Welcome to Ms. Sprunger's Website

The Physics classroom has a series of different section that coordinates to the book.


Click on this link www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html

Instructor: Ms Sprunger   e-mail address   ssprunger@scsk12.org

Course Objective: Physics is designed to be an introduction to the general principles, concepts and mathematical computation necessary to describe motion of objects or the movement of energy forms. The lecture component is coupled with a laboratory program designed to develop skills graphing, measuring and developing models to represent motion of objects or energy that respond in the same manner.   Experiments utilize traditional and computerized measurement techniques. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to describe the motion of matter and energy using basic algebra and geometry calculations, as well as, conduct experiments to prove fundamental principles of Physics.

Textbook: Conceptual Physics  by Paul Hewlett

First Semester Topics   

Linear, Circular and Rotational motion, Momentum and Collisions

Second Semester Topics  

        Fluids, Waves, heat, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism and Radioactivity

Grading: Grading Scale Semester Grade

103-93 A Nine weeks 1 + 2 = 80%

Homework          10% 92-85 B Exam     =  20%

Lab Reports         25% 84-75 C

Tests/ Quizzes         65% 74-70 D

Below 70 F

Homework 10%, Class Notebook 10%, Lab 25%, Tests or Quizzes 55% 

Extra Points:  

Honors classes have 3 extra points added due to the accelerated pace, more challenging material and labs.  To receive the 3 points a project and/or paper is due at the end of each quarter.

Quarter 1: Bridge Paper to go with your bridge construction.  Quarter 2: A paper on a roller coaster to accompany the explanation of the physics of your model roller coaster.  Quarter 3: A paper on a remote controlled vehicle (water or land version).  Quarter 4: Power point explaining  a principle of Physics studied in class related to a real world use of this principle. 

Homework assignments are given to develop mastery of topics through practice.  Assignments are graded based upon completion.  To receive full credit, all questions and problems must be completed.  By giving a completion grade, this allows students to attempt difficult material without penalization for wrong answers.  More is learned from correcting one’s own mistakes than copying someone else’s paper!  Class participation is given for doing the activities, section reviews and labs in class.  To receive full credit a student must try to do the work.  Anyone who sleeps or does material other than chemistry will not be given full credit that day because he or she did not participate.  We will do one  or two lab experiments per week.  These are to be kept in the composition notebook called a lab book. Along with the lab book students will be required to keep notes and activities in a separate composition book.  This notebook counts 10% of the students grade.  A formal test is given upon completion of a chapter.  Quizzes or bell work will be given at the beginning of each period and cover the material from the previous day.  A cumulative test over chapters covered in the each semester will comprise the semester exam. 

Late homework or class work is not accepted Lab Reports:

Lab reports are to be maintained in a lab notebook.  A lab report is used to explain the experiment, microscope or dissection activity completed.  These are written using standard English.  All graphs are to be on graph paper supplied by the teacher.  A lab report or series of reports is due ONE WEEK after completion of the lab.  It is to be turned in before the end of class on the due date.  Late labs are accepted until 3:00 pm on the day they are due.  Labs turned in the day after they are due are not accepted.  Labs are worth 100 points.

Excused Make Up Work:

It is the responsibility of the student to turn in make up class work, homework or come in to take tests.  Students have 5 days from the date of the absence to make up the work.  Any assignments not completed will turn into zeros after five days.  I will make available to students any lecture notes for them to copy.    Make up work can be completed after school on Wednesday or Thursday.

Extra Help:

I am willing to give extra help after school on  Wednesday or Thursday.

Supplies:

1. A  folder for notes.

2. Paper and pen or pencil.

3. 1 Composition Book to be the Lab Book

4.  Highlighter pen (Color of your choice.)

5. Calculator  TI 30 or TI83+

Behavior Policy

I expect students to act as ladies and gentlemen by demonstrating behavior which respects others property and safety while interacting cooperatively in class or lab activities.  

Class and Lab Rules

1. Always wear goggles and appropriate safety equipment when in lab.

2. Do only authorized experiments or labs, follow directions and safety procedures.

3. Never chew gum, eat or drink in lab.

4. Walk at all times and be courteous of others.

5. Respect school and other students property by not defacing books, equipment or furniture.

6. Ask questions.

7. Do your own work. (Cheating is not allowed.)

8. Be on time and have all supplies.

9. If an accident happens, ALWAYS tell the teacher !!

10. Students may not leave class or lab.  Students will be given 1 pass to leave the room at the beginning of the year.  Students will have the opportunity to earn future passes based upon appropriate behavior defines as but not limited to the ability to work quietly and cooperatively in groups or while doing seat work in class, not talking, cleaning up their lab station and equipment and do on.  For every 20 participation points gained a future pass is issued.  Unused passes can be turned in for extra points added to test or quizzes.  Five passes equals 10 points added to a test or 1 homework assignment.  The number of passes earned is based upon the students conduct.

Honors classes have 3 extra points added due to the accelerated pace, more challenging material and labs.  To receive the 3 points a project and/or paper is due at the end of each quarter.

Quarter 1: Bridge Paper to go with your bridge construction.  Quarter 2: A paper on a roller coaster to accompany the explanation of the physics of your model roller coaster.  Quarter 3: A paper on a remote controlled vehicle (water or land version).  Quarter 4: Power point explaining  a principle of Physics studied in class related to a real world use of this principle.