Physics Class

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Physics Class

• With Mr. Wick

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What is Physics?

• The study of energy and its interaction with
  matter
• In other words ..
• Everything is Physics!

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Why Study Physics?

• The laws and principles of physics govern the
  entire universe, from atoms to stars
• A new perspective of the everyday world can be
  attained
• Is it magic? or science?

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Topics to be Studied

• Safety
• Scientific notation
• Significant Figures
• Metric system and conversions
• 1-d Kinematic motion
• Trigonometry
• 2-d Kinematic motion
• Forces
• Newtons laws

• Momentum
• Work
• Energy
• Power
• Gravity
• Waves
• Sound
• Light
• Electricity

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Majors in College

• Physics
• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Biology
• Geology
• Astronomy
• Meteorology
• Mathematics

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Careers

• Research / Development
• Crime
• Energy
• Invention
• Medicine
• Transportation
• Military
• Education
• Teacher
• Professor

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Tips for Success in Physics

• Organization
• Equation sheet
• Letter meaning
• Capitol vs. lowercase letters
• Sign convention
• Conversions
• Significant figures
• Clear handwriting
• Baby steps

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Tips for Success in Physics

• Solid math skills
• Study for tests
• Do not fall behind
• Make connections
• Do extra credit
• Behave in class
• Record all Warm-ups
• Ask for help if necessary
• Attend connection period
• Practice, practice, practice!
• Do your Homework!

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Steps to Solve any Physics Problem (baby steps)

• Read the problem very carefully
• List your knowns with correct units
• Choose an appropriate equation
• Plug and Chug
• List Final answer using
• -Correct Units and Significant Figures

• Point Value (5 total)
• List knowns (1pt)
• Write Equation (1pt)
• Show correct math work (1pt)
• Correct Final answer-numerically (1pt)
• Final answer with appropriate units and
  significant figures (1pt)

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Grades

• Mostly based on test grades
• Some Homework
• Warm-up notebooks
• Labs
• Extra credit

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Tests (100 pts)

• Mostly math-based word problems
• Some multiple choice
• Some fill-in-the-blank
• Partial credit assigned to word problems
• Practice test for every exam
• Make-up exams within a week of return to classes
• One sheet of notes allowed on tests
• Occasional CRTs
• Not for a grade

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Homework (10 25 pts)

• Most homework is NOT graded
• Random homework will be collected throughout the
  year for credit
• Late Policy
• Accepted up to 2 days after due for full credit
• No credit after 2 days

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Labs (10-30 pts)

• Work according to safety rules
• Follow all procedures correctly
• Stay on task (participation points)
• Lab write-ups required for most labs
• Make-up labs due by next connection period

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Warm-ups (50 pts)

• At the beginning of almost every class, a warm-up
  question will be on the side board
• Paraphrase the warm-up question in your notebook
  with your complete answer
• Notebooks will be collected and graded throughout
  the year

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Participation (1-25 pts)

• Participation points will be given randomly
  throughout the year
• Working effectively
• Paying attention during videos
• Working well with lab group
• Asking questions

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Extra Credit (1 -20 pts)

• Volunteer to solve and describe problems on board
  
• Special physics related projects
• 1 page Summary of recent physics related article
  with copy of article
• Random questions

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A Typical Day in Physics Class

• Preview of day on front board
• Warm-up question on side board
• Review of prior homework, tests, etc.
• Lecture using power point
• Preview next class

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Mr. Wick

• Western Illinois University Physics
• Hobbies
• MX
• BMX
• Renewable energy and conservation
• Vintage bicycles, motorcycles, and other antiques
• Outdoors

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In the End

• Work hard and practice
• Stay organized (baby steps and equation sheet)
• Do all homework and labs showing complete work
• Mutual respect
• Ask questions
• Spark an interest
• Enjoy the class!