Welcome to Physics!

Lincoln High School

Teacher: Ms. Makepeace Classroom: Annex 120

Contact Information:
Webpage: makepeacephysics.weebly.com
E-mail: lmakepeace@dallasisd.org

Welcome to Physics! I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year with you! Physics is an exciting
course filled with hands on activities and explorations. Physics can be a challenging subject but together we can
achieve great success, the information below is a guideline for how the class with work, and what we will do
together to ensure your success.

Course Description: Physics is the study of the nature and properties of matter and energy as well as the
mathematical relationships between them. In addition to learning and applying new content knowledge throughout
this course you will learn how to relate that content knowledge to your own experiences, how to scientifically
approach a problem to plan and execute a solution, and how to use scientific knowledge to analyze data and
effectively communicate conclusions from your own analysis.

Classroom Policies: In order to maximize learning in our classroom, these rules should be followed at all times. The
purpose of this rules is to ensure a productive and safe learning environment for EVERYONE in the class:

1) Follow directions the first time they are given. It is your responsibility to know and follow all class and school
rules.

2) Be on time. Every time; his means you are in your seat and working when the final bell rings.

3) Use appropriate language this means NO vulgar or disrespectful language and no put downs.

4) Be respectful of the teacher and your classmates. Show courtesy by listening, speaking in turn, and being
considerate of others. Respect the space of others by keeping your hands, feet, and materials to yourself and by
staying in your seat unless otherwise instructed.

5) Come to class with the required materials and leave with them EVERYDAY. The materials required for this class
are outlined in this syllabus. You are responsible for keeping up with your materials.

6) Be prepared to learn when you come to class. There will be no food allowed in the classroom, beverages are OK
as long as they have a lid and stay out of the lab area. The school-wide policy is NO HALLPASSES; this means you
may not leave class for any reason.

If you choose to follow the rules you will earn POSITVE consequences such as limited homework (because
you are maximizing your class time); Playing science-related games; positive note or call home;
If you choose to break the rules you will earn NEGATIVE consequences such as verbal warnings, required
behavior reflection work, phone calls home, after school detention, discipline referral.

Course Materials:
Each student should have the following materials by Tuesday September 8th at that point I will assign a grade for
this assignment, after that date it is my expectation that you will bring these materials with you EVERYDAY.
Sharpened Pencil
1.5 3 ring binder (must be at least 1.5 bigger is OK)
Loose Leaf notebook paper in your binder
Dividers (5 Sections: Notes, Classwork/Homework, Labs, Reviews, Tests/Quizzes)
Students will also receive a completion grade for bringing one pack of white printer paper to ensure the success
of the class. Students can earn extra credit by bringing the following supplies for the class: expo markers, AA
batteries, or notebook paper

Grades:
Grades are EARNED based on the Lincoln High School Grading Policy:
Classwork/Homework: 45%
Test Grades*: 20%
Projects/Products**: 20%
Six-Week Test: 15%
* Major Quizzes count as a Test
** Lab Reports are considered products

Absent Students: Students are considered Tardy if they arrive to class more than 15 minutes late, after 30 minutes
students are considered absent.
Missed Tests: Students who were absent on the day of a test will be expected to make-up the test upon their
return to school, the test reviews will all be online. You should confer with Ms. Makepeace to find a time to take
the test.
Missing/Late Work: Homework will be graded for completion unless otherwise specified at the time it is assigned.
For this reason no late homework will be accepted for a grade. Major grades such as Lab Reports will be accepted
up to 3 days late (including the weekend) for a lower grade (you will lose 15% of the earned grade for each day it is
late).
Students with an excused absence should confer with Ms. Makepeace immediately upon their return to
school to work out a plan for turning in missing work (generally you will be allowed the number of days you
were absent to make up the work)
Late work will not be accepted from students with an unexcused absence.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and it will not be tolerated. Students who are
found to be cheating will be given a zero on the assignment and action will be taken according to school policy.
This includes lab reports where data was collected in groups; only the data section should match your
groups, your analysis and discussion should be completed independently unless otherwise specified.

Extra Help/Tutoring: Physics can be a challenging subject and I am dedicated to ensuring your success. I am
available for tutoring each morning before school from 8:00-8:50 am. I will also be available during lunch and/or
after school as needed. If you cannot come to tutoring before school you should make arrangements with me to
meet at one of the other times.
Tutoring will be REQUIRED at least once a week for students who are failing; this is so that we can work on
a plan together to ensure your success in the class and get your grade where it needs to be.


Note: Teacher may change or edit the information in this syllabus and/or the course schedule below if she deems it
necessary. Any changes will be posted on the course website and announced in class. J

Third 6 weeks
(11/10-12/18)

Second 6
weeks
(10/5-11/6)

First 6 weeks
(8/24-10/2)

Course Schedule:
This schedule outlines the topics we will cover, when students will be tested and major due dates:
A more detailed second semester schedule will be provided in January.

Fall Semester:

Topics Covered
Test Dates
Major Due Dates
Lab Procedures and Scientific
Methods (TEK P.1A, P.1B)
Graphing Types of Motion
(TEK P.4A)

Lab Safety Test: Friday August 28

Test 1: Thursday September 10

Materials due for

project grade
September 8

Motion in 1 & 2 Dimensions

(TEK P.4B, P.4C)

Test 2: Friday October 2 (This test

covers everything learned thus
far)
Test 3: Friday October 23

Forces and Law of Universal

Gravitation (TEK P.5B, P.5A)
Laws of Motion (TEK P.4D,
P.4E, P.4F)

Test 4: Thursday November 5

Conservation of Energy and

Momentum (TEK P.6A, P.6B,
P.6C,P.6D)

Test 5:
Wednesday December 2

Rollercoaster Project
Due: Tuesday
November 24

Thermodynamics (TEK P.6E,

P.6F, P.6G)

Test 6: December 11th

Spring Semester:

Fourth 6 Weeks (1/6-2/19)

Fifth 6 Weeks (2/22-4/15)

Sixth 6 Weeks (4/18-6/2)

Topics Covered
Electrical Forces and Energy
(TEK P.5A, P.5C, P.5E)
Electric Currents and Magnetic Fields (TEK P.5F, P.5D, P.5E)
Electromagnetism (TEK P.5A, P.5D, P.5G)
Characteristics and Behavior of Waves (TEK P.7B, P.7D, P.7A,
P.7f)
Light and Sound Waves (TEK P.7D, P.7C, P.7E)
Atomic, Nuclear, and Quantum Phenomena (TEK P.8A, P.5A,
P.5H, P.8B, P.8C, P.8D)

Parent/Guardian and student should sign below and return the last page of the packet no later than WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 26th

Course: Physics
School: Lincoln High School
Teacher: Ms. Makepeace
Your signature certifies that you have read and understand the information on the previous
pages.
______________
Date

___________________________________________
Parent Signature
___________________________________________
Parent E-mail/Other Contact Info

______________
Date

___________________________________________
Student (Print Name)
___________________________________________
Student Signature

Thank you and I look forward to a great year! J