Physics

Course Syllabus, Expectations, and Policies

Teacher: Mrs. Bruno Room: 121
Email: mbruno@franklinregional.k12.pa.us Phone: 724-327-5456 x5121

Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental areas of Physics with special emphasis on
mechanics. Topics covered will include velocity, acceleration, forces, momentum, energy,
rotational motion, waves, sound, light, color, and optics. We will investigate each topic
conceptually and mathematically as well as their applications in the real world.
Assessments will include homework, labs, projects, quizzes, and tests as described below.
Prerequisites: 72% or above in Algebra II, previous or concurrent Trigonometry course

Homework: Homework is meant to be a reinforcement of the days lesson. Homework

will be given on a regular basis and is generally due the next day. It is
imperative that students complete homework assignments to become
comfortable with the material. Students should do the work on their own,
but are encouraged to collaborate with classmates to clarify and expand
their learning. Most homework will NOT be graded. Graded homework
will be announced.
Approximate Point Value: 5-20 pts each

Labs: Labs will typically be done once a week. Students will work with lab
partners or groups that will change regularly. Lab procedures will be
discussed further in class. Some labs will be graded directly, others will be
assessed through a lab quiz.
Approximate Point Value: 10-30 pts each

Projects: Projects will be assigned throughout the year. Individual project

description will be distributed as needed.
Approximate Point Value: varied

Quizzes: Quizzes will occur on a regular basis. Notice will normally be given, but
pop quizzes may occur. Most quizzes are eligible for remediation with
retakes. Retake scores are typically limited to 80%.
Approximate Point Value: 10-50 pts each

Tests: A test will be given at the end of every chapter. The test format and
advanced notice will be given. Unit tests are NOT eligible for
remediation/retake.
Approximate Point Value: 60-100 pts each
 Honors Physics I
Course Syllabus, Expectations, and Policies
Teacher: Mrs. Bruno Room: 121
Email: mbruno@franklinregional.k12.pa.us Phone: 724-327-5456 x5121
Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental areas of Physics with special emphasis on
mechanics. Topics covered will include velocity, acceleration, forces, momentum, energy,
rotational motion, waves, sound, light, color, and optics. We will investigate each topic
conceptually and mathematically as well as their applications in the real world.
Mathematics will play an essential role in this course. Assessments will include
homework/classwork, labs/projects, quizzes, and tests. This course will use a weighted
grading system as described below.
Prerequisites: 82% or above in Algebra II, previous or concurrent Trigonometry course
Classwork/Homework:
Homework is meant to be a reinforcement of the days lesson. Homework will be
given on a regular basis and is generally due the next day. It is imperative that
students complete homework assignments to become comfortable with the material.
Students should do the work on their own, but are encouraged to collaborate with
classmates to clarify and expand their learning. Most homework will not be graded.
In class assignments will be regularly used to reinforce important concepts and may
be collected for a grade. Regardless of graded/ungraded, engagement and
completion of these activities is imperative to a deepen a students understanding of
concepts.
Classwork/Homework: 5% overall grade

Labs/Projects:
Labs will typically be done once a week. Students will work with lab partners or
groups that will change regularly. Some labs will be graded directly, others will be
assessed through a lab quiz. Lab procedures will be discussed further in class.
Projects will be assigned throughout the year. Individual project description will be
distributed as needed.
Labs/Projects: 15% overall grade

Quizzes:
Quizzes will occur on a regular basis. Notice will normally be given, but pop
quizzes may occur. Vocabulary and Problem Solving quizzes will occur with every
unit. Most quizzes are eligible for remediation and retake, but retake scores are
typically limited to 80%.
Quizzes: 30% overall grade

Tests:
A test will be given at the end of every chapter. The test format and advanced notice
will be given. Unit tests are not eligible for remediation.
Tests: 50% overall grade
Classroom Expectations and Rules
Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared with:
o 3 ring binder with all Physics notes (approx 1)
o Pencil
o Calculator (limited number available in class)
o Assignments & Other Materials discussed in class on an as needed basis
Students are expected to participate actively in class, work cooperatively in groups,
and encourage a healthy learning environment.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning by ask questions
and seeking additional help when needed, DO NOT wait until you are
overwhelmingly behind to ask for help!
Electronic devices are NOT permitted unless the teacher explicitly instructs students
to use them at a given time. Any electronic device that is distracting to the learning
environment will be confiscated.
ALL cell phones and other electronic devices will be collected on test days and any
other day as directed by the teacher. If a student is found in possession of a phone,
camera, or other electronic device during testing, the device will be confiscated and
submitted to the office and the student may receive a zero on the assessment.

Assignments/Late Policy
Assignments are due at the start of your designated class period. Assignments
turned in after this time are considered late.
All assignments are to be completed neatly. If an assignment is disorganized or
illegible, it will be returned to be redone and will then be considered late.
Assignments will be accepted late, but a penalty may be assessed of up to 50%.

Absences and Make-up Work

It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete any notes, assignments, or
other information given on days they are absent. If the student needs assistance to
complete make-up work they must see the teacher outside of regular class time.

Procedure:
Pre-determined absence (field trip, doc appt, athletics, etc):
o Fill out Absence Work Request form as early as possible and submit
to the bin
o Check your class Absent bin prior to absence for materials
ALL Absences:
o After absence, check Absent bin
o Discuss missed material with classmates
o Schedule a time with Mrs. Bruno for make up if necessary
You are also encouraged to email Mrs. Bruno to request work when absent
Assignments due on a day you are absent are due the day you return at no penalty.
Due dates of work assigned on a day you are absent are extended as many days as
you were absent as per FRSD policy.
Make up labs must be completed before the test date for the given chapter.
 Tests must be made up in a timely manner. (Absent the day of test only, make up
the day of return. Absent multiple days prior to the test, discuss with teacher and
schedule a reasonable day for make up test on the day of return.)

Academic Integrity Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to maintain academic integrity in regard to class

assignments, exams, and all other course requirements. Thus, cheating, plagiarism, and/or
knowingly assisting another student in violating academic integrity are all violations of
the Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of academic integrity are subject to
disciplinary action, and will receive a zero.

Tardiness

Our time together each and every day is very valuable, and as such class will begin
promptly at the bell. Tardiness will not be tolerated. The student will be given a warning
for the 1st offense. All subsequent offenses will result in a 30-minute, teacher monitored
detention. Detentions for tardiness must be served within 1 week of the offense,
otherwise it will be submitted to administration for formal 2-hour or Saturday detention.

Behavior

Students are to act respectfully at all times. This includes, but is not limited to,
respect for themselves, classmates, teachers, guests, and property.
Students are expected to use appropriate language at all time. Swearing and/or
degrading comments will not be tolerated.
One warning will be issued for most behavioral issues and all subsequent
occurrences will be submitted to Administration for discipline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sign and Detach - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I have read, understand, and agree to follow the terms of the Course Syllabus,
Expectations, and Policies for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Print Student Name: _____________________________________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________

Please sign and return this portion by Wednesday August 31, 2016
 Honors Physics Course Outline
Unit 1: Math Review and Intro
Topics
1. Measurement and SI units
2. Scientific notation, prefixes,
conversions, significant figures
3. Graphing terminology and
techniques
4. Graphing in Excel
5. Right triangle trigonometry
6. Vectors
Unit 2: 1-Dimensional Kinematics
1. Distance and displacement
2. Speed and velocity
3. Acceleration
4. Kinematics Equations and
Problem Solving- Horizontal
Motion
5. Position-Time/Velocity-Time
Graphs
6. Free-Fall (Vertical Motion)
Unit 3: 2-Dimensional Kinematics
1. Horizontally Launched Projectile
Motion
2. Angled Launch Projectile Motion
Unit 4: Newtons Laws of Motion
1. Inertia and Newtons 1st Law
2. Newtons 3rd Law
3. Forces and Newtons 2nd Law
4. Friction and Normal Force
5. Tension and Pulley Problems
6. Motion on an Inclined Plane
Unit 5: Planetary Motion
1. Keplers Laws of Planetary
Motion
2. Universal Gravitation
Unit 6: Work, Energy, & Simple
Machines
1. Work
2. Power
3. Simple Machines
4. Kinetic and Potential Energy
5. Conservation of Energy
6. Conservation of Energy with
Non-conservative Forces
Unit 7: Momentum
1. Momentum and Impulse
2. Impulse-Momentum Theorem
3. Inelastic Collision
4. Explosions
5. Elastic Collisions
6. 2-Dimensional Collisions
Unit 8: Periodic Motion
1. Centripetal Force and
Acceleration
2. Rotational Kinematics
3. Center of Mass and Torque
4. Rotational Inertia, Work, and
Energy
5. Angular Momentum and its
Conservation
6. Pendulums and Springs
Unit 9: Waves and Sound
1. Longitudinal and Transverse Waves
2. Frequency and Period
3. Reflection and Refraction
4. Diffraction and Interference
5. Doppler Effect
Unit 10: Light and Color
1. Electromagnetic Waves
2. Speed of Light
3. Diffraction and Polarization
4. Dual Nature of Light
5. Color of Light & Pigments
6. Effects of Color
 General Physics Course Outline
Unit 1: Math Review and Intro
Topics
1. Measurement and SI units
2. Scientific notation, prefixes,
conversions, significant figures
3. Graphing terminology and
techniques
4. Graphing in Excel
5. Right triangle trigonometry
6. Vectors
Unit 2: 1-Dimensional Kinematics
1. Distance and displacement
2. Speed and velocity
3. Acceleration
4. Kinematics Equations and
Problem Solving- Horizontal
Motion
5. Position-Time/Velocity-Time
Graphs
6. Free-Fall (Vertical Motion)
Unit 3: 2-Dimensional Kinematics
1. Horizontally Launched Projectile
Motion
2. Angled Launch Projectile Motion
Unit 4: Newtons Laws of Motion
1. Inertia and Newtons 1st Law
2. Newtons 3rd Law
3. Forces and Newtons 2nd Law
4. Friction and Normal Force
5. Tension and Pulley Problems
6. Motion on an Inclined Plane
Unit 5: Planetary Motion
1. Keplers Laws of Planetary
Motion
2. Universal Gravitation
Unit 6: Work, Energy, & Simple
Machines
1. Work
2. Power
3. Simple Machines
4. Kinetic and Potential Energy
5. Conservation of Energy
6. Conservation of Energy with
Non-conservative Forces
Unit 7: Momentum
1. Momentum and Impulse
2. Impulse-Momentum Theorem
3. Inelastic Collision
4. Explosions
5. Elastic Collisions
Unit 8: Periodic Motion
1. Centripetal Force and
Acceleration
2. Rotational Kinematics
3. Center of Mass and Torque
4. Rotational Inertia, Work, and
Energy
5. Angular Momentum and its
Conservation
6. Pendulums and Springs
Unit 9: Waves and Sound
1. Longitudinal and Transverse Waves
2. Frequency and Period
3. Reflection and Refraction
4. Diffraction and Interference
Unit 10: Light and Color
1. Electromagnetic Waves
2. Speed of Light
3. Diffraction and Polarization
4. Dual Nature of Light
5. Color of Light & Pigments
6. Effects of Color