Physics (On Level) Richland High School 2015-2016

Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Brent Caldwell

Room: ST 119

Email: Brent.Caldwell@birdvilleschools.net

Course Outline:
Physics is the study of matter, energy, momentum, and motion. In this one year course, we will study
topics such as:
Velocity, acceleration, and free-fall

Rotational motion and pulleys

Forces and reactions to forces

Light, lenses, and prisms

Energy, power, and momentum

Introductory electricity

Students and parents should be aware that physics is rather notorious for being a math-intensive subject
more so even than chemistry. Although most students will already have some degree of familiarity with
all math topics required, the math symbols and notation used in physics may strike students as rather
cryptic and alien looking. For many students, physics will be their first time to use algebra outside of
math class.

Prerequisites, etc.
The decision to take physics ultimately rests with the student, their parents, and the designated guidance
counselor. Mr. Caldwell has no direct say in who can and cannot enroll in physics.
Mr. Caldwell personally recommends that students have completed geometry before taking physics.
Concurrent enrollment in a higher math class such as Algebra 2 or Pre-calculus is recommended.
Students who enjoy math beyond algebra and geometry are consistently fascinated with physics. On the
other hand, students who do not enjoy math find that they enjoy physics even less.

Tutoring:
Mr. Caldwell is available for tutoring every day after school between 2:40 pm and 4:00 pm.
Appointments can be made for times after 4:00pm. Mr. Caldwells conference period is 7th period, and he
is frequently available for tutoring during 7th period provided that students have 7th period off.
Although tutoring is never required per se, many students will need at least some additional help from
time to time. Having some degree of availability (should it be needed) to see Mr. Caldwell during

tutoring hours is an important part of success in physics. Students who have either no availability or very
limited availability during tutoring hours are at serious academic risk in physics.

Class Materials / Supply List:

Every student should come prepared every day with the following:

Pencils with erasers.

o Work may be done in pen, felt tip, etc. as long as:
It is not done in red pen, red marker, etc.
It is not done in crayon, colored pencil, or other utensils inconsistent with high
school level work.
Paper, including graph paper.
o There are no specific requirements as to the exact type of graph paper any graph paper
that is 8 x 11 is fine. Furthermore, it is always acceptable to submit work on graph
paper, even if there is no graph to be drawn. In other words, ordinary lined paper is
optional not mandatory.
A spiral bound notebook of some kind. This will be used for taking data during lab activities.
o Although this notebook is mandatory, this lab notebook will not be collected students
may use unused sections of spirals used for other classes, etc. A traditional composition
notebook or duplicate copy lab notebook may come in rather handy if the student
prefers, but simple inexpensive spirals are sufficient as well.
Folder with pockets for papers that are not 3-hole punched. Many papers returned to students
may not be 3-hole punched, or may be of irregular sizes that are not easily stored in a 3-ring
binder.

Recommended, but not required:

A scientific calculator (i.e. a calculator that can calculate sines, cosines, and tangents of angles.)
o No specific make or model is necessary, nor is it necessary for it to be a graphing
calculator. If anything, it is best if the calculator is one that the student is already familiar
with and has used in a previous course.
o Mr. Caldwell does provide a class set of calculators. However, these calculators cannot
be taken home. Moreover, Mr. Caldwell cannot guarantee that they all have batteries at
all times. Students using these calculators may be required to share them with others
during class.
Ruler and protractor
o In physics, we will be making many graphs and other diagrams. Mr. Caldwell does
provide a class set of rulers and protractors. However, students using the class set may be
required to share them with other students. Most students find it convenient to simply
bring their own.