos will be a quick demo that students will pick themselves.
Conceptual Physics Student Information Sheet

* 1st Homework Assignment * Please complete and return by Friday

Student’s Name (Printed) __________________________________________

I have read through the course syllabus and guidelines and understand what is expected of
my son or daughter this year.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature________________________________Date__________

Address_____________________________________________________________

Daytime phone number_________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian email address____________________________________________

Preferred method of contact______________________________________________

Questions/Comments?