PHYSICS WITH TECHNOLOGY DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT 2009 - 2010

Instructor: Mr. Marc Mayntz                                                                                  Consultation Times
Room: P-9                                                                                                              Monday – Thursday (2:15-3:30)
Phone: (801) 373 - 6550 x3410                                                                              Monday – Friday (7:00 – 7:20)
Email: MarcusM@provo.edu                                                                                 Consultation Periods TBA

Introduction
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions in the Universe. Students enrolled in this class are expected to:

• Abide by the policies and procedures for grading and laboratory safety contained in this disclosure document.
• Perform experiments and complete lab reports detailing observations and conclusions.
• Complete homework assignments and review for tests.
• Take tests to assess retention of important topics and progress towards meeting class standards.

Necessary Materials
All students need to bring to class every day:

• Work to be graded either typed or written in pencil – Ink of any kind will not be accepted.
• Physics Note Packet (provided at beginning of term – replacement cost = $5)
• Scientific calculator capable of scientific notation and trigonometric calculations (not cell phones)

Grades

Students earn grades based on achieving levels of mastery in laboratory exercises and conceptual knowledge. Each grade level (A, B or C) has a Mastery Exam that students must pass to demonstrate comprehension and application of topics learned in the laboratory and from information in the associated Physics Note Packet. Students take the Mastery Exam only after completing the required labs associated with the particular grade level. Students must achieve a C Level of Mastery on the labs and associated exam before attempting B level work. Students must achieve a B Level of Mastery on the labs and exam before attempting A level work.

Fourth term grading is slightly different due to state testing and will be explained at a later date.

Topics Covered

*Cutoff dates for makeup work will be announced and may vary from term end dates.

"I" Grades
Students that complete lab exercises 1 – 8 and attempt, but do not pass, the C Level Mastery Exam by the end of term will be assigned an Incomplete (I) grade. Students may continue to retake the C Level Mastery Exam until it is passed with the requisite 70% mastery level. At this point, the Incomplete will be changed to a Pass (P) grade for the term.

Make Up Work
Students are expected to make mistakes. The goal of this class is to provide students with opportunities for mastery rather than simply accumulating points. To that end, students are allowed to resubmit lab reports as many times as necessary until mastery is achieved. Students may also retake any Mastery Exams during a term with the following restrictions:

1)     Only one exam may be taken in a day.

2)     Each exam retake MUST IMPROVE the previous score earned. If a retake scores less than a previous exam, no further retakes will be given to that student for that particular exam.

3)     Retakes are given only after school and must be started no later than 2:30 p.m. (or 15 minutes after the dismissal bell). Retakes conclude at 3:30 p.m. (or 75 minutes after dismissal bell)

4)     Students who have already earned a 90% or higher on a particular exam will not be allowed to retake that exam.

Academic Honesty
The teacher reserves the right to invalidate any grade acquired unethically or through claiming another person’s work as your own. If one student copies the work of another student, then BOTH students will have that assignment and any subsequent assignments, including tests, invalidated. This is the only warning that will be given to students.

Class Philosophy
Students are solely responsible for their grade in this class. How much or how little the student attempts in terms of reading notes, practicing problems, performing labs, using consultation times and studying for tests are choices that students must make for themselves. The teacher is in the classroom to answer questions, provide guidance and ensure a safe, conducive learning environment for all students.

Conduct and Attendance
Any students with more than two absences or two tardies will receive an "NG" on their report card unless the absences/tardies are excused or the student goes to the necessary designated tardy make up session(s). No attendance make up opportunities will be offered in class. Refer to the Student Handbook for more information. Students are expected to stay in class for the entire class period and behave in a manner that promotes learning. Disruptive behavior (including cell phone usage) or leaving the class without permission will be recorded and may be referred to the administration for disciplinary action.

Lab and Classroom Safety
The equipment used in the Physics Lab is varied greatly. Ranging from a simple pencil and paper to a high voltage generator, students will be exposed to multiple experimental set ups and procedures. In order to ensure the safety of all students and the teacher while performing a lab, and to reduce the potential for damage to the equipment and the room, students are required to follow the following lab safety rules:

1.     Listen to the instructions given before beginning the lab. If you are not sure what you are supposed to be doing, ASK!

2.     Experiments must be cleared with the teacher before commencing. Only after the design of a lab is approved may an experiment take place. THIS INCLUDES LABS PERFORMED OUTSIDE OF CLASS!

3.     Do not "horseplay" in the lab. Usually, it is the person who is NOT involved who ends up getting hurt. Students behaving irresponsibly or using equipment incorrectly may be suspended from laboratory access depending on the severity of the offense.

4.     Stay out of drawers, cupboards and closets while in the lab. There is equipment that can be sharp or even poisonous to touch. Your curiosity, and ignorance, can cause you harm.

5.     Keep the classroom and lab clean. This includes throwing paper trash in the wastebasket, no matter the size. It also means that food and drinks (including water) are not allowed. Spills can damage equipment and clothing and some students may have sensitivities to aromas or oils found on foods.

6.     Report all damaged equipment to the teacher immediately. Broken equipment can be very dangerous if not disposed of correctly. Students may be liable for replacement or repair based on circumstances of damage.

7.     In case of injury or sickness, DO NOT PANIC. Alert the teacher immediately and follow directions that are given.

8.     In case of earthquake, duck and cover under a table or desk and wait for the shaking to stop. Follow the evacuation procedure, watching for equipment that may have landed in the evacuation route. Take nothing with you - it will only get in the way.

9.     In case of tornado, the portable is the LEAST LIKELY structure to withstand the high winds. If a tornado approaches, we will evacuate to the interior halls of the Science building. Take nothing with you - it will only get in the way.

10.   While the chance of fire is remote, the room is equipped with two doors, one for the classroom and one for the lab. If a fire breaks out in one section of the portable, evacuate through the other door as quickly and calmly as possible. Take nothing with you - it will only get in the way.

I am looking forward to teaching you this school year. I hope that my efforts will introduce you to a way of thinking and observing the world that can lead to further insights.