College Prep Physics Course Syllabus

Our Mission
Granada Hills Charter High School will provide a positive student-centered environment in which all students will develop
academic skills, practical skills, and attitudes to enable them to be successful lifelong learners and productive, responsible
citizens in a diverse society. We pledge our resources to create a school where all students are actively engaged in the
process of learning in a multicultural, multilingual setting.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRS)
Every student who graduates from GHCHS will be:
An Effective Communicator, able to read, write, converse and listen for a variety of purposes
An Information Manager, able to locate, access, organize, evaluate and apply information in a complex and
technological world
A Problem Solver, able to apply a variety of thinking, creative and computing skills to produce solutions for practical
and theoretical problems
A Productive Member of Society, able to demonstrate healthy, responsible behavior and to work collaboratively and
respectfully in a linguistically and culturally diverse community
A Lifelong Learner, able to set educational and career goals, to develop a realistic strategy to achieve those goals
and to apply content knowledge and critical thinking skills to adapt to a rapidly changing environment

Course Title: PHYSICS

Instructors: Mr. Herr, Mr. Day, Mr. Cook, Mr. Vanderway, Mr. Zernow, and Mr. Eisen

Textbook:
Students may check out a hard copy of Hewitts Conceptual Physics from the textbook room if they wish. However, most
students prefer to access course material from handouts and worksheets distributed in class, web-based resources available
at www.mrherr.com, and referring to OpenStaxs free University Physics textbook (available as a webpage, PDF file, and
iPad app at http://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-physics).

Major Emphasis of the Course: The goals and objectives of this course align with the California State Content Standards
for Physics (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st) and with the Next Generation Science Standards for
physics(http://www.nextgenscience.org). Reading and Writing Standards are a part of every Course curriculum. In addition
to course work and tests, Core and Benchmark assignments will be used to assess student attainment of the Standards.

Course Expectations: All GHCHS teachers expect students to conform to the GHCHS Attendance Policy, Standards of
Student Behavior, Standards of Conduct, Dress Code and Academic Integrity Policy. These policies can be found on
the GHCHS website on the Internet at http://www.ghchs.com and in the Parent-Student Handbook.
In addition, this Course has the following expectations:

Classroom Supplies


Notebooks:
A three-ring binder with graph paper. A separate binder is recommended, but a shared
binder from another class is acceptable as long as there is a section is dedicated to physics
work.

A sewn-bound or spiral bound notebook with graph-paper pages. The black or green
comp books are fine and available at the Student Store.
Calculator:
A scientific calculator (which can handle basic trig functions and scientific notation) is
required for this course.
Pencil, colored pen/pencil, straight edge/ruller
A pencil is required every day in class. It is recommended that student have different color
writing implements to add emphasis to diagrams - colored pencils are fine, as long as they
can be easily read. A ruler or straight edge is required to draw neat lines.

White Board Marker and Eraser:
Two (2) white-board dry-erase broad-tipped marker.


Course of Study
and Targeted
Standards

COURSE PHILOSOPHY
Physics is considered to be the "foundational science" that forms the basis for all further study
in the physical sciences as well as the life sciences. Physics is the study of interactions &
change. The field is vast, ranging from the entirety of the universe to the smallest single
particle from the mundane block sliding on a table to the mysteries of quantum gravity. The
amazing thing is that scientists understand something about this stuff and you can to. In this
course, we will develop and deploy models that describe and explain some of the physics
around us.
If you are still reading at this point, you might be saying to yourself, What the heck is that all about? Dont worry. The physics thing
is a front. This class is really about thinking and figuring things out and having fun while doing it its about explaining what you
know and how you know it and being able to defend it under fire. Dont panic everything will be fine.
COURSE OUTLINE
CP Physics is a year long course, covering numerous major topics as outlined in the California
State Science Standards. Among these exciting topics are: Motion & Forces, Energy &
Momentum, Thermodynamics, Waves and Electricity & Magnetism.
The major emphasis in the first semester is mechanics, with energy, thermodynamics, waves
and electricity & magnetism being covered in the second semester. Other topics will be
covered as time permits.

Grading Policy



30% Supportive
(approximately 5% classwork; 10% lab notebook; 15% homework)

70% Evaluative
(approximately 20% laboratory/project reports; 40% tests/exams/quizzes;
10% final exam)


Grading Scale
A = 85 100 %
B = 75 84 %
C = 60 74 %
D = 50 59 %
F = 0 49 %

Homework Homework must be visible on your desk at the beginning of the period for Mr. Herr to place a
stamp on it. All the homework for the unit will be turned in the day of the unit test.
Class Rules


Standards of Conduct - It is expected that all students respect the rights of each other as well
as all aspects of the learning process. Improper behavior will not be tolerated. Violations will
result in parent contact and disciplinary action taken by the Deans Office.
Support Schedule Class information, including assignments, due dates, handouts and schedule is available on
the class webpage: www.mrherr.com
Communication
with Parents
Parents can use Home Access Center (available at ghchs.com) to track student progress. Mr.
Herr can be contacted via email at sherr@ghchs.com.
Lab Safety Special laboratory safety requirements will be discussed prior to each lab activity. If any student fails to
observe the safety guidelines, they will be removed from the lab, losing all points for that lab activity.
CLOSED-TOE SHOES are required in the lab. WHEN IN DOUBT, STOP AND ASK THE TEACHER FOR
ASSISTANCE. REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES IMMEDIATELY!

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RETURN WITH SIGNATURES TO INSTRUCTOR BY: Tuesday, August 26
th
, 2014

I acknowledge receiving a copy of the Course Syllabus for Physics.

Class Period __________

Students First Name _______________________ Students Last Name _________________________________

Students Signature _________________________________________________

Parent/Guardians Name: __________________________________________________

Parent/Guardians Signature ________________________________________________ Date___________________