PHYSICS
Ms. Rhoades
drhoades@alpinedistrict.org
801-376-7532
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the best science class you have ever taken! Although Physics is a difficult subject, it can also be fascinating and fun. Science is more than math equations. It is collisions and catapults, rockets and relativity. We will spend the entire year learning how this world works. Topics include motion, energy, electricity, and waves.
| You will need the following items: | A lab notebook A scientific calculator A Brain |
GRADING
Grades are earned by students, not given by teachers. Grades are based on a student's performance and effort. By definition a letter grade of 'C' indicates mediocre. An 'A' indicates exceptional concept mastery and work ethic. Getting an 'A' in this class is very straightforward. Learn the material and show me that you understand it!
| % | Grade | % | Grade | % | Grade | % | Grade | % | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97-100 | 87-89 | 75-79 | 60-64 | Below 50 | |||||
| 94-96 | 83-86 | 70-74 | 55-59 | Really Bad | |||||
| 90-93 | 80-82 | 65-69 | 50-54 | Super Bad |
Your overall grade will be determined accordingly.
| Tests Assignments Online Homework |
50% 25% 25% |
All tests are curved to reflect the group's overall performance. This is done by throwing out the highest score, averaging the next two high scores, and using this as the new points possible.
EXTRA CREDIT & GRADE RECOVERY
Extra credit can NOT be obtained during the last week of the quarter. The only way to get extra points is by putting in extra effort along the way. This can be done in TWO ways.
1: Collecting extra reading stamps. Each quarter I require 10 reading stamps. Extra stamps means extra points.
2: Doing your online homework the day it was assigned boosts your homework score by 10%. These extra points really do help.
I DO NOT allow students to retake tests. However, if a student improves their test score by 20% on the NEXT test, then I will drop the bad test.
At the end of the quarter I often get visits from students asking if there is anything they can do to raise their score. The answer is no. Their grade is a reflection of their performance in the class. Inflating this grade would be unethical. The only exception is if a student is LESS THAN ONE PERCENT away from the next letter grade.
GETTING HELP
Physics is a challenging class. You may find yourself needing outside help for the first time in your life. Don't worry. You are normal. I am available EVERY day after school until 4:00 pm. I am also available during lunch. (However, please tell me in advance so that I will know to stay in my room.) Please DO NOT come in for help before school. I am busy planning the lessons for the day and will be unable to help you.
I STRONGLY encourage students to get in the habit of coming in after school in with study groups and doing their homework together. There is a Science Help Lab available Tues-Thurs in Room 11. I often hang out there after school in order to help students with the online assignemnts. Getting assistance from your classmates or myself will help you avoid frustration and dead ends that you might encounter when working on your own.
HOMEWORK & LATEWORK
There will be homework every day! Most assignments will be available online. Each assignment is worth 10 points. Late work FOR ANY REASON may be turned in before the unit test for half credit. If you know you are going to be absent then homework MUST be completed in advance if you wish to receive full points. After the unit test, NO LATEWORK IS ACCEPTED. I drop ONE online assignment each term because I realize that life happens.
LAB WORK
Each lab is worth 10 pts. Labs are done with a lab partner in class. Be sure to contribute. Your participation points are based partially on your partner's feedback. If you have an excused absence you will be allowed to make up the lab after school or online. A lab MUST be made up within ONE week of the absence. Lab safety is a priority. Students who endanger their safety or the safety of their peers will not be allowed to participate in future labs.
EXAMS & QUIZZES
Mini quizzes will occasionally be given to check that you understand the current topic. Each quiz will be worth 10 pts. At least three exams will be given per term. These exams are divided into three sections:
| 33% 33% 33% |
Multiple Choice Free Response Calculations |
(Facts) (Concepts) (Math Applications) |
The tests have an in class portion (Multiple Choice and Free Response) that is done at school. You are NOT allowed to look at your notes when taking the in class test.
Each test will also have an at home portion (Calculations) that is done online. This portion is open notes and open book, but you are NOT allowed to work with any other people. This means no help from family, friends, tutors, aliens, etc.
PARTICIPATION POINTS
Students begin every term with 20 participation points. These points are lost through rude behavior. If a student loses all 20 participation points they will receive an F in the class regardless of their current percentage! Here are a few examples:
| Talking Cell Phone i-pod Calc Games |
-5 -5 -5 -5 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
We will often use cell phones in this class for timing labs and texting quiz answers. If you have a smart phone with a data plan, we may also use it for online activities. Any other use of the phones is prohibited. Don't text your friends. Don't play games.
HALL PASSES
Hall passes are for emergencies only! Use the bathroom and get a drink between classes. If you must leave the room, it will cost you 5 participation points.
CHEATING
DON’T DO IT. I will do whatever I can to help you pass this class. But if I catch you cheating, I have no choice but to give you a zero on the test/quiz/assignment. If I catch you twice, I will fail you. I’ve done it before.
PLAGIARISM
If I can find your source by ‘googling’ your paper, then you have plagiarized! I will not give you points for someone else’s work. Just changing a few words, rearranging the sentences, or rewriting the sentences in your own words is STILL PLAGIARISM. The structure and flow of your paper, and all the sentences in it, should be your own. You only use your source to obtain facts. These facts should be referenced.
ATTENDANCE POLICY, DRESS CODE, & DISCRIMINATION
I follow all of the school policies as found in the student handbook. In addition, American Fork High School complies with the requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Therefore, no student shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or disability. If you feel your rights have been violated, please contact Principal Finch at 756-8547 ext 303 or send email to dfinch@alpinedistrict.org If you have a special need, please let me know and we can work out a plan to assist you.