Bucksport High School:

Empowering students to lead enriching lives in a changing world.

Conceptual Physics Syllabus
Instructor: Kathryn Hunter
Email: kathryn.hunter@rsu25.org

Course description: In this conceptual physics class we will be exploring the ideas of motion and forces,
waves, sound and light, electricity and magnetism. This class will consist of numerous labs, three formal lab
reports, hands on activities and demonstrations, lab practicals and tests. Being present and an active
participant in class are key components for success.

Textbooks:
Holt Science Spectrum. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001. Print.

Holt Physics. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001. Print.

Grading: Formative Assessments-------------------------------20%

Activities
In class projects
Summative Assessments -----------------------------80%
Lab reports
Tests

**NOTE: Students must get a 76% average on the formative assessments before they can take the summative
assessments. If there is more than one summative assessment for the standard, they must average to a 76%
in order to meet that standard.

Class Objectives and Standards:

1. Explain and apply the ideas of relative motion and frame of reference. (MLR D4b)
2. Distinguish between, give examples of, and apply speed, velocity, momentum, and acceleration. (MLR
D4a)
3. Use vector models to demonstrate the relationship of unbalanced forces. (MLR D4a)
4. Distinguish between friction and air resistance and provide examples of the application of friction in the
real world. (MLR D4a)
5. Give examples of and apply Newtons three laws of motion and his theory of gravitation. (MLR D4a)
6. Relate work and the conservation of energy to simple machines and mechanical advantage. (MLR
D3i,k; D4f)
7. Explain the relationship between potential and kinetic energy and apply this knowledge to solve
problems. (MLR D3i)
8. Describe how in energy transformations the total amount of energy remains the same, but because of
inefficiencies, useful energy is often lost through radiation or conduction. (MLR D3j)
 9. Describe the relationship among heat temperature and pressure in terms of the actions of atoms,
molecules and ions. (MLR D3l)
10. Describe and apply characteristics of waves including wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. (MLR
D4d)
11. Describe and apply an understanding of how waves interact with other waves and with materials
including reflection, refraction and absorption. (MLR D4e)
12. Describe the energy contained by a field (electromagnetic waves). (MLR D4f)
13. Describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and forces, and give examples of how
this relationship is used in modern technologies. (MLR D4c)
14. Apply an understanding of systems to explain and analyze man-made and natural phenomena. (MLR
A1)
15. Evaluate the effectiveness of a model by comparing its predictions to actual observations from the
physical setting, the living environment, and the technological world. (MLR A2)
16. Identify and analyze examples of constancy and change that result from varying types and rates of
change in physical and technological systems, with and without counterbalances. (MLR A3)
17. Methodically plan, conduct, analyze data from, and communicate results of in-depth scientific
investigations; and they use a systematic process, tools, equipment, and a variety of materials to create
a technological design and produce a solution or product to meet a specific need. (MLR B1&2)
18. Understand the history and nature of scientific knowledge and technology, the process of inquiry and
technological design, and the impacts science and technology have on society and the environment.
(MLR C1-4)

Class Expectations:
1. Daily attendance: YOU NEED TO BE HERE!!!
2. Treat each other with respect by listening, helping and encouraging each others learning.
3. Each student will come to class prepared to learn, which includes having with you all the materials
needed for class: writing utensil, 3-ring binder, paper/notebook.
4. All students will follow safety procedures during laboratories and in no way jeopardize the safety of any
individual.
5. Students will pass assignments in on time and check infinite campus often for missing assignments.
Student and Parent Contract:

Class: ___________________________ Periods:__________________________

Student and parent signatures indicate that you have both read the syllabus and are familiar with the class

expectations and grading policy. Please sign below and return this piece of paper by the end of the first week

of class. Keep this syllabus in your notebook and refer to it often.

Student name (printed): _________________________________________________

Student signature: __________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Parent/Guardian name (printed): __________________________________________

Best methods of contact:

phone #: _________________________________________

email: _____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________

Period 9 Permission

I, _________________________ give my child, _______________________ permission to stay after

school for extra help during period 9.

Parent/Guardian signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________