What is Physics and why do we study it?

Mr. Boehringerwww.thephysicsman.com

We study physics specifically and science in general so that

we can understand our universe.

Do we need to understand the universe to just live in it?

No, you can skate by, but you should strive for basic literacy in science so that 1) you cannot be potentially, easily mislead by others.2) you have some idea of what is going on with your health and the technology around you.3) you can live well.

Because it is amazing that we can hurl a 735,000 lb thing into the sky in a controllable

flight!

747 taking off from Anchorage, AK

Because this bridge is made out of wood and still allows large, heavy trucks to roll across!

Because the universe is complicated and beautiful and how it works affects us, even if it is sometimes far away and we choose not to care.

The Carina Nebula and young stars

A little about this class• What we study in physics I:

• Math & Matter• Motion• Forces• Energy• Momentum • Gravity & Orbits• Heat• Waves & Sound• Light & The Atom• Electricity• Electromagnetism

All of which boils down to“how stuff moves”

Math and Physics• Math is our language

– Some relationships can be (and will be) discussed conceptually, but most are inherently mathematical and can only be understood as relationships between numbers

• Algebra competency– Student must be able to solve Algebra II level

problems for maximum success. We encourage strong students in PreAP Algebra II all students in PreCal to take PreAP Physics.

Why PreAP?

• Rigor• More in depth learning and application• A more challenging class environment• More student independence/flexibility• BEST preparation for college/university• Possible college credit by exam*

Stuff you need:• Pencil• Paper• Graphing Calculator (check out from

library)• Access to computer/internet• WebAssign account (free this year!)• Edmodo account (free)• Straight edge• Notebook if you want one

Homework and Success

• Homework is often the one chance where you can practice what we have done in class on your own before taking a test or a quiz.

• It is essential for success!• My promise to you:

I will not assign it if it is not important.• If I assign it, it goes without saying that it

should be done.

WebAssign• Why?

– Immediate feedback– Individual accountability– Preparation for college– Deadline Flexibility

• How do I do online HW?– The same way you do regular HW.

• There are assorted ways to cheat the system. I know most of them. If you discover one and if you want to cheat your way through the HW, fine, but don’t complain to me when you can’t do it come test time.

How can I answer questions without a textbook?

1) Pay attention and take notes in class. There is not enough time in the universe for me to teach you everything, though I will try. So

2) Use the online resources linked on the right side of my webpage.

3) Use the internet. You have access to the greatest compendium of knowledge ever put together by man. Make use of it. Learn to search it for what you need.

You can probably find most of your HW questions answered online. Doesn’t do you any good if you can’t figure it out for yourself.

Sign up ASAP

• Cost: $Free this year!– I have modified content so that it is all

technically created by me, so webassign lets you use the service free of charge since we are not linked to a textbook. AP students still pay.

– Can use the same account for multiple classes, but may need to pay designated fee for each course.

Textbook• There is a book for this class.• We will not use it.

– I’s not a bad book, but it is a bit too hard for PreAP Physics, and a bit too easy for AP Physics.

– It might be helpful from time to time. Check a copy out with the Librarian if you want. It is: Cutnell & Johnson. Physics. John Wiley & Sons, 5th edition

– Online textbook resources: my webpage, links on right side column (some good stuff here)

Tutoring

• Varies Weekly – Schedule posted weekly in the back and on

the door• Most Weeks:

– Mon: AM & PM– Tues: AM only (sometimes PM)– Wed: AM & PM– Thurs: AM only– Fri: None Ask! Even if the schedule says I am not available,

I may be able to give you a few minutes.

Recommended Resource• Cracking the AP Physics B Exam.

Princeton Review, Any recent edition, available on Amazon.com for about $12

– Use as a study guide as we go through the course• “Textbook” section with worked out examples• “Problem” section with sample multiple-choice and

free-response• Great to study for tests and quizzes

Grading• Formative: 40%

– Short 5 question quizzes: 1– Longer problem-solving quizzes: 2– General lab work: 1– Formal lab reports: 2– HW: depends on how many assignments are

grouped, usually weighted as 2• Summative: 60%

– Tests, Major projects

Other Grading Points…• Late work: Max 70%, 3 days to complete

– Work is late if not handed in when requested, even within the same class period.

• Retesting: Not available.• Make-up: Generally 1 day per excused

absence. DON’T SKIP TESTS.• Cheating: Don’t do it.

Contacting me…

jcboehringer@prosper-isd.net

Or use the contact form on my website:www.thephysicsman.com

Updates through Twitter and Remind 101

• Review the rest of your syllabus.

• Sign up for WebAssign by the end of next week.

• You and your parents sign class guidelines form AND lab safety contract.

• Lab safety quiz ___________

• Questions?