Conceptual Physics 420

Introduction, Requirements & Expectations

Conceptual Physics 420 is offered primarily for students unsure of their educational plans after high
school. Its intention is to introduce and further each students understanding of the world around them
using conceptual understanding, basic problem solving and in class lab and activity work pertaining to
basic physics concepts.
Required Supplies
very student is re!uired to have their own binder with a supply of paper "# a spiral bound notebook and
a folder. $our te%tbook must remain covered the entire year and these supplies, along with a pen or pencil
are e%pected to be brought to class every day. &lso, please sign up for #'I() so that I can I can easily
contact you via a smart phones, once you*ve left class, to alert you to an une%pected change in an
assignment or plans for the ne%t day. +imply te%t the class code to 4,2.-./.-2./. If this is not an option,
I encourage students to send me an email from an address that is checked often, and I*ll use it for the
same purpose.
Homeor!
0sually you are provided with enough time in class to finish work, but before every test, students will be
assigned a large chapter review from the te%tbook and it will be e%pected to be completed outside of
school time. &ll assignments are posted in the room on the front board and also on my weebly site1
bhsgiles2weebly.com by 'onday morning each week. It is the responsibility of each student to note the
assignment and complete it by the due date which, unless noted, can be assumed to be the ne%t day.
"utorin#
+tudents are encouraged to see me to set up a mutually acceptable time to get e%tra help. 3hen someone
does schedule tutoring time with me, I will post the date 4 time on my 5elp +essions board so that all
other students know I*m available and anyone is welcome to 6oin in.
$%sences & &a!e'up (or!
If the absence is e%pected, the student is responsible for securing work before he7she misses class and it
should be completed upon his7her return. If the student is in school for any part of the day, work due
should still be turned in, on time even if he7 she misses class that day 8 hand it to me, slip it under my
door, put it in my mailbo% in the office. If the absence is une%pected but e%cused, the work will be
accepted the following day for an average of the student*s grades on other items in that same grade
category. 9or a missed test, the student is responsible to schedule to make it up in a timely manner. If a
student fails to follow through with make:up work, or the absence was une%cused, the grade will be a 0.
)rades are determined from the points earned on
in:class participation ; <,0=>,
chapter review assignments <2-=>,
lab reports <,-=>,
in:class worksheets and activities <2-=>
tests 4 e%ams ;; <2-=>.
&lways keep all returned graded assignments, at least until you see the proper score input on +kyward, in
case there is a discrepancy on a grade record or calculation.
; 2 points a day are earned for simply participating in whatever is e%pected of them on that particular day.
It starts with being in class on time, with all their re!uired materials? then continues with activities such as
taking notes, contributing to a discussion, working on classwork or being actively engaged in a lab, etc.
9or those accessing student grades on line, the class participation score will only be updated at interim
time and at final grade time each nine weeks, so grades at other times will be incomplete.
;; &ny use of an electronic device, beyond a standard calculator, while completing any test or e%am will
be considered cheating and the student will earn a @ero on that test or e%am.