9th Conceptual Physics

Saudi Aramco Schools Ras Tanura Middle School 2011 2012

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Dodds robert.dodds@aramco.com Moodle Page: saslearning.com COURSE DESCRIPTION: What is Conceptual Physics? Its the study of the physical world around you and its make-up. Its figuring out and learning about the way things are put together and how they work. Its discovering answers to questions you may have had about the world that you live in questions that people have been asking for thousands of years. My goal for this class is to introduce you to and give you a working knowledge of selected 9th grade topics, but most of all instill a lifelong curiosity about our amazing universe. We will do this through a variety of methods including labs, presentations, projects, and group activities. COURSE TOPICS: This course is divided into trimesters as follows: Trimester I (64 days) Sept. 10 Dec. 14 Nature of Physics Kinematics Newtons Laws Momentum and Energy Trimester II (58 days) Jan. 7 Mar. 28 Properties of Matter Thermodynamics and Heat Vibrations, Waves and Sound
Trimester III (54 days) Apr. 14 June 27 Optics Light and Color Magnetism Electrostatics Electric Current and Circuits

MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. Science Folder (provided) 2. Pens and Pencils 3. Calculator (Ti 84)

TEXTS: Pearson -Conceptual Physics Resources

CLASSROOM GUIDELINES: There are many rules and regulations that we could list for the classroom. All of these can be condensed into three major ones that I expect you to follow: 1. Be Respectful to your teacher, others, classroom equipment, etc. 2. Be Responsible with your work, materials for class, etc. 3. Be Prepared to learn come prepared, stay on task, finish work on time

EXPECTATIONS and KEYS TO SUCCESS: Come to class prepared with your materials Take care of personal needs before and after class. Be in your seat when class begins. Be organized and keep up with your daily work. Take good notes and keep your notebook nice and neat. Study for tests and quizzes a few days in advance -- don't cram! Hand in your work on time! Do your own work! ASSIGNMENT and RETESTING POLICY: In general, late work is not accepted unless it is due to an excused absence. I do understand, however, that certain emergencies come up unexpectedly. In order for these to be excused, I need to have either a call or a note from your parents. Excused late work needs to be made up. If you have scored lower than 80% on a test, you will have one opportunity to improve your score. This will involve you coming in the next morning for tutoring, and the morning afterwards for the test. You will only be allowed to retest if you have attended the tutoring session.

GRADING POLICY: Your grade in this class is divided into the following parts: Labs/Projects/Quizzes Tests 40% 60% Labs, Presentations, Projects, etc. Chapter Tests, Trimester Assessments

Grade reporting to parents will also include a write-up on homework, participation, behavior, attendance, and tardiness

Please read over this information and ask for any clarification if needed. Sign and return it to Mr. Dodds by Wednesday, September 14. A permanent copy will be available on my Moodle page. I, __________________________________ (student's name), have read and understand the material in this syllabus, and agree to follow the class rules and procedures. I also understand the rules regarding late work and the grading policy. Student Signature_______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________________