Lutheran High School in Mayer
2008-2009 School Year Course Syllabus
I. Conceptual Physics
II. Instructor - Mr. Gary Loontjer
III. Grade Level – Grade 11/12
IV. Prerequisite – Students must have passed a previous science class and
cannot take this course if
they have received a C or better in a physics class.
V. Length of Class – Semester long course
VI. Course Summary Description
This course is designed to introduce physics to students and to show
students how
physics is related to their lives and the God-given world around them. This
course is a balance of conceptual development with a few quantitative
applications covering mechanics, properties of matter, waves, electricity &
magnetism, and modern physics.
VII. Integration of Faith & Christian Leadership
A. Service: It has been said that “service to humanity is the best work
of life”. We will serve others as we work to keep our classroom and lab in a
suitable condition for all to use. Equipment and supplies are often shared
with other classes and their proper use and storage is a positive service to
others. It is my goal to set up a science mentor program for help sessions.
Other outside opportunities for service may arise as the year progresses.
B. Faith Integration: Each class session begins with a
prayer/devotion. Many devotions are based on a creation science theme.
Prayers include individual prayer requests as they arise.
VIII. Course Objectives
A. Reading/Comprehension: Textbooks have been selected at the appropriate
reading
level for the majority of students taking this course. Study aids provided
by the book will be explained and implemented as needed. Directions on note
taking will be given to help guide comprehension of the material covered.
B. Writing Skills: Students will increase the effectiveness and quality of
their writing by following templates for lab reports and using applicable
writing conventions for major lab reports.
C. Attitude: Garner an appreciation of the excitement of physics and the
knowledge created in this subject area. Generate a renewed awareness of the
created world.
D. Content: Gain knowledge of the principles and concepts on which physics is
based.
E. Problem Solving Skills: Expand on the ability to solve problems using
dimensional analysis and learn and practice lab skills.
F. Have fun!
IX. Outline of Units
Introduction to Physics 2 weeks
Mechanics 4 weeks
Atomic and Nuclear Physics 4 weeks
Sound and Light 4 weeks
Electricity and Magnetism 4 weeks
X. Evaluation Procedures
A. Grading scale: The LHS grading scale is: A: 92-100%, B: 83-91%, C: 74-
82%, D: 65-73%, F: 0-64%. The semester grade is calculated with each quarter
worth 45% and the final exam worth 10% of the total. Weightings for classroom
grade: Lab reports-30%, Tests (paper & pencil and lab practicals)-40%,
Worksheets & reports-20%, and Effort & Behavior-10%. All scores will be
given based on a maximum of 100 points. Lab report grades are composed of
45% data collection, 45% investigative questions, and 10% lab protocol.
B. Homework: Will include lab reports, test preparation, and study guide
worksheets.
C. Late work: Work received after the due date but prior to the chapter test
will
receive a maximum of 70% of the original points. Work from a given chapter
will not be accepted following the day of the chapter test. If you are
absent from school, you will have the number of days absent plus one to turn
in work, complete labs, or take any tests that were missed. Planned absences
require advance notification (two days) and may require that certain work be
done prior to the absence. Planned absence days will be handled with the
same number of days absent plus one guideline.
D. Neatness – After you leave the room all that remains behind is the
assignment you turned in for grading. Strive to see that the paper is a good
witness of your hard work. Papers that are difficult for me to read due to
sloppiness, spills, or damage will not receive full credit.
E. Cheating/Plagiarism – You will only get credit for work that is yours.
Taking
advantage of another person’s work is stealing and will result in no credit
for that work. If you allow someone to use your work to complete theirs, you
will also receive no credit for that work. You must make use of proper
citation in reports and the act of “cutting and pasting” reports from
internet sources will not be allowed.
F Tests: A written test will be given following the completion of most
chapters
of material. Lab practicals (tests) will also be used to evaluate the use of
lab techniques and skills.
G. Semester Exams: A cumulative semester exam will be given.
H. Participation: The effort & behavior portion of the classroom grade will
be
my assessment of how well you are using your talents and if you are making
wise use of your time in class and lab. Misbehavior and disrespect of others
will cause a reduction in earned points as well.
I. Extra Credit: No extra credit work is planned for this course.
XI. Classroom Expectations
A. It is very important to be in class, being tardy or absent will have a
detrimental effect on your class grade. It is the student’s responsibility
to seek out make-up work.
B. Before entering the room, be sure that you have all the supplies you need
for class. Do not bring book bags, back packs, coats, or other “extras”.
Space is at a premium in room and lab.
C. Feel free to use the restroom (remember the hall pass) when I am not
lecturing or giving directions. I will allow a maximum of two to be out of
the room at one time.
(Two restroom passes)
D. Respecting other’s property avoids causing problems for others.
E. I will gladly accept all papers that turned in on time and that meet the
neatness standard and use proper headings.
F. At times you may be anxious to talk, and I listen to students who raise
their hands.
XII. Materials
Be sure to bring your textbook, a folder/notebook for notes, reliable writing
utensil (pencils for labs). You will have free use of a calculator for all
tests, homework and labs in this course.
XIII. Technology Integration
Students will make use of computers, calculators, and interface devices on
some labs. Many labs will use a variety of technological devices. Students
will be exposed to some content delivery using the computer.
