Welcome to Mr. Klansek's Physics Class
2013-2014
Honors Physics
My Core Philosophies
Respect – People are inherently valuable. Treat them that way.
Effort – Failure is choosing not to try. Give everything the time it deserves.
Truth – Being honest takes courage. Lying doesn’t change reality, lying is hiding in fear.
The Rules:
The Palmerton Handbook is the authority on school rules. It was written by the school board (legislation) and is enacted by teachers and administration (execution). If you bear umbrage with any part of the rule book you may ask administration for clarification or may ask the board to change the book, but please do not complain to me. I have no say in the rules, but I fully support our school and, in fact, I want you to feel that I am completely unfair in my compliance with certain rules, including (but not limited to):
-The dress code – I do not discuss attire. If it is close to the line, you’re going to the office.
-Being on time – if you are late I require a pass, if you do not have one, they are available on the door. If you have an excuse, get a signature. One free pass per MP, otherwise late = study session THE NEXT DAY.
-Hostile environment (sexuality, race, religion...) If I hear it, you get a study session.
-Computers – If you choose to have it, you sign it out. Always. Failure = study session
The Routine (everyday)
When class begins (signaled by the bell) please BE in your assigned seats. (Permission is required daily in order to move). Be prepared (writing materials, HW, notes). Before you engage your neighbor or go to the bathroom you must review the prior day’s material. Note keywords, summarize at least one concept, and be able to explain the purpose of the class.
When you finish journaling (but no later than 2 minutes into class) please respond to the daily prompt.
These are considered daily assignments and they may be periodically checked for an assignment grade
Please Note: permission is always required to leave your seat.
The grades
Our class will operate on a point system. Each assignment will be given a point value, and you will be assigned a grade as a fraction of that value. The letter grade is based on the percentage of the maximum points. A grade of greater than 100% is considered extra credit. Larger and more important items will have larger point values.
HW: <10 pts – (~ daily), checked in a variety of ways
Quizzes: 25-50 pts, (~ weekly), formative closed-note assessments
Activities: ~ 25 pts, (~ biweekly), application of content using demonstrations & worksheets
Lab s: <100 pts,(~ once / mp), minimal direction and high expectations mimicking collegiate study
Tests: ~100 pts, (~once / mp), broad, thorough, open-note tests
Notes: EC – Each test you may present your notebook for up to 5 points extra credit. Points are assigned as follows: 1 pt for having notes; +1 for tidiness + 1 for clear separated divisions (Notes, Journal, HW, etc); +1 for keeping handouts (orderly); +1 for excellence
The final grade will be determined by dividing the total points received by the total possible points.
TIMLINESS: All assignments (including Lab Reports) are due at the beginning of class.
Late homework will be accepted for full credit until reviewed, and for ½ credit once reviewed. HW that is more than 3 days late will not be accepted.
Reports & Projects will lose points as follows:
(-10%) after exact due date and time.
+(-5%) for each flex that passes
+(-15%) for each night that passes
SO: 1 day late = - 30%; 2 days late = - 50 %; 3 days late = -70%; 4 days late = -90%
**Please note: If work is assigned more than 3 days before it is due than EVERY EFFORT must be made to submit it when due, regardless of presence in the class. If it is not submitted, it will be graded as LATE and receive according penalties.
The Resources
We will use several internet-based resources including:
websites.pdesas.org/iklansek/ - This is my OFFICIAL site. All OFFICIAL communication occurs here.
my.hrw.com – Text book resources
quia.com (username: <firstlast193>, password: <studentnumber>) - Assessments
wiggio.com (1: sign-up for an account; 2: select your method for updates (if desired); 3: click the arrow next to your name, join a group- name: mrkhonorsphysics; pw: physics)
- Wiggio is a communication site. While do I ask students to join, they are not required to receive ‘push’ notifications. - All assignments will be posted on the official site by 3pm. Parents are invited to participate in these services also.
The Book
We will be using Holt McDougall Physics, 2012. The online content for this book is available at my.hrw.com (see above). We will use this book. About 90% of Palmerton students plan to attend post-secondary education (like college). These institutions actually expect you to read your textbook! Because this is a Senior-Level class I will try to motivate to begin reading your book. These motivators will include questions based on the reading that are not discussed in class.
The Subject (What we’ll cover this semester)
Chapter 0......... Course expectations
Chapter 1......... The Science of Physics
aside 1A.............. Math of Physics
Chapter 2......... Motion in One Dimension
Chapter 2A............ …The Math Review
Chapter 3......... Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors
Chapter 4......... Forces and the Laws of Motion
Ch. 5 – 6........... Work, Energy, Momentum
Chapter 7......... Circular Motion and Gravitation
Ch. 9 – 10......... Heat & Thermodynamics
Chapter 11........ Vibrations and Waves
*Ch. 12 – 13...... Light & Sound
*Ch. 16 – 20...... Electricity and Magnetism
*Ch. 21 – 22...... The Atom
The Deal
I, Mr. Klansek, agree to the following:
-I will teach you as well as I can
-I will always try to be reasonable, giving you my own time to voice concerns
-I will be patient, and listen to you when you have something to say
-I will try to give you freedom to govern yourself
Ian W. Klansek ________________________________
These promises are concurrent and contingent on your participation in the following:
I, ___________________, agree to the following:
-I will cooperate with Mr. Klansek and my contemporaries in the classroom.
-I will respect everyone while I am in Mr Klansek’s room.
-I will make class my top priority during class time.
-I will try to fulfill my obligations.
-I will try to learn. (Please sign the obligation sheet)
Parental initials: ____________
(Dear parent;
Please note my policies on accepting late work. Also, I’d like to mention that getting updates from the Wiggio group is optional, although I do require students to join the group. Many parents like to receive homework reminders also, so please feel free to join the Wiggio group. Finally, I’m always available by email: iklansek@palmerton.org )
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