Physics I Course Description

What is physics? Physics is perhaps the most basic of the living and nonliving sciences. It’s about the nature of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and the insides of atoms. All other sciences are built on knowledge of physics. We can understand science in general much better if we understand physics first; for that reason, at Menlo physics is the first science class offered, taken by all freshmen.

You will learn about the world of physics - the world around you - by studying from your lecture notes, text, and handouts; by performing hands-on laboratory investigations that enable you to learn by your own curiousity and sometimes by your own design; and by conducting research and projects to help further your knowledge.

You are expected to conduct yourself in class and in other Physics I work in a manner which shows your respect for the right of each of your classmates to learn without interference. In addition, I do not allow food, drink, gum, or hats inside the classroom.

You are expected to be in your seat and ready for the day’s lesson at the time designated for the class to start. You are also expected to arrange with the teacher to make up all work missed during an absence, in advance if the absence is planned. Any work missed due to an unexcused absence will receive zero credit. If for some emergency extenuating circumstances you cannot take a test on the day it is planned, you must see me before school starts, not immediately before the test is to begin.

Your class grade will be based approximately on the following: Tests and Quizzes 40-50%, Homework 20-25%, Labs 20-25%, Projects 5-10%. Semester exams are 10-20% of the semester grade.

Homework will be given most nights, and is to be completed in your notebook. You are expected to complete your homework before coming to class; your homework book should be brought to class every day. This book will be collected and graded periodically, usually on test days.

You will be doing two types of lab activities. “Mini-labs” are completed on handouts and turned in either at the end of class or at the next class meeting. These should be filed in your binder after they’re graded. Major labs will require your keeping data in your class notebook and then turning in a formal lab report; you can expect one of these every few weeks.

Tests will generally occur every two weeks; calculators may be used but not shared. No cell phone calculators.