Physics with Technology 2012 2013 Westlaketeched.

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Mr. Brian Jones 801-610-8815 Ext. 308 brjones@alpinedistrict.org Room 108 Westlake High School

Description:
Physics with Technology is a fun and exciting class where students can learn about and explore the world around them in a hands-on action based environment. This course will focus on three major concepts in physics: (1) Motion of Objects (2) Forces Acting on Objects (3) Energy. Students will be encouraged to make observations of these concepts in physics through their daily living and learn to ask inquisitive questions. These personal observations and questions will be the basis for much of the classroom discussion, activities and experiments.

Structure:
The basic structure of this class will revolve around students learning physics concepts through assignments, labs, quizzes and test. Students will generally have a homework assignment associated with each class period. Students will occasionally be given the opportunity to work on assignments in class. The lessons in class will be broken up into short discussions in order to provide students the opportunity to work on labs (the fun stuff!). Completing assignments when given the time in class or at home will ensure that the student will have the opportunity to participate in labs.

Website / Canvas:
The course website can be found at westlaketeched.com. This site will have general information about the course but the majority of assignments, quizzes/test and classroom notes will be found on Canvas. Please take the time to read the information on Canvas located on the class website. Links to help with Canvas can also be found on the class website. All grades will be tracked using Canvas. Once a week grades in Skyward will be updated to match the grades on Canvas. Only the final percent in the class will be uploaded to Skyward and all grading details can be found on Canvas.

Assignments:
The goal of assignments is for students to have the opportunity to apply the principles they are learning and to demonstrate their level of understanding. Assignments should reflect what a student knows and understands. I understand that many students dont understand concepts the first time they learn about them. For this reason I allow students to rework any assignment and receive full points for the corrected questions. The purpose of this is not to penalize the student for learning. If they can show that they learned the material they will get the points. However, a 10% point deduction will be given to the final score of an assignment submitted after the unit has been completed. Almost all assignments will be submitted digitally through Canvas.

Tests (TMUs):
The content of this course will be divided into units called Thunder Mastery Units (TMUs). These tests are designed to give the student the opportunity to show that they have mastered the concepts taught in that unit. A students failure to take a TMU or to achieve a satisfactory score will receive an incomplete grade in the class (an I) until they pass the TMU with a satisfactory score. Students will be allowed only 1 attempt on the TMU. Studying for the test is critical. TMU questions will be very similar to the questions found on the practice test

Practice tests will be given to help the students prepare for the TMU. These practice tests will be on Canvas. Students will be able to take the practice test as many times as they would like. After each attempt students will be able to see which questions they missed but will not be given the correct answer. Students will keep their highest score. Requirements to be eligible to take the TMU: Students must have ALL assignments turned in before taking the TMU. Students must score a minimum of 70% on each assignment in order to take the TMU. Students must score a minimum of 70% on the practice test.

Materials Needed:
Students will need the following equipment for this course: 1. Simple calculator (a scientific calculator is not required) 2. Notebook

Attendance:
Attendance at Westlake High School will have a direct connection with a student's academic grade. The student will receive a NC or D- in the class that attendance is deficient. Please refer to the school handbook for further information on attendance deficiencies and how to make them up.

Grading:
In this course students will be graded on assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, TMUs as well as daily participation points. Late work is accepted throughout the term based on individual arrangements made with Mr. Jones. All late work will receive a 10% deduction from the earned score. No lake work will be accepted prior to one week before the end of each term. Students are allowed to come in and work on late work with Mr. Jones, before or after school or during their lunch hour as long as prior arrangements have been made. The following grading scale will be used:
100-94% = A 86-84% = B 76-74% = C 66-64% = D 93-90% = A83-80% = B73-70% = C63-60% = D89-87% = B+ 79-77% = C+ 69-67% = D+ 59-0% = I

Citizenship:
I believe students are capable of behaving responsibly, showing respect to others, and following classroom rules that help to facilitate a warm and productive learning environment. I do follow all of the school guidelines and policies as outlined in the student handbook and school website. Students are expected to be in class and ready to work the entire class period. Students who copy or cheat will

not receive credit and a parental contact will be made. Personal electronic devices will be allowed in class as long as they are used to benefit the learning of the student. Use of electronic devices in a way that distracts from the learning environment will not be allowed. Students who misuse these items will receive one warning to put away the item. Those choosing not to do so, or that are reminded more than once will have the item removed by the teacher. This will result in a loss of daily participation points as well. Parents who need to contact a student during class time should call the Front Office to avoid any such confusion with this policy. Please refrain from bringing food or drink to this class as there is expensive equipment that may be damaged from such items.

Equal Opportunity Act:

The Alpine School District does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All students are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), disability, or age. I do agree and follow the Equal Opportunity Act as outlined by the school district.