Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation (SPH4C) Course Description

September 2009 & January 2010

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts as they relate to motion (kinematics), mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic & magnetic, energy transformations,fluid (hydraulic and pneumatic) systems, as well as to the operation of commonly used tools, machines and equipment. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

These remarks are meant to be your guideline for this semester. Success will be eminently more attainable if you heed the following:

All tests must be written; if not you get zero, no questions asked.
I tolerate 1 test absence, you get the chance to write the test. On the second time you get zero; no questions asked.
If you are absent for a test assume that the next time you walk in the room you write the test. No questions asked. And be prepared for this.
Cell-phones, iPods and CD players are not allowed in this class so don't bring them. You will be asked to leave the room and visit with your VP if you are defiant on this issue. Statistically if you use either a cellphone or iPod during class , you probably will either fail of just scrap by. This is a proven statistic!
Come to class every day and be ready to learn.
Classes start at 8:20 and end at 9:40 (Period One)
There should be no excuse to be late, you should be here at least 5 minutes before class starts; this is the first period, late penalties will start up after about four (4) lates.
If you are late, say after 8:45, go to the office and sign in before you come to class.
Since notes, homework, etc are on the Internet there is no excuse for not knowing what's happening. Or you can use the old fashion way: phone a classmate to find out what you missed and are responsible for.
Hand in all assignments, labs, etc on time and completed
Be prepared to do all the homework; if you don't do homework you will probably fail this course, because if you won't do the problems for homework you will not be able to do similar problems on a test. Don't kid yourself about this; it is a statistically proven fact that this is true.
Some of the homework and assignments will be posted on the Internet, therefore there is no excuse for not knowing what was assigned and when it is due.
Class time will be provide for you to do the homework assigned. So do the work in class, don't waste the time. Learn the material during class time, don't kid yourself in thinking you can teach yourself this material at home; YOU CANN'T.
Ask for help or assistance when needed; use non-teaching time to get individual help.
Why come after school when you can usually get all the help you need right in class on your time; but I am here for you if assistance is needed.
If you come late, don't have your notebook, don't do homework, don't hand in complete assignments, skip tests then please ask yourself "WHY AM I HERE?", maybe you should be somewhere else.
And lastly; NO WORK = NO MARK = NO PASS

I can teach you but I cannot learn you !

Disruptive behavior:

Some people are just here to misbehave and hope they gain the credit. Well, it probably just won't happen. Remember, you don't need three science courses, this course is meant for those who wish to obtain a physics 12 credit so that they can attend a community college. Don't get carried away with someone whose behavior is inappropriate; your marks will suffer.
Unsafe lab behavior can not be tolerated: any unsafe deliberate practice will result in you not preforming any more labs until parental contact is made. The principle will also be informed of such unsafe behavior.

Mark Distribution:

Subject to change as the need arises. See course expectations

Knowledge Understanding	25 %
Inquiry	25 %
Communication	10 %
Making Connections	10 %
Culminating Activity Lab Practical	10 %
Final Exam	20 %

Miscellaneous Comments

Each unit will generally consist of one major or summative test, two maybe three small quizzes, two or three labs and one assignment.
Each assessment will be placed into the above mentioned assessment categories. If you keep a good record of each, you will be able to tabulate your mark and help insure that it has been properly calculated.
Course notes are posted on the Internet. It is up to you to obtain or read them. Try to come to class with these notes. You most often will not be copying notes in class.
Homework checks are done and evaluated under the heading Communication or Inquiry ; so take advantage of this opportunity.
Homework will be checked regularly and during the first ten minutes of class. If you are late your homework will not be checked. Its either done and in class to show me or there is no marks. Leaving it at home gets you nothing.
I am not impressed with computers or printers that seem to malfunction the moment something is due.
Late assignments or labs are NOT accepted
If you are absent for a lab assume that you get zero for that lab.
One of my objectives in this course is to teach you self reliance and responsibility and as such you will not be hounded or chased for any assignment or lab. There are no lates.
There will (or may) be assignments that are posted on the INTERNET. These are to be researched and completed by each individual student. Specific time will be alloted during certain class periods for questions and assistance; be ready if you need the help. These have a due date and will not be accepted if late.
All labs require a title page with the correct and complete information.
You will be expected to memorize some information; such as the various Laws of Physics, i.e. Newton's Three Laws of Motion.
Labs can only be done on the assigned time frame
There is no such thing as a group lab or assignment. All labs and assignments are done by the individual.
There is no such thing as group hand-in work, unless you are specifically told by me!
Having said that, some of the assignments are done in groups, so be prepared to partner up with someone.
Learn the material in the class, during class time; homework and study should be for review, not cold learning.
Since you should have the notes prior to class, you may and should ask questions about any concerns.
If you don't need this course, then drop it. All you will do is be disruptive and hinder those who need this course.
Check you college application to see if this is a required, manditory corse and what grade do you require to be admitted into your program, then keep focused on that goal.
Try to be considerate and courteous to me and your fellow classmates; it will make the class more enjoyable and you might find your marks are better.