Physics Class

With Mr. Wick

What is Physics?

• The study of energy and it’s interaction with matter

• In other words …..

Everything is Physics!

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?

Topics to be Studied

• Safety• Scientific notation• Significant Figures• Metric system and

conversions• 1-d Kinematic motion • Trigonometry• 2-d Kinematic motion• Forces • Newton’s laws

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

Majors in College

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

Careers

• Research / Development– Crime– Energy– Invention– Medicine– Transportation– Military

• Education– Teacher– Professor

Tips for Success in Physics

• Organization– Equation sheet– Letter meaning– Capitol vs. lowercase

letters – Sign convention– Conversions– Significant figures– Clear handwriting– Baby steps

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!

Steps to Solve any Physics Problem (baby steps)

1. Read the problem very carefully

2. List your “knowns” with correct units

3. Choose an appropriate equation

4. Plug and Chug

5. 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)

Grades

• Mostly based on test grades

• Some Homework

• Warm-up notebooks

• Labs

• Extra credit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Wick

• Western Illinois University – Physics

• Hobbies: – MX– BMX– Renewable energy

and conservation– Vintage bicycles,

motorcycles, and other antiques

– Outdoors

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!