Mr. Collins

Physics Syllabus

2008-09

Contact Information

Mr. Collins may be contacted by e-mail.  His e-mail address is ncollins@ahisd.net.  If you would like to be included in bulk e-mail updates from Mr. Collins’ class, please go to the News Alert icon on the homepage and sign up.

Mr. Collins also has a web page that is accessible at the following address:

http://www.teacherweb.com/TX/AlamoHeightsHighSchool/NormCollins/

You may also request to be added as a friend on Mr. C’s Facebook.  Be aware, though, he can see your updates, what you’re doing right now, and your pictures.

Feel free to visit Mr. C’s MySpace but students are not added to the friend list. 

You may text Mr. C at 210-724-8855.  Please only call in an emergency.

Mr. C has learned that communication is very important in the student/teacher relationship.  However, please do not abuse this privilege; otherwise, you may lose this privilege, be blocked, or face school consequences.  Mr. C will have no tolerance for inappropriate conduct using any of the above media.  He believes that, regardless of the time of day or night, that when contacting a teacher, a student should behave according to school rules and expectations.  That being said, Mr. C also believes that good teachers adapt to the students.  Mr. C will use the communication tool that students prefer most.

Mission Statement

Students will be given the opportunity to love science.

Program Objectives

As your teacher Mr. C has the following objectives for all his students who take this course:

1.        Mr. C wants everyone to have a better understanding of science and technology,

2.        Mr. C wants to convey his love for science,

3.        Mr. C wants to prepare all of his students well enough that they can pass the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test (Juniors),

4.        Mr. C wants to encourage students to take more science courses than the minimum requirements for graduation,

5.        Mr. C wants to prepare students for courses in physics in college.

Grading

1.  Grades will come from daily work, labs, homework, quizzes, tests and projects.  Below is the weight placed on each type of assignment:

            Daily Grades                25 %

            Labs                             25 %

            Tests and Projects        50 %

2.        Mule Money is an extra credit program.  Everyone will be given 6 Mule Bucks each semester (2/six weeks).  They can be used for restroom passes, tardies, or bonus points on the semester exam.  Tardies cost 2 Mule Bucks.  Students may opt to use 2 Mule Bucks to turn in a late homework assignment.  That means that no more than 3 late assignments per semester will be accepted.  It is my experience that most students really enjoy getting extra points on the semester exam.  Therefore, it is best to save Mule Money!

3.        Students can complete make up work for excused absences.  If a student fails to turn in an assignment, it cannot be made up without using Mule Money (limited to 3 assignments per semester).  However, the lowest daily/ homework/ lab/ quiz grade will be dropped per six weeks. 

4.        Students who fail a test or project can retest.  Below are the criteria for a retest:

a.      It is pass/fail.

b.       The new grade assigned will be 70 upon passing.

c.      The new test can be in any format that Mr. C chooses.

d.       The student must schedule the make up with Mr. C at a time other than class time.  It is the student's responsibility to schedule the make up.

Content                  The daily schedule can be found on Mr.

C’s website.  Click on the Physics calendar icon.

First semester: 

1^st Six Weeks

                        Chapters 1-5

            2^nd Six Weeks

                        Chapters 6-11

            3^rd Six Weeks

                        Chapters 12-15

Second Semester:

            4^th Six Weeks

                        Chapters 20-26

            5^th Six Weeks

                        Chapters 27-28, 30-31

            6^th Six Weeks

                        Chapters 16-19

Tutoring Schedule

Lunchtime from 12:30-12:50 by appointment.

After school 3:35-430 Monday-Thursday

Rules

1.        Both the student and the teacher must show respect for each other.   Classroom rules will be discussed in class.

2.        All lab warnings/directions must be followed.  There are no exceptions.  Safety is a top priority. 

3.        Homework is due when the tardy bell rings or when Mr. C begins class.  If a student has an unexcused tardy, their work is considered late. 

4.        Disruptive students may lose some or all of the following privileges:  Mule Money, lab experiences, and/or group work.

5.        MP3 players and calculator use is at the discretion of Mr. C. 

6.        Telephones must be turned off.  Communications, cameras, and games are not allowed.  If a phone inadvertently rings, the student may get 1 warning before it is confiscated.  The warning will depend upon how cooperative the student has been previously. 

7.        Water, juice, fruits, and vegetables (tacos/pizza 3^rd period) are the only drinks and food allowed.  However, that privilege may be revoked if the classroom becomes messy.  No food or drinks are allowed in the lab area.

8.        Students must have the following supplies daily:

a.       textbook

b.      notebook

c.       pen/pencil

d.      calculator

9.        The student must abide by any and all school rules (found in the student handbook).

Signature page for Mr. Collins’

Physics Syllabus 2008-09

Your signature acknowledges that you have read and understand the attached syllabus.

Return this signed syllabus for your first daily grade.

Student’s Printed Name

X ___________________________________________________________________ 

Student's Signature

X ___________________________________      Date _________________________

Parent/Guardian's Signature(s)

X ___________________________________      Date _________________________

X ___________________________________      Date _________________________