1. Three simple rules:

  • Be respectful at all times. You will be extended my utmost respect; I expect no less from you in return.

  • Safety is not an option; you will strictly follow my rules to insure your safety at all times.

  • Actively participate. It's a valuable part of your learning experience.

 

 

    2. Homework

  • All homework is graded. RUBRIC

  • All homework is to be done on graph style paper. Graph style paper lends itself to organized, easy-to-read work (and most importantly, it's much easier for me to grade). I recommend this kind of book: Homework Book Example (exact model is not important...any graph paper style book will work).

  • All homework is to be carbon duplicated. You retain the original and turn in the copy.

  • Your homework is posted on this site for the entire year. You are responsible to check this website prior to class for changes.

  • Homework assignments are turned in as sets; due dates are posted in your class calendars.

  • There is a daily penalty for late homework (1 point per class day accumulating).

  • Clearly indicate your name and the proper problem set on all your work. Staple multiple sheet problem sets prior to turning in (but please do NOT staple different chapters together... keep each problem set separate).

  • Homework sets are worth 10 pts. each. A random problem is chosen by Mr. Peppercorn and graded; points are then awarded for completeness of the set i.e. completeness means all assigned problems have been attempted and results clearly indicated. Partial credit is always given for all sincere attempts... I am actually more interested in your thought process than your final answer. See homework rubric above for explanation of grading.

  • HOMEWORK HELP: I am available in the mornings from 6:45AM up to the first homeroom bell or after school till 3:00PM; Emma is available in the evenings by e-mail... EMMA.

 

 

    3. Homework quizzes

  • Expect homework quizzes on a regular basis. Quizzes generally consist of a pre-assigned homework problem (or very similar) in an open book, open note format.

 

 

    4. Labs

  • Lab notebook requirements (all class levels)

MND Physics will supply one university research style notebook, Hayden-McNeil 100 Duplicate Page Chemistry Spiral Bound Lab Notebook, ISBN 978-1-930882-74-4 (Example). Labs are typically 5-10 pages long. You will do approx. 16-20 lab write-ups during the year, so please plan your supplies accordingly. We will cover 22 chapters and 4 advanced material sections in CP1 and CP2, and 29 chapters (all in depth) in AP. If you eventually find yourself needing more lab book pages (i.e. an additional book), you can purchase any similar university style lab book (similar means any lab book with the same "original on top-copy underneath" matched set pages bound in one manual where you can tear out the copy and keep the original in your manual). There are several similar lab manuals available on-line (including the exact Hayden-McNeil Notebook we use) or they are usually available at University book stores.

  • Lab safety procedures and rules can be found HERE.

  • Lab report format can be found HERE.

  • All of your actual physics labs can be found HERE.

 

   

    5. When turning in papers

  • Homework, lab reports, and Emma challenge problems are to be placed in the basket on top of the black file cabinet in the front of the room. LABEL ALL WORK PROPERLY. Staple multiple sheet problem sets prior to turning in (but please do NOT staple different chapters together... keep each chapter separate).

  • Exams, tests and quizzes are handed in directly to Mr. Peppercorn as soon as you have finished. Test answers are ALWAYS immediately available after you complete your test (i.e. you will always be able to compare your answers to the test master immediately upon finishing... all the problems have been worked out for you to review while the test is still fresh in your mind).

 

 

    6. If you are absent

  • Whenever you are absent for sickness or any school sponsored function (retreat, etc.), work that was due in your absence is due one day AFTER you return (with no penalty). After that, work is considered late and will be penalized (accumulating).

  • Homework missed for any other reason (including family vacations scheduled during regular school days) will count as late work.

  • Clearly mark on the top of your work: "ABSENT-SICK", "ABSENT-RETREAT", etc. Otherwise, you will be docked late points.

  • All assignments (homework, labs, projects, etc.) and due dates are posted in your class calendar (for your entire school year). It is your responsibility to keep track of when work is due.

 

 

    7. Chapter tests

    CP1 and CP2

  • You are allowed to use one 3x5 index card per chapter test. Your card can include any information you choose to put on it (one side only... your cards will be checked during each test).

  • The day of the chapter test, clear off your desk except for a pen or pencil, calculator, and your index card.

  • Chapter tests are comprehensive and will draw on previous chapter material; you can best prepare for a chapter test by completing your homework (with comprehension). The on-line practice test material will also help... see your class syllabus for links to practice tests.

    AP

  • Generally, there will be two parts to every AP chapter test. The first part is the multiple choice section; note cards and calculators are NOT allowed. The second section contains free response questions; the AP formula sheet (found HERE pages 2-4 only) and calculators are allowed. This format will help you later when you take your AP test (which is administered the same way, in 2 parts... only the actual year-end test is longer and comprehensive).

 

 

    8. 1st Semester exam

CP1 and CP2

  • You are allowed to use one 3x5 index card. Your card can include any information you choose to put on it (both sides allowed for semester exam... your cards will be checked).

  • Exams can be difficult and are very comprehensive and thorough; you need all the time allotted (85 minutes). You cannot "cram" for the physics semester exam; you must invest time reading the book and working practice problems if you wish to produce a respectable exam grade. Do not wait to the last minute to prepare for your exam; studying a couple of hours the weekend before your exam is not adequate preparation time.

    AP

  • The first part is multiple choice; note cards and calculators are NOT allowed. The second part contains the free response questions; the AP formula sheet (found HERE pages 2-4 only) and calculators will be allowed.

  • Exams can be difficult and are very comprehensive and thorough; you need all the time allotted. You cannot "cram" for the AP physics semester exam; you must invest time reading the book and working problems if you wish to produce a respectable exam grade. Do not wait to the last minute to prepare for your exam; studying a couple of hours the weekend before your exam is not adequate preparation time.

 

 

    9. Final exam

    CP1 and CP2

  • The final is comprehensive. You cannot "cram" for the physics final; you must invest time reading the book and working practice problems if you wish to produce a respectable exam grade. Do not wait to the last minute to prepare for your exam; studying a couple of hours the weekend before your exam is simply not adequate preparation time.

    AP

  • The AP exam (and the AP final) is difficult and very comprehensive. You cannot "cram" for the AP physics exam; you must invest time reading the textbook, reviewing your Barons or Princeton Review Guide, and working practice problems if you wish to produce a respectable exam grade. Do not wait to the last month; I highly recommend a minimum of 6-8 weeks review preparation prior to taking your AP final.

  • No one is exempt from the class final exam. Everyone will take the final class exam regardless of your class  average grade or regardless of whether or not you decide to take the AP exam (I highly encourage you take the AP Exam; that's really what we are preparing for all year).

 

    10. Lab partners

  • You will get to choose a lab partner(s) to work with. Lab partners are expected to work together to complete labs. Although partners work together, each person is responsible for preparing and submitting their own lab report.

 

 

    11. Procedures for using available project supplies

  • The supplies in the physics room are for use in physics projects only. Check with Mr. Peppercorn prior to using any supplies that have not been cleared for general use.  If you are not sure, ASK.

  • If you can’t find what you need, ASK.

 

 

    12. SAFETY IS NOT AN OPTION!

  • Always be aware of what it is you are trying to accomplish. You must fully comprehend the safety procedures that correspond to the work you are performing. Mr. Peppercorn is ALWAYS AVAILABLE for questions; there is no such thing as a dumb question... when in doubt, ASK!

 

 

    13. Grading

  • Points are earned as follows:

AP PHYSICS GRADING SCHEDULE

CP1 PHYSICS GRADING SCHEDULE

CP2 PHYSICS GRADING SCHEDULE

 

 

    14. What you need for AP, CP1 and CP2 Physics

  • Textbook (provided)

  • 1 roll paper towels

  • 1 box tissues

  • Pens / pencils

  • Colored pencils

  • Carbon paper

  • Scientific calculator

  • 3 X 5 index cards (one small package)

  • A high speed internet connection is strongly recommended

  • Spiral notebook OR binder for 3 hole punched loose leaf sheets for class notes whichever you prefer (Note: all Mr. Peppercorn's SmartBoard lecture notes are available on line prior to all classes; if you prefer, lecture notes can be pre-printed and used to take notes on in class. Lecture notes can be found by chapter by clicking your class homepage tab at the top of this page).

  • 2 graph style books (for homework). Simple graph tablets (with tear-off sheets) are fine... Example.

  • Hayden-McNeil scientific lab notebook (1 provided)

  • Additionally for AP: An AP Physics B Review Guide (Examples) (Princeton Review recommended but any will work)

 

Copyright © Mr. Peppercorn 2008-2009