CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS                          

Mr. Walkowiak

E-mail address:  twalkowiak@northallegheny.org

WELCOME!!!!!

Course Description:  Physics is the study of energy and matter.  We like to say that Physics is the study of the essence of things because it is the most fundamental of all the sciences.  CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS places more emphasis on ideas rather than the difficult problem solving and calculating that are part of the other Physics classes offered here at North Allegheny ( Honors Physics, AP Physics).  However, extensive use of algebra and graphing skills will be evident from the start of the class.  The topics that will be covered this year are as follows:

                Topic                                                                                        Chapter (s)

                Classical Mechanics                                                                                            1-14

                                Horizontal Motion,  Vertical Motion, Newton’s Laws,

                                Momentum, Energy, Circular Motion, Center of Gravity,

                                Rotational Mechanics, Universal Gravitation, Gravitational

                                Interactions, Satellite Motion

                Vibrations and Waves                                                                                          25

                Sound                                                                                                                     26

                Light                                                                                                                       27, 28, 29, 30, 31

                Electrostatics                                                                                                      32

                Electric Fields and Potential                                                                             35

Grading:    Quarterly grades are determined by using the following formula:

                                Total points earned/ Total points available  X 100  =   Student’s  percentage.

                Percent Range                                      Grade

                89.5 – 100                                            A

                79.5 – 89.4                                           B

                69.5 – 79.4                                           C

                59.5 – 69.4                                           D

                59.4 and Below                                     E

****Final Grades are determined by averaging 1^st and 2^nd semester grades.

Homework:  Students will have homework in this class every night of the week.  At the very least, the students will be asked to review the work they did in class that day.

                Homework is due the day after assigned unless specified otherwise.  No homework will be accepted late unless the student was absent  the day it was to be turned in.  If this is the case, homework is due one day after their return to class.

Missed Work:  It is the responsibility of the student to get missed notes and work/worksheets.  Any missed test  will be made up on the day of return during a pre-arranged time with the instructor.  No test will be made up during class time.  Simply missing the review day before the test does not make a student eligible for delaying the test.

Class Rules:                                           Three P’s

                                                            -Be Prompt

                                                                                -Be Prepared

                                                                                -Be Polite

Materials Needed for This Class:

                                                                Scientific Calculator

                                                                Notebook

Note to Parents:

            I can be reached at the Science Office any time during the day if you should need to speak to me.  Please communicate with your son/daughter  how they are doing in Concepts of Physics  this year.

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