Physics Syllabus

Curtis Hendricks Room: H307

Home Phone: 881 7659 Free Periods: C G H
Email: chendricks@ais-dhaka.net
Website: http://www.ais-dhaka.net/personal/chendricks or soon www.chendricks.net

Welcome to Physics
In this first year introductory physics course, we will explore the natural laws of the universe, and relate these laws
to everyday life. We will use our natural curiosity, our minds, logic, and mathematics to solve problems.
Technology is strongly integrated into this course. Students will use computers to collect, analyze, and
communicate information. Emphasis will be on experimentation and problem solving skills in the classroom and
in the laboratory. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge across scientific disciplines and to real world
unpredictable situations. Science is not just a collection of facts - it is a way of thinking - so we will learn by doing
and problem solving. You will find learning physics can be interesting, fun, and challenging.

Text: Holt Physics / Serway & Faughn, 2002

Supplemental materials will be given as needed and can also be obtained on the course website. An inexpensive
scientific calculator (with sin/cos/tan) and notebook are mandatory.

Unit Topics:
Pre-Physics - Tools for physics Electric Current & Circuits
Linear Motion Magnetism
Forces & Newton’s Laws Electromagnetic Induction
2D Forces / Motion / Vectors Waves – Sound
Momentum Light – Reflection / Refraction
Work / Energy / Power Wave Diffraction / Interference
Universal Gravitation & Relativity Atomic Physics & Quantum Mechanics
Electrostatics Nuclear Physics

Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this class, students will have a general understanding of the discipline of physics,
should be able to take standardized physics entrance exams (such as the advanced SAT II in physics) or enter
university/AP/IB level physics courses. This knowledge would include but is not limited to:
• understanding, describing, and applying the rules of physics and understanding their limitations
• making, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting data, charts, and graphs
• applying mathematical concepts to solve complex problems
• communicating in the language of science
• using the appropriate tools, equipment, or technology in scientific investigations and research
• taking responsibility with the instructor for learning
• carefully observing and paying close attention to details
• actively participating in a group
• listening to, and expressing ideas to other members of a group

Class Expectations
You are expected to arrive to class on time, bring your materials, a notebook, writing materials, and a
calculator to class every day. Students are also expected to be active learners in class; science is not a
spectator activity. This means you are expected to: read; listen; take notes; ask questions; design and
carrying out experiments; collect, record, an analyze data; hypothesize, draw conclusions, reason things out;
apply what you have learned to new situations; complete all assignments; and GET INDIVIDUAL HELP
FROM THE INSTRUCTOR WHEN NEEDED. The instructor cannot always know when you are having
problems; so be patient and communicate with the teacher and your classmates.
Assessments for Quarter Grades
Quarter Grades will be calculated using the approximate percentages below:
Tests and Quizzes --------------------- 34%
Labs, Activities, & Notebook ------ 33%
Projects & Homework ---------------- 33%

Class assignments are made for a purpose, not as punishment or as busy work. Homework assignments are
to be complete at the beginning of the class period in which they are due. Late homework assignments will
not be accepted because their completion is critical for your learning. Late lab work will be marked down
10% per late day.

Tests & Quizzes

Students will be allowed to use a calculator and sometimes a note card of notes on major tests (emphasis is
on understanding not memorizing). These tests will be given about every 2-3 weeks. Comprehensive
semester tests will be given at the end of each semester. Tests may also include lab work situations.
Diagnostic quizzes will be given (sometimes daily) and will together add up to about one test grade per
grade period.

Notebooks
Notebooks are a good way to organize materials in this course. They will be collected and graded
periodically and graded for completeness and organization. Notebooks should contain your class notes,
homework assignments, class handouts, previous tests, activities, lab work, and any other assignments.

Semester Grade = 40% 1st Quarter Grade + 40% 2nd Quarter Grade + 20% Final Exam

Make-Up Work
It is your responsibility to see me about make up work your first day back from an absence. In general,
you will have the same number of days to make up work as days you were absent. Work will not be
accepted after notebooks have been passed back or after the day of the test over that material. Tests can be
made up during free periods, or before and after school, not during your class time. Tests that have not been
made up by the next test will become zeros.

Heeeeeelp?
Physics is a challenging subject for many students. From the first week this course builds new ideas on
previous ideas and concepts. The understanding of new material is based on a thorough understanding of
previous material. Do not get behind in class. See me if you are having problems of any kind
(academic or personal). I am available most C, G, and H periods, plus before and after school. You can
usually find me in room 307 or use the above contact numbers; sometimes a few words can save a lot of
wasted time.

General
We are in this class to learn about our natural world. Physics is a discipline with a great history and future.
I try to make this experience as interesting and enjoyable as possible. On the other hand, a proper learning
environment must be maintained. Disruptive, rude, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated. I expect
students to work together cooperatively with out incident. We are in this adventure together and respect for
everyone in the class (students and teacher) will make the year go much easier for all concerned. The bottom
line is: I will try to be humane and fair, you must try to be a responsible learner.

So let's have a great year.