Lisa Peck Mrs. Peck's Conceptual Physics Page Mrs. Peck's Homework Page Glenbrook High: Physics Classroom The Physics Classroom Mrs. Peck's Links & Resources Page Questions & Answers w/ Paul Hewitt   Course Title: Conceptual Physics Section: 320-2 Objectives: Conceptual Physics is the foundation course in the "Physics First' curricular sequence. Students are introduced to the major topics involving the interrelationship between matter and energy. The course is more concept driven than math driven based on the cognitive development of a 9th grade student. This in turn sets the background needed to approach the study of Chemistry which investigates the structure and composition of matter and how energy is involved in its changes. The 10th grade students are now ready to handle more math requirements. Students are then fully prepared to deal with the molecular abstract concepts that are involved in the 11th grade study of Biology. Ninth Grade Conceptual Physics course will investigate the major concepts in the field of physics through a conceptual perspective. We will then apply these concepts to real life situations. We will begin with motion and Newton's laws of motion. We investigate energy, simple machines, states of matter, waves including sound and light and finish with electricity and magnetism. Methods: A variety of teaching methods are used to match the student's varied learning styles. Demonstrations, labs, and videos will be used to supplement classroom lecture and discussion. In addition, the inquiry approach to learning science will be used through the use of hands-on / minds-on activities. I integrate technology into my lessons. I and the students use a variety of software including drawing programs, spreadsheets, powerpoints, and webpage design. I use a video flex cam, a projector, and a smart board daily. Sometimes this technology is used by me accessing my online notes, images, or resource websites and other times the students are using it to teach their peers about a topic. Assessment Procedures: I use a variety of assessments throughout a quarter. The quarterly homework grade is worth 150pts, which is the weight of an average test. The student's homework is checked for completion and not accuracy: for homework is a time for the students and teachers to assess what they know or still may need remediated. My quizzes are worth approximately 75pts and tests are valued between 150-200 pts. I believe in making tests worth a lot of points that way if a students is weak in one area of the test they still have the opportunity to earn a high B or an A. My labs are worth 50 - 75 pts. I have a quarterly project called the photo journal worth 50pts. This is explained in detail on my webpage. Webpage projects and research are weighted as a low test. I believe it is important to assess in a variety of ways for not all of us shine on pen and paper tests and yet we are truly capable of learning the concepts. Resources Used: The textbook used is Conceptual Physics by Paul G. Hewitt. I use a supplemental Problem-solving Exercises in Physics book by Jennifer Bond Hickman too. I have a video disk of 5 minute video clips from the text author is used to supplement my lectures as well as a variety of 25 minute videos. I use a variety of websites that have great graphics and animations that help to clarify a concept. In addition, I have an extensive website that I have developed. I have linked typed notes for every unit on it. This way the students do not spend so much time feverishly copying notes and can actually listen to me. This also enables me more time for demonstrations and hands-on activities. Included on my website are study guides, 2 column vocabulary study guides both blank and defined, all of my homework assignments, and my grades. In addition, I use webpages designed by previous students to supplement my lessons. Content and Pacing: The following is my course syllabus. I. Mechanics A. Linear motion B. Projectile motion C. Newton's Laws of Motion D. Momentum and Mechanical Energy E. Rotational Mechanics II. Properties of Matter A. Atomic nature of matter B. Phases of matter- solids, liquids, & gases III. Heat A. Heat transfer B. Phase Change C. Thermodynamics IV. Sound and Light A. Waves and the nature of light B. Reflection and Refraction C. Lenses V. Electricity and Magnetism A. Electrostatics B. Current and Circuits I cover a chapter every 1-3 weeks. It is dependent on the content, math, labs, as well as the nature of the students....I am constantly reflecting on whether the students are "getting it" or do I need to approach the content in a different way to help them learn the content. I adjust my pacing to the needs of the class: speeding up or slowing down as I deem necessary. The students have about Notes: All of my notes are accessible via my webpage. I give the students a hard copy of my notes as well as the study guide and chapter vocabulary at the beginning of each unit. The students are then required to use a highlighter during my lectures and to add information to their notes, therefore ensuring the students are active participants in my class.