Syllabi for the following courses are given here:
Course Name: General Physics
Recommended Level: 10th Grade; open to 11th and 12th Grade students that have not taken physics before.
Class Schedule: Block D or Block H, both in Room 31.
Textbook: Physics: Principles and Problems, by Paul W. Zitzewitz, Glencoe McGraw-Hill (1999), and handouts given in class.
General Goals: To provide students with the basic skills, concepts, and problem solving strategies needed to be able to successfully complete IB or College level Physics courses in the future. This course is a pre-requisite for the IB course sequence given in 11th/12th grades.
Course Description: This is a one-year course intended to set the grounds for succeeding in both the theoretical and experimental parts of IB and College Physics courses. The General Physics course starts by establishing clearly what is science and what is physics, and by discussing the basic attributes of matter (inertia and interaction) and other general concepts, like energy, space and time. After this, the students will be provided with the mathematical tools needed to gather, process and analyze experimental data correctly. A detailed treatment of the basic operations with vectors including scalar and vector products complete the first part of the course. The second part of the course will be a general study of the basic aspects of mechanics, waves and light, electricity, and modern physics.
Course Content
Detailed instructional units will be given at the beginning of each quarter, clearly indicating the material that will be covered in the respective quarter.
Part I
1.- Introductory Concepts and Basic Mathematical Tools Used in Physics
1.1 - Basic Definitions Used in Physics
1.2 - Mathematical Tools Used in Physics
1.3 - Fundamentals of Error Theory and Basic Statistical Analysis
1.4 - Fundamentals of Graphical Analysis
1.5 - Fundamentals of Vector Analysis
Part II
2.- Mechanics
3.- Dynamics
4.- Universal Gravitation
5.- Momentum, Work and Energy
6.- Waves and Light
7.- Electricity and Magnetism
8.- Modern Physics
Evaluation
The grading system will be based on 100 points, distributed as follows:
30% Tests: Regular tests covering several sections of a chapter, or in many cases a full chapter will be given and scored on a percent basis. All tests will always be previously announced.
30% Laboratory: Several relevant experiments (approximately 3) will be performed each quarter. Laboratory Reports will be submitted on dates that will be previously announced, using a specific format that is explained in detail in the document titled “Guidelines for Writing Laboratory Reports” that every student must have and follow.
20% Homework and Other Assignments: Several times during each quarter, a specific homework or another type of assignment relevant to the course will be given. You will be asked to hand in your homework assignment or part of it to be graded. This will always be previously announced. Dishonesty will be severely penalized.
10% Performance: Anything between 1 and 10 points will be awarded at the end of each quarter to evaluate the student’s progress in the course. The way in which requirements are fulfilled, the ability to demonstrate that some skills are being acquired, and the efficiency with which tasks are accomplished will be taken into account. Other aspects to be considered will be participation, initiative, creativity, originality, reasoning ability in approaching and thinking through problems and arriving at logical conclusions.
5% Research Project: Students will be asked to do some bibliographical research on a topic in which current scientific advances are being made, that is relevant to the course. They will be asked to submit a written report summarizing the research made. If time allows, some of the reports will be orally presented in class.
5% Portfolio: All students must keep a portfolio of everything related to each of their science courses. This document will be collected by the teacher on a specific date for its evaluation. All details related to the portfolio are given in a separate document that will be distributed and discussed in class.
Materials Needed
Scientific Calculator (calculators with alphanumeric capabilities, programmable, or with external memory units will not be allowed due to reports on student dishonesty).
Notebook or binder for class notes.
Binder for making your portfolio.
Pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler.
Metric Prefixes Table, Conversion Factors Table and other handouts provided by the instructor.
Teacher Expectations
Students are expected to follow strictly all ISP rules related to behavior inside and outside the classroom, and during tests or exams. All students must read and follow the rules outlined in the ISP High School Handbook. Common sense is always expected.
Students are also expected to pay attention during classes, be respectful with teachers and classmates, participate actively in class and ask relevant questions, take class notes, work cooperatively in groups, and study on a daily basis. They must hand in their assignments and laboratory reports on time and following the guidelines specified by the instructor, and keep all their tests, exams, and homework together as part of Section 2 of their portfolios. Honesty in all activities is a must.
Even though there is at least a full day between classes, homework should be started the same day that it is assigned. Also keep in mind that, when a student is absent, he or she will still be responsible for finding out what was done in class, and for the homework assigned. Whenever you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact somebody from your class as soon as possible to find out what is taking place in class. It is your responsibility to contact me as soon as you come back to school to discuss about any special arrangements that could be necessary.
Since exams are announced with a lot of anticipation, to return from a short absence is not an excuse for not taking an exam on the day you come back. If you are absent the day of a test, it is your responsibility to come prepared to take it the day in which you return to school, unless a special arrangement have been previously made with your teacher. Please consult the policy for student attendance and the tardy policy on page 11 of the ISP High School Handbook, since we will strictly adhere to it.
The ISP Dress Code is very clearly specified in page 12 of the ISP High School Handbook, and it must be followed by all students at all times. The teacher reserves the right of not admitting to the physics classes any students incurring in uniform violations.
Only simple scientific calculators are needed for my class. Fancy and expensive calculators are not necessary and even dangerous because some students don't know how to use them properly and, if lost, they represent a big problem. Beyond this, it has been reported to me that some students store in the memory of their calculators information that should be stored in their brains, and use this in exams. This constitutes a violation to the Student Honor Code that I will not promote or tolerate.
Student-Teacher and Parent-Teacher Communication
My class schedule is posted at the door in Room 31 so students can find me whenever they need for questions. I am willing to receive students for consultations at all times, but it may be smart to make a previous appointment with me, because more than one person may be hoping to see me at the same time. If you are absent, check my web page for any new assignments. My web page contains information about due dates, exam dates, and homework. The address is https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/physmath. You can also contact me via e-mail at jgonz@isp.edu.pa.
It is recommended that parents also check my web page to know about exams, homework, and important dates. If parents want to make an appointment with me, they can contact the school secretary to make the necessary arrangements. They could also make arrangements directly with me via e-mail. If you send me an e-mail message and I did not answer within 48 hours, please send me a second message. If not answered, please send me a written message with your son or daughter or call me at school.
Final Comments
Any course that you take may be as easy as you want to make it. It all depends upon following the directions given by the instructors, in using common sense, and in exercising your good judgment. Believe it or not, over many years of teaching I have observed that the toughest problem that students must face to be successful is not actually related to the subject being studied, but to their own working habits. It is simply known as procrastination. This will make the difference at the end. I’ll remind you of these words in a couple of weeks, and you will be given the opportunity to judge on.
If you have any doubts about anything, talk to me. I believe that straight talk is very important to make things clear. I also believe that rules are made to follow them, not to break them, as some people think. I also agree in that, some times, bad rules are made. If you think that any of my rules are not right, I encourage you to propose to me adequate changes either in class or in private. If you are able to defend your position adequately, I assure you that changes will follow. If you have a special problem in which you think I can help you, or if you just need to talk to somebody, just find me.
Course Name: IB Physics SLa (Physics I)
Level: 11th Grade
Class Schedule: Block A, in Room 31.
Textbook: Physics: Principles with Applications (Third Edition), by D. C. Giancoli; Prentice Hall (1991).
General Goals: (1) To learn some basic laws of nature and understand the physical phenomena explained by them, and(2) to acquire the skills necessary for solving related application problems.
Course Description: The Physics I course will start with a review of the material learned in Part I of the 10th grade General Physics course. Special emphasis will be placed in reviewing the mathematical tools needed to gather, process and analyze experimental data correctly, and a detailed treatment of the basic operations with vectors, including scalar and vector products. After this review, the main concepts of linear kinematics, dynamics and circular motion are analyzed. A brief study of study of fluid mechanics follows, and the study of wave motion and its related phenomena complete the course.
Course Content
Detailed Instructional Units will be given at the beginning of each quarter, clearly indicating the material that will be covered in the respective quarter. The sequence given below is not likely to change, and is provided as an aide for the students.
Course Outline
1.- Review of Introductory Concepts and Mathematical Tools Used in Physics
2.- Kinematics
3.- Dynamics
4.- Circular Motion
5.- Gravitation and Kepler Laws
6.- Work and Energy
7.- Linear Momentum
8.- Rotational Motion
9.- Statics and Elasticity
10.- Fluid Mechanics
11.- Vibrations, Waves and Sound
Evaluation
The grading system will be based on 100 points, distributed as follows:
30% Tests: Regular tests covering several sections of a chapter, or in many cases a full chapter will be given and scored on a percent basis. All tests will always be previously announced.
30% Laboratory: Several relevant experiments (approximately 3) will be performed each quarter. Laboratory Reports will be submitted on dates that will be previously announced, using a specific format that is explained in detail in the document titled “Guidelines for Writing Laboratory Reports” that every student must have and follow.
20% Homework and Other Assignments: Several times during each quarter, a specific homework or another type of assignment relevant to the course will be given. You will be asked to hand in your homework assignment or part of it to be graded. This will always be previously announced. Dishonesty will be severely penalized.
10% Performance: Anything between 1 and 10 points will be awarded at the end of each quarter to evaluate the student’s progress in the course. The way in which requirements are fulfilled, the ability to demonstrate that some skills are being acquired, and the efficiency with which tasks are accomplished will be taken into account. Other aspects to be considered will be participation, initiative, creativity, originality, reasoning ability in approaching and thinking through problems and arriving at logical conclusions.
5% Research Project: Students will be asked to do some bibliographical research on a topic in which current scientific advances are being made, that is relevant to the course. They will be asked to submit a written report summarizing the research made. If time allows, some of the reports will be orally presented in class.
5% Portfolio: All students must keep a portfolio of everything related to each of their science courses. This document will be collected by the teacher on a specific date for its evaluation. All details related to the portfolio are given in a separate document that will be distributed and discussed in class.
Materials Needed
Scientific Calculator (calculators with alphanumeric capabilities, programmable, or with external memory units will not be allowed due to reports on student dishonesty).
Notebook or binder for class notes.
Binder for making your portfolio.
Pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler.
Metric Prefixes Table, Conversion Factors Table and other handouts provided by the instructor.
Teacher Expectations
Students are expected to follow strictly all ISP rules related to behavior inside and outside the classroom, and during tests or exams. All students must read and follow the rules outlined in the ISP High School Handbook. Common sense is always expected.
Students are also expected to pay attention during classes, be respectful with teachers and classmates, participate actively in class and ask relevant questions, take class notes, work cooperatively in groups, and study on a daily basis. They must hand in their assignments and laboratory reports on time and following the guidelines specified by the instructor, and keep all their tests, exams, and homework together as part of Section 2 of their portfolios. Honesty in all activities is a must.
Even though there is at least a full day between classes, homework should be started the same day that it is assigned. Also keep in mind that, when a student is absent, he or she will still be responsible for finding out what was done in class, and for the homework assigned. Whenever you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact somebody from your class as soon as possible to find out what is taking place in class. It is your responsibility to contact me as soon as you come back to school to discuss about any special arrangements that could be necessary.
Since exams are announced with a lot of anticipation, to return from a short absence is not an excuse for not taking an exam on the day you come back. If you are absent the day of a test, it is your responsibility to come prepared to take it the day in which you return to school, unless a special arrangement have been previously made with your teacher. Please consult the policy for student attendance and the tardy policy on page 11 of the ISP High School Handbook, since we will strictly adhere to it.
The ISP Dress Code is very clearly specified in page 12 of the ISP High School Handbook, and it must be followed by all students at all times. The teacher reserves the right of not admitting to the physics classes any students incurring in uniform violations.
Only simple scientific calculators are needed for my class. Fancy and expensive calculators are not necessary and even dangerous because some students don't know how to use them properly and, if lost, they represent a big problem. Beyond this, it has been reported to me that some students store in the memory of their calculators information that should be stored in their brains, and use this in exams. This constitutes a violation to the Student Honor Code that I will not promote or tolerate.
Student-Teacher and Parent-Teacher Communication
My class schedule is posted at the door in Room 31 so students can find me whenever they need for questions. I am willing to receive students for consultations at all times, but it may be smart to make a previous appointment with me, because more than one person may be hoping to see me at the same time. If you are absent, check my web page for any new assignments. My web page contains information about due dates, exam dates, and homework. The address is https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/physmath. You can also contact me via e-mail at jgonz@isp.edu.pa.
It is recommended that parents also check my web page to know about exams, homework, and important dates. If parents want to make an appointment with me, they can contact the school secretary to make the necessary arrangements. They could also make arrangements directly with me via e-mail. If you send me an e-mail message and I did not answer within 48 hours, please send me a second message. If not answered, please send me a written message with your son or daughter or call me at school.
Final Comments
Any course that you take may be as easy as you want to make it. It all depends upon following the directions given by the instructors, in using common sense, and in exercising your good judgment. Believe it or not, over many years of teaching I have observed that the toughest problem that students must face to be successful is not actually related to the subject being studied, but to their own working habits. It is simply known as procrastination. This will make the difference at the end. I’ll remind you of these words in a couple of weeks, and you will be given the opportunity to judge on.
If you have any doubts about anything, talk to me. I believe that straight talk is very important to make things clear. I also believe that rules are made to follow them, not to break them, as some people think. I also agree in that, some times, bad rules are made. If you think that any of my rules are not right, I encourage you to propose to me adequate changes either in class or in private. If you are able to defend your position adequately, I assure you that changes will follow. If you have a special problem in which you think I can help you, or if you just need to talk to somebody, just find me.
Course Name: IB Physics SLb (Physics II)
Level: 12th Grade
Class Schedule: Block B, in Room 31.
Textbook: Physics - Principles with Applications (Third Edition), by D. C. Giancoli; Prentice Hall (1991).
General Goals: (1) To learn some basic laws of nature and understand the physical phenomena explained by them, and(2) to acquire the skills necessary for solving related application problems.
Course Description: The Physics II course starts with the study of kinetic theory, heat, and thermodynamics. After this, we will work with the concept of electric charge and its conservation; Coulomb’s Law will be analyzed and applied to problems in one and two dimensions, requiring the use of vector analysis. A detailed treatment of the concepts of electric field and potential difference follows, and then electric energy and D. C. circuits are discussed. Magnetic phenomena and its applications (including some concepts on A. C. circuits) follows, and an introduction to modern physics complete the course. Historical Physics will be studied in sections throughout the course.
Course Content
Detailed Instructional Units will be given at the beginning of each quarter, clearly indicating the material that will be covered in the respective quarter. The sequence given below is not likely to change, and is provided as an aide for the students.
Course Outline
1.- Kinetic Theory, Heat and Thermodynamics
2.- The Electric Charge and the Electric Field
3.- Electric Potential and Electric Energy
4.- Electric Currents, and D. C. Circuits and Instruments
5.- Magnetism
6.- Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday’s Law
7.- Electromagnetic Waves
8.- Introductory Modern Physics
9.- Historical Physics
Topic 9, Historical Physics, will be done throughout the year. The methodology to be used will be explained in class. You will receive a list of objectives for this topic.
Evaluation
The grading system will be based on 100 points, distributed as follows:
30% Tests: Regular tests covering several sections of a chapter, or in many cases a full chapter will be given and scored on a percent basis. All tests will always be previously announced.
30% Laboratory: Several relevant experiments (approximately 3) will be performed each quarter. Laboratory Reports will be submitted on dates that will be previously announced, using a specific format that is explained in detail in the document titled “Guidelines for Writing Laboratory Reports” that every student must have and follow.
20% Homework and Other Assignments: Several times during each quarter, a specific homework or another type of assignment relevant to the course will be given. You will be asked to hand in your homework assignment or part of it to be graded. This will always be previously announced. Dishonesty will be severely penalized.
10% Performance: Anything between 1 and 10 points will be awarded at the end of each quarter to evaluate the student’s progress in the course. The way in which requirements are fulfilled, the ability to demonstrate that some skills are being acquired, and the efficiency with which tasks are accomplished will be taken into account. Other aspects to be considered will be participation, initiative, creativity, originality, reasoning ability in approaching and thinking through problems and arriving at logical conclusions.
5% Research Project: Students will be asked to do some bibliographical research on a topic in which current scientific advances are being made, that is relevant to the course. They will be asked to submit a written report summarizing the research made. If time allows, some of the reports will be orally presented in class.
5% Portfolio: All students must keep a portfolio of everything related to each of their science courses. This document will be collected by the teacher on a specific date for its evaluation. All details related to the portfolio are given in a separate document that will be distributed and discussed in class.
Materials Needed
Scientific Calculator (calculators with alphanumeric capabilities, programmable, or with external memory units will not be allowed due to reports on student dishonesty).
Notebook or binder for class notes.
Binder for making your portfolio.
Pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler.
Metric Prefixes Table, Conversion Factors Table and other handouts provided by the instructor.
Teacher Expectations
Students are expected to follow strictly all ISP rules related to behavior inside and outside the classroom, and during tests or exams. All students must read and follow the rules outlined in the ISP High School Handbook. Common sense is always expected.
Students are also expected to pay attention during classes, be respectful with teachers and classmates, participate actively in class and ask relevant questions, take class notes, work cooperatively in groups, and study on a daily basis. They must hand in their assignments and laboratory reports on time and following the guidelines specified by the instructor, and keep all their tests, exams, and homework together as part of Section 2 of their portfolios. Honesty in all activities is a must.
Even though there is at least a full day between classes, homework should be started the same day that it is assigned. Also keep in mind that, when a student is absent, he or she will still be responsible for finding out what was done in class, and for the homework assigned. Whenever you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact somebody from your class as soon as possible to find out what is taking place in class. It is your responsibility to contact me as soon as you come back to school to discuss about any special arrangements that could be necessary.
Since exams are announced with a lot of anticipation, to return from a short absence is not an excuse for not taking an exam on the day you come back. If you are absent the day of a test, it is your responsibility to come prepared to take it the day in which you return to school, unless a special arrangement have been previously made with your teacher. Please consult the policy for student attendance and the tardy policy on page 11 of the ISP High School Handbook, since we will strictly adhere to it.
The ISP Dress Code is very clearly specified in page 12 of the ISP High School Handbook, and it must be followed by all students at all times. The teacher reserves the right of not admitting to the physics classes any students incurring in uniform violations.
Only simple scientific calculators are needed for my class. Fancy and expensive calculators are not necessary and even dangerous because some students don't know how to use them properly and, if lost, they represent a big problem. Beyond this, it has been reported to me that some students store in the memory of their calculators information that should be stored in their brains, and use this in exams. This constitutes a violation to the Student Honor Code that I will not promote or tolerate.
Student-Teacher and Parent-Teacher Communication
My class schedule is posted at the door in Room 31 so students can find me whenever they need for questions. I am willing to receive students for consultations at all times, but it may be smart to make a previous appointment with me, because more than one person may be hoping to see me at the same time. If you are absent, check my web page for any new assignments. My web page contains information about due dates, exam dates, and homework. The address is https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/physmath. You can also contact me via e-mail at jgonz@isp.edu.pa.
It is recommended that parents also check my web page to know about exams, homework, and important dates. If parents want to make an appointment with me, they can contact the school secretary to make the necessary arrangements. They could also make arrangements directly with me via e-mail. If you send me an e-mail message and I did not answer within 48 hours, please send me a second message. If not answered, please send me a written message with your son or daughter or call me at school.
Final Comments
Any course that you take may be as easy as you want to make it. It all depends upon following the directions given by the instructors, in using common sense, and in exercising your good judgment. Believe it or not, over many years of teaching I have observed that the toughest problem that students must face to be successful is not actually related to the subject being studied, but to their own working habits. It is simply known as procrastination. This will make the difference at the end. I’ll remind you of these words in a couple of weeks, and you will be given the opportunity to judge on.
If you have any doubts about anything, talk to me. I believe that straight talk is very important to make things clear. I also believe that rules are made to follow them, not to break them, as some people think. I also agree in that, some times, bad rules are made. If you think that any of my rules are not right, I encourage you to propose to me adequate changes either in class or in private. If you are able to defend your position adequately, I assure you that changes will follow. If you have a special problem in which you think I can help you, or if you just need to talk to somebody, just find me.
