Physics I Course Description


International School of Bangkok – Science Department

 

 

Course Information – 2013-2014

 

Course Title:      Physics I                                                   Course Length: ONE SEMESTER

 

Instructor:          Mr. David Young                                     email: davidy@isb.ac.th 

                             Rm 3-103, Office 3-213                        phone: 029635800 ext 3341

 


Course Description

Physics I is a one semester course that introduces physics towards IB Physics courses.  The course focuses on several key skills including

 

These concepts will be visited, developed and connected through 4 units of study

 

Unit 1 – Motion

Unit 2 -  Forces

Unit 3 -  Work and Energy

 

 

Textbook 

 

 Oxford University Press "Complete Physics for Cambridge IGCSE" by Stephen Pople

The text is used to support learning and students are encouraged to read when supporting information is required.  Look for the textbook icon in unit packets for direct reference to textbook pages.

 

 

 

Technology

Students will use and be expected to become proficient with data collection software (Vernier LoggerPro), MS Word, MS Excel, graphing software packages and additional topic specific simulations and applets.

 

Assessment

Assessment in this course is categorized into either formative or summative.     

 

The grading each semester will be divided as follows:

Broad Learning Category

Formative Assessment

Summative Assessment

Total

Knowledge and Understanding

10%

40%

40%

Inquiry and Experimental Skills

5%

15%

20%

Data Management and Processing

5%

15%

20%

 

 

Final Exam

20%

 

 

TOTAL

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowledge with Understanding

Includes summative assessment of content and understanding of the course syllabus objectives.  Assessment in this area looks at your knowledge of fundamental concepts in chemistry, appropriate use of terminology and symbols specific to chemistry, showing deeper understanding of core knowledge by making connections or through application.  The most significant summative assessments will be unit tests.  Expect a test at the end of each unit.   

 

Inquiry and Experimental Skills

 This broad learning category looks at the student’s ability to design and perform a controlled experiment in a safe and efficient manner.  Application of the scientific method in lab design and evaluation is assessed primarily through written lab notes.  Students are also continuously graded on their use of proper techniques, and appropriate laboratory behaviours.

 

Data Management and Processing

Includes all assessment of data processing primarily from lab investigations.  Students will be assessed on data organization and presentation and the processes used to manipulate and analyze raw data. 

 

Habits and Attitudes to Learning (HAL)

HAL is the component of assessment that addresses daily work habits such as attendance, preparation for class, homework completion, motivation, and behaviour.  Assessment in this area does not contribute directly to the grade calculation.  The HAL score ranges from 1-7 and reflects behaviours that are beneficial or detrimental to student success. A rubric with expectations will be provided to students early in the semester.

 

Reporting

Grades may be viewed on PowerSchool and reflect progress to date.  The overall grade as it appears on PowerSchool is a dynamic value and will change continuously as the semester proceeds.  Only the overall final grade for the course appears on the ISB transcript.  Students and parents are cautioned that scores are mathematically calculated and can fluctuate dramatically, especially early in the semester.  For this reason grades will be entered in blocks (not immediately) and focus should be on consistent performance and improvement.

 

Failing Grades

If a student receives a failing grade on a summative unit test, retakes are not possible.  As an alternative, the student may negotiate for the option to complete and EXPLAIN corrections to Mr. Young within one week (from the date the assessment is returned) to receive a minimal passing grade. 

 

Note that the assessment structure is designed to inform students of their learning progress and to minimize surprises.  Students who are proactive about addressing poor performance on a formative assessment should improve on summative tasks.

 

Best Sustained Performance

Grades on Powerschool are mathematically compiled within grading categories and a weighted average is produced as an overall grade.  It can be extremely difficult to mathematically recover from a low test score.  Students are encouraged to take summative assignments very seriously as there may be few opportunities to mathematically compensate for a low score.

However, final grades may be modified in cases where the true ability of a student (often displayed on the semester examination or independent research projects) is not accurately indicated by the calculated grade.

 

 

Submission of Work and Absences

Students are expected to bring completed assignments and homework at the beginning of class on the date due.  Reports and lab notes should be printed prior to class and ready to hand in.

 

Students who fail to hand in work on time will be required to come to Mandatory Study Hall on the same day the work was due.  If work is not submitted to Mr. Young the following morning, MSH will be assigned for a second day.  All missing work (even if incomplete) must be submitted by 3:00 PM (the end of the second day in MSH) or a grade of zero will be awarded.   

 

Late work should be either given directly to Mr. Young or placed in his basket in the Science Office (3-213)

 

Incomplete homework severely affects student ability to participate and be meaningfully engaged in class.  If a student does not complete their homework, they will be required to come to Mandatory Study Hall.  

 

Students will be informed of their obligations with regards to what is “complete” homework.  In most circumstances this means that there is clear evidence that the work has been attempted, and that the work is presented appropriately.  Students are encouraged to be proactive about seeking assistance prior to due dates (see extra help in next section).

 

Absences are unavoidable but students must be diligent about missed work and assessments.  If you know you are going to be absent, arrange to make up missed work in advance.    Read the make-up policy in your handbook.  PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS POLICY IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO DELAY YOUR LEARNING.

 

Class meets every other day in the schedule.  If you miss class, the expectation is you will make up missed work and be prepared for the subsequent class.  

 

Unit test make-ups are scheduled during MSH on the day a student returns to school (except when absences are school sanctioned etc.)

 

Extra Help

I can be found in Room 103 or in the science office 3-213, drop by, email or talk to me to make an appointment.

 

The best time to get 1:1 help from Mr Young is before school (6:30-7:00)

 

We are all busy people.  If you drop by for help and I cannot find the time, I will arrange an alternate meeting.  If I am not at my desk, leave me a note.  DO NOT GIVE UP EASILY AND MAKE EXCUSES.  For this reason, do not leave your questions till the last possible minute (like 5 minutes before a test).

           

Academic Malpractice

Read the section on cheating in your Student Handbook.  The consequences for offenses are clearly outlined.  It is imperative you avoid

 

Instances of academic malpractice are most likely to occur on lab assessments.  You need to understand immediately that collusion (doing lab reports together with your lab partner) is a form of academic malpractice and will result in both individuals being penalized.

 

Reports and lab notes will be submitted electronically in PDF format using Haiku and Turnitin.com. 

 

 

 

 

Expectations

 

A Road Map to Your Success

Success in Physics II is greatly increased the earlier YOU realize that physics requires proficiency in certain skill areas and a view of learning that focuses on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing them. 

 

As one of the goals of this course is to help students move confidently into IB Physics classes, it is important you realize that you will be challenged in new ways and success or proficiency may not be immediate.  You will be asked to think in ways you have previously not explored, and you will be required to understand key concepts or risk falling behind.  Over the semester you will be instructed on ways to improve performance on assessment items such as tests and lab reports.  Do not ignore these instructions, listen to your teacher, and make adjustments early. 

 

Expect to be challenged, expect to be frustrated, expect to learn lots.

 

Physics is important science to know but the primary focus in this classroom is understanding how to “learn” and “do” science.  The course material is a mode of transport between where you are now to where you need to be.  My job is not to fill your mind with answers but rather to provide you with core knowledge and skills and to help you enable yourself as a competent learner.  I encourage you to think, reason, and question.  Be flexible, diligent and perseverant.   

 

I want you to be a tenacious learner who embraces adversity!

 

Each and every day

 

Lab Safety - Work Smart!!

 

Required Materials for Class

You will need the following in class every day

 

Mr Young desires every student to be independently responsible for his or her own academic success.

Mr Young does not give grades, YOU earn them.

 

Be proactive!  Be responsible for your own learning

DO NOT expect Mr Young to:

 

 

Homework Expectations 

Routine homework assignments are checked for completeness.  No excuses!

 

“Complete” means:

 

Anything other than complete automatically means MSH that afternoon

 

Assignments

 

Always put your FIRST and LAST names and your BLOCK on each paper.

Sloppy work frustrates me - focus on QUALITY!

 

Respect

Mutual respect among all of us is essential for a great learning environment. Help each other.