Honors Physics

Mr. Taylor

Fall 2022

Room: G235

The science of everything!

Your Instructor:

·      John Taylor, MEd.

·      Email: John.Taylor@ucps.k12.nc.us

·      Canvas: https://ucps.instructure.com

·      Website: https://sites.google.com/view/phystastical/home

·      Twitter: @phystastical

·      Office hours (formal): Smart lunch (various times), Tuesday and Thursday after school, and by arrangement

 

Things you will need.

 

·      Textbook.  Our text is online: Physics (Openstax).  

https://openstax.org/details/books/physics

Physics

Openstax

Senior Contributing Authors

 Paul Peter Urone, California State University, Sacramento

 Roger Hinrichs, State University of New York, College at Oswego


 

·      A simple composition book and 3 ring binder.  The 50¢ Walmart comp book variety works well.  Although, compbooks with grids are nice, they are not required.  You will use this as your lab notebook.  

·      You need a separate binder or notebook for class notes.

·      A simple scientific calculator.  What is required for you math classes will work fine.

·      We may use Khan Academy at times.  https://www.khanacademy.org  The class code will be given in class.

·      During the semester, you will need to download certain app’s / programs onto your Chromebook, or bookmark certain browser sites.  

o   PhET (free): Bookmark: https://phet.colorado.edu/

o   Vernier Video Analysis: https://videoanalysis.app/auth/

o   Vernier Graphical Analysis: https://www.vernier.com/downloads/graphical-analysis/?srsltid=AfmBOor8JXBtLgMGbWgwvbhxoHE27znpQ0izVn2agk_SCLBv59S2Lltr


 

How you get your grade

      Practice (class and online assignments)                                   20

         Labs                                                           30%

         Quizzes, Tests,* and Alternative assessments                       30%

         Project                                                             Up to 22%

* Note: Students will be allowed a retake on a written test, by first correcting the test they wish to retake, and explaining the correct and incorrect answers in writing.  Retake must be within 2 weeks or within a grading period, whichever occurs first.

** Note:  Students will complete a project through the semester.  We will take it in steps, and you will each have a lot of choice / options.  


So, what will we cover this Fall?

This fall we learn to be student scientist as we explore these physics topics in the world around us:




My likes:  


1.     My family.

2.     Students who have developed a passion for learning and are self actualized.

3.     Students who can respectfully encourage others, and patiently help them learn something – whether it is amazing, or just tricky (like how to divide fractions, or understand special relativity).

4.     When students are successful – and the light goes on.

5.     Something science related that is just “mind blowing.”

6.     Experimental science – especially when students are engaged in it.  Although, I really do like doing STEM!

7.     Learning where students go next in life - their adventures in the world around them.

8.     Star Wars, Tolkien Data (image) processing, 3D printing, and personal research - especially astronomy related.                          


General Rules

1.     You are responsible for procedures regarding discipline taught on a progressive scale in all classes prior to entering Mr. Taylor’s class.  From raising your hand, taking turns to speak,..

2.     Be responsible, be respectful, and be resilient.

3.     Demonstrating good leadership skills will impress anyone, including Mr. Taylor.

4.     When Absent: Please, check online first - Absent homework must be dated and labeled "ABSENT"Class periods to make-up work = Class periods missed, up to the end of a grading period.  Note: Finishing homework alone does not catch you up to the class!       

5.     Late homework may or may not earn credit, but does provide necessary practice.  See #4, otherwise the default rule is homework drops value by 25% per calendar day (11pm).  Not completing homework will likely lead to progressive confusion. Students should submit late assignments through Canvas, as soon as possible, and by email only if a Canvas link does not exist.

6.     Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings and should not line up at the door at the end of class.  This is respectful behavior and demonstrates upper-class maturity.

7.     Be considerate and respectful, as student activity is to add to a positive classroom environment.

8.     SAFETY FIRST.  Horseplay will result in immediate loss of hands-on lab privilege, until re-instated by Mr. Taylor.  Touch not – ask often.

9.     Use Smart lunch when needed - don't wait.  

10.   Cell phones are to be parked at the beginning of class.  * Occasionally, cell phones and electronic devices are allowed for educational purposes. Texting is not educational.  Mr. Taylor will let you know when it is appropriate.

11.   Students are not allowed out of the class without a pass. If you do not know what a natural break is, ask.  Students are responsible for any content delivered when absent during class.  Be courteous with time as you will share a single pass.

12.   Classes will be turning in lab notebooks periodically to Mr. Taylor.

13.   AI used in a way that violates academic honesty or honest effort will be reported to administration.  Allowing the copying of work off of another student is NOT collaboration but will treated according to school policy as cheating.  This also applies to the contributor.

14.   All individuals have a right to an educational environment free from bias, prejudice and bigotry. Students are expected to refrain from participating in acts of harassment that are designed to demean another student’s race, gender, ethnicity, religious preference, disability or sexual orientation.

15.   And, lastly, make sure homework has a name, date, and indicates your class block.




In the underground tunnel of FermiLab.  Fermi fires neutrinos towards an underground mine in Wisconsin through this tunnel.