Advanced Placement
(AP) Physics B Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Mr. Dove Assistance: After School Tuesdays &
Thursdays in
Room: 217 Phone: (973) 478-6100
E-mail: Ramsphysics@yahoo.com Website: http://www.lodiscience.com
TEXT BOOK
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ESSENTIALS OF COLLEGE PHYSICS, Serway and Vuille, 1ST
Edition
Required items:
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An array of pencils & pens
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Scientific graphing calculator
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Three ring binder (at LEAST 2-3 inches)
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Graph paper (one small packet) Bring the
first day.
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STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Computer access
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Also Strongly Recommended: The
Course Description: This is a college level course designed to give
the student an understanding of physical theory and principles. The subject
matter includes the interaction of matter and energy, fluid mechanics, thermal
physics, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear and atomic physics. The AP
Physics B course designed for serious students with exceptional mathematics
and problem-solving skills and with outstanding expository writing skills. It
is designed as a senior year course for the student who is an independent
learner, and students who intend to select careers in science, medicine,
engineering, or the applied sciences. Those enrolled in AP Physics are expected
to work at the very highest levels of their cognitive ability. The course
primarily focuses on problem solving skills related to the AP Physics Exam.
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF THE COURSE: THE LEARNER WILL:
1. Read,
understand and interpret physical information -- verbal, mathematical and
graphical.
2. Describe
and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical
phenomenon or
problem; that is,
a.
Describe the idealized model to be used in the analysis, including simplifying
assumptions
where
necessary.
b.
State the principles or definitions that are applicable,
c.
Specify relevant limitations on applications of these principles
d.
Carry out and describe the steps of the analysis, verbally or mathematically
and
e.
Interpret the results or conclusions, including discussion of particular cases
of special
interest.
3. Use basic
mathematical reasoning---arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, or
calculus,
where appropriate--- in
physical situation or problem.
4. Perform experiments and interpret the results of
observations, including making an assessment of
experimental uncertainties.
Laboratory Work: Laboratory work and experiments will be chosen to supplement the class work and to
give you meaningful lab experiences in the areas being studied. Laboratory
investigations are an integral part of the instruction. Each student is to
maintain a business-like attitude and to follow all safety rules while in the
laboratory. In Physics, the experiments may or may not be arranged in the order
in which the topics appear on the syllabus. You are expected to participate in
any and all laboratory experiences scheduled. You must make up any experiment
or lab experience in which you are absent. Most of the labs are open-ended: You
will be given a problem, objective or question and a list of equipment. You
will then design your own procedure, data gathering, and data analysis. Results
will be presented to the class and judgments made as to what conclusions can be
drawn from the data, including possible experimental errors and how the
experiment could be improved or expanded. All students are expected to submit
an individual lab report which is turned in the day after concluding an activity.
See ―Formal Lab Format from my website. Please keep a separate lab
notebook. You are required to keep the reports in your lab notebook in case the
college of choice requires evidence, artifacts or documentation prior to
awarding college credit for physics.
GENERAL LABORATORY OBJECTIVES In completing lab work, you should be able to:
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Design
experiments.
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Observe and
measure real phenomena
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Determine
uncertainties in measurement
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Organize, display
and critically analyze data
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Draw inferences
from observations and data
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Communicate
results, including suggesting ways to improve experiments and propose questions
for further study.
GENERAL CLASSROOM POLICIES
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Attendance: Successful individual performance requires mandatory daily
classroom attendance. It is your responsibility to attend all lectures and
laboratory sessions. Tardiness requires and excused pass form the proper staff
member. Class cuts are unexcused and a grade of zero is entered for class
assignments that day. All tardies will be recorded and appropriately dealt
with. No EXCEPTIONS.
Ø
Homework Policy: Each student
is expected to do homework. Anytime that written homework is not specifically
assigned, the student should review the work from that day. Homework quizzes
will be given often and are graded daily. Unfortunately, there is not enough
time to discuss all of them in class. Complete solutions to all homework
problems are in the library to be available to any student who desires further
explanation or additional help. No late homework is accepted, unless you were
absent the day before. If you are caught copying homework from another student,
you will receive a zero (see Cheating). No EXCEPTIONS. It is expected that we will use
Web-Assign homework service this year.
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Grading Policy: Tests and
quizzes serve three basic purposes: diagnostic, evaluative, and psychological.
As diagnostic instruments, they reveal to both, teachers and students, the
strengths and weaknesses of a students' learning. Thus, they not only pinpoint
where remedial work and drill are needed, but also motivate students to
overcome their deficiencies.
Student progress (grades) will
be frequently posted in the classroom and they will be accessible on the
Internet, via the class website. Grades will be individually protected by each
student’s ID number.
Tests (40%): There will be a major test at the end of each unit.
Tests are fashioned much like the AP exam, in both multiple choice and
free-response formats. In most cases, students will be allowed to use the AP
reference tables and calculators. Students are expected to be fully prepared
for tests. No retakes will be possible. If a student misses a test due to an excused
absence, he/she must make arrangements with the instructor to take the exam
within three school days of returning to school. If a student misses a test due
to an unexcused absence, the test score will be recorded as a zero, No
EXCEPTIONS.
Quizzes (20%): Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Occasionally,
quizzes will be open-book and/or open-note format. Quizzes may contain
questions from the reading and/or lifted directly from the homework
assignments. Quizzes may not be made up, no exceptions. The lowest quiz score
will be dropped from each student’s grade.
Laboratory Exercises
(20%): Labs are a very
important part of the course. Many labs are “hands-on” and will be
conducted in small groups for the sake of data collection. However, each student
is individually responsible for understanding each experiment, assisting
in conducting the experiment and collecting/recording data, and preparing a
complete lab report. All lab work will be recorded in a Lab Notebook. Each
student will be responsible for submitting a unique, cogent report for each
lab, and reports must be the result of individual effort, not copying or
plagiarizing. If a student misses a lab due to an excused absence, then he/she
must make arrangements with the instructor to make it up within three school
days.
Homework (10%): Completing and understanding homework and
reading assignments are crucial to developing problem-solving skills, one of
the cornerstones of success in the class. All homework assignments must be
completed on time. Homework assignments will be due at the beginning of the
period. If it is not turned in at that time, it will be considered late and
therefore it will not be accepted. It will be graded on the basis is
completeness, not accuracy. A complete homework assignment includes the
student’s name, date, period, assignment title, page number and problem
numbers (if from the textbook). Additionally, all problems are written,
illustrated with a neat diagram (when appropriate), all necessary steps are
shown, and the answer to the problem is clearly highlighted. If you are uncertain about a homework
problem, you must demonstrate that you tried to solve it. If a student is
absent, he/she will have one school day to make up and turn in the missing
assignment.
Participation (10%): Actively taking part in the class discussions is
essential to the learning experience. Students will be called upon to answer
questions, and to provide thoughts and opinions. In-class assignments
(worksheets) will fall under this category as well. The participation grade
will gain points for students who go above and beyond the normal class
responsibilities. The participation grade will lose points for a variety of
reasons, including: distracting or disrupting the class, wasting class time,
arguing, unethical behaviors (plagiarism, cheating on tests, copying work from
other students, etc.), coming to class unprepared. Excessive tardies and/or
absences, excused or unexcused, will negatively affect the participation grade.
OTHER
GENERAL POLICIES AND RULES
1. Students are to come to class
prepared daily. This means you should have all materials, including assigned
homework, class work, writing utensils, text and calculator etc.
BE PRESENT, BE PROMPT, BE PREPARED,
BEHAVE!
2. Makeup work: Students are expected to take
responsibility for making up work that is missed due to illness, vacation,
doctor appointments, etc. NO UNEXCUSED LATE WORK will ever be accepted…sorry.
I will be glad to offer any assistance; however, you are responsible for
getting all lecture notes announcements, etc. from other students.
3. Making up Missed Tests: "All exams missed during a marking period will be made
up at end of the week you return". Morning makeup does not
allow enough time to complete a single makeup test. All makeup tests will be
different in format from the original given to the class in its original form.
It is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements for transportation and cover at
work to make up a test.
4. I expect an atmosphere conducive to
learning. Misbehavior will result in time being spent in detention.
5. Attendance to class is MANDATORY.
One of the primary responsibilities is to attend class each day. Each student
is responsible for the material covered and discussed, and all announcements
made in class each day. If you miss a day of class, it is recommended you get
your notes, announcements, homework, from either the HWASST page or another
student.
6. CHEATING and other forms of dishonesty:
CHEATING
IS:
a.
Any form of copying homework, before, during or after class time.
b.
Any form of copying ANY work from another student, peer, human being or giving
answers.
c.
Copying of answers or material from another student's test, or giving answers
to another student without permission from the instructor, and are both forms
of cheating. Giving and receiving answers will be treated and punished equally.
d.
Copying of another's work, (papers or other written work) without the expressed
written permission of the author.
Those caught
cheating will receive a grade of zero on the assignment and your parents will
be contacted. If there is a second offense, the student will be dismissed from
the course. NO Exceptions
7. NO food, drink or gum allowed without
the expressed permission of the instructor.
8. All students are expected to be on
time, on task and to show respect and courtesy and respect to all
students, teachers, and other faculty members of
Student Expectations In addition to following the regulations and policies
mandated by
1. WORK HARD!
2. Make a concerted effort to do all course work and to
obtain the teacher's assistance immediately if
you encounter any
difficulty.
3. Be in you seat, supplies out and ready to work when
the bell rings.
4. Turn in all assignments when due.
5. Treat everyone with the utmost respect and dignity.
6. Remain in your seat until dismissed from class.
7. Respect and care for all laboratory and classroom
equipment.
8. Return all equipment to its initial state before
departing.
9. Obtain all notes and assignments from missed classes
before the next class meeting from your
classmates.
10. Exhibit a personal code of honor by taking
responsibility for your work, performance, and
understanding
the course content.
Teacher Expectations My requirements are simple:
1. I expect 100% of your best effort. From me, you will
receive the same. I will keep you informed of
what will be occurring
throughout each unit, what and when assignments will be due, and what will
be expected of you.
2. You may expect me to hold you responsible for knowing
procedures and requirements that have
been either given
to you in writing and/or discussed in class.
3. Regardless of how hard or easy you find Physics- I
expect you to do your personal best! I expect the
"A student"
to ask questions as well as the "D student."
Please understand
that these courses are for the entire year. You are making a commitment for the
entire school year, regardless of clubs you decide to join, jobs you decide to
get, offices to which you get elected, etc. Please get the telephone number of
at least 3 other students by the end of the first week of class that you can
contact in case of absences.
Dear
Parent(s),
AP Physics is
a very difficult, college-level course, which requires a lot of time and which
many students feel like they will never understand, at first. This makes them
want to drop the course. I am very understanding about their anxiety over
grades, which is why we use an AP scale in assigning grades. Students
need to live with Physics awhile before it makes sense. Though not everyone
will end up with an A, everyone who takes this course and consistently
applies themselves can obtain a reasonable understanding of physics and end up
successful. It is of detriment to the program, as well as to each student, if
they are allowed to drop when it starts to get difficult and they are afraid
they won’t get an A or B. I am asking you to support our decision to not
allow students to drop once they have committed to the course and not write
letters later on in the school year which will allow your son or daughter to
drop this course. I consider it a privileged and pleasure to teach your child
this year.
Thank you.
Mr. W. Dove
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Commitment
Sheet for AP Physics
B
I have
read and understood the rules and grading policy, and agree to abide by them.
NAME (print clearly please)
_______________________________________
Current GPA ______
E-mail address;
________________________________________
Your Home Phone #
_____________________________________
Parent(s) or Guardian(s) names:
_______________________________________
Parent(s) or Guardian(s) e-mail
address: ____________________________________
Math Class you will be taking this
year: _______________________
I
have read and understand the class policies as outlined in the course syllabus
for Mr. Dove’s AP Physics B class.
Student’s name (Print)
Student’s signature Date
Parent’s name (Print) Parent’s signature Date
PARENTS
Preferred contact method: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime
phone: _____________________
Evening phone: _____________________ E-mail address: _______________________