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            HONORS PHYSICS

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Teacher:  Mrs. Harrell

e-mail: joharrell@northallegheny.org

Web: https://northallegheny.blackboard.com 

Twitter: @mrsjharrell

Course Description: This course stresses the mathematical and conceptual development of the following topics:  mechanics, electricity, waves, sound and optics. Mathematical problem solving, including algebraic manipulation, systems of equations, trigonometric functions, logarithms, and graphical analysis are used extensively.  Laboratory exercises are included to enhance the development of concepts and data analysis techniques.  Honors physics is designed for the college bound student and for the student preparing for the Advanced Placement 1&2 and C level courses. This course meets 7 ½ periods each week.

Required Materials: 

You are required* to purchase the following materials for this class:

• A three-ring binder 
• Notebook paper 
• A scientific calculator (a TI-83 graphing calculator is ideal, but not required)
• Recommended this year due to COVID-19: A metric ruler and protractor for personal use

These materials, along with your charged computer and a writing utensil, must be brought to class daily.

*If you are unable to purchase these supplies, please see me or e-mail me.

Evaluation:

You will be evaluated on numerous items including, but not limited to, the following: online activities, homework assignments, problem worksheets, quizzes, projects, supplemental assignments, in-class assignments, laboratory reports, journals, unit examinations, and cumulative midterm and final examinations.  Point values for each item vary. Final grades will be calculated based upon the school-wide grading scale, with 30% of the grade weighted for formative assessments and 70% of the grade being summative assessments, in accordance with district policy:

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

0-59% E

The Importance of Attendance:

Honors Physics is an intense course and it is imperative that you actively participate in the learning process and engage with your teacher and classmates as much as possible.  Copying the notes may give the day’s content material, but there is much more to the learning experience.  To be successful, you must engage your brain and work to make connections and process the content.  You are creating new pathways in your brain and at times, this may be uncomfortable. I will do everything I can to help you succeed, but the same is expected of you.

Absences and Late Assignments:

*All students are expected to complete assignments by their due dates*

• You are responsible for completing missed activities, obtaining missed notes, and for submitting any missed work.  If you are absent only on the day that an assignment is due, it is expected to be submitted on the next day of instruction whether virtual or in-person. Otherwise, for every day of excused absence, you are allowed one day to make up work without penalty, as per school policy.
• If you are absent on the day a test is given, you must contact Mrs. Harrell as soon as possible to make arrangements to take the test upon your return.  
• Unless due to an excused absence from class, there will be no credit given for late assignments that are checked only for completion.   For all other assignments submitted one day late, half credit will be issued.  For assignments submitted more than one day late, no credit will be given.
• Missed labs must be made up before the start of the school day and within three days of your absence.  When making up a lab, it is advised that you bring a partner who has already completed the lab to assist you if possible.

Note:  Missing assignments are entered into the grade book as "zeros".  It is solely your responsibility to assure that any missed work due to absence is promptly completed and submitted.  Your instructor should not need to remind you to submit missed assignments.

Additional Assistance:

I encourage you to seek help when you need it.  I am available before school and during my planning period in most cases; I will update my availability on Blackboard regularly. Talk to me or e-mail me to set up an appointment - I will be happy to make time to assist you in any way that I can.  If you feel that you are beginning to fall behind, get help before it is too late! I am here for you!

Classroom Code of Conduct

As a student in physics, you are expected to

• RESPECT AND BE POLITE TO ALL PEOPLE
• RESPECT THE PROPERTY OF THIS CLASSROOM AND OF OTHER PEOPLE
• BE PREPARED AND READY TO WORK WHEN THE BELL RINGS
• OBEY ALL SCHOOL RULES

Disciplinary action will be taken as necessary, in accordance with the school handbook.

A Special Note about Electronic Devices:

Modern technology is fantastic.  Through new developments in technology, our lives are filled with wonderful conveniences and means of entertainment and communication.  In addition, science and technology go hand in hand; I certainly do not underestimate the importance of either.  However, devices such as ipods, cell phones, and other similar items have a limited place in the classroom, where they may be distracting and disrupting to the educational process if not being used specifically for instructional purposes.  Thus, in accordance with school policy, any such device in sight in the classroom while not being used specifically for instructional purposes will be confiscated and taken to the office at the end of the school day. TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND PUT THEM OUT OF SIGHT BEFORE CLASS BEGINS.