IB Physics

    IB Physics    2                     
    First Semester 2008-2009

    Teacher:   Dr. Halperin  B221f            kenhalperin@yahoo.com, kenneth_m_halperin@mcpsmd.org

    Course Description 

    Physics is the most basic of the sciences.  Physics studies the behavior and structure of matter.  The areas of physics include motion, fluids, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism and modern physics (relativity and atomic structures).  BCC is an International Baccalaureate School; and IB Physics 2 is structured to meet the goals of the IB diploma program.

    County Objective

      *  The principal goal of all the sciences, including physics, is to bring order to the                        
          complexities of the world and universe we live in.
      *  Science is a process.
      *  Science makes use of models, theories, and laws.
      *  Science is descriptive.  Theories and laws describe how nature behaves.
      *  Science findings are testable and experiments are repeatable.

    Major Areas of Study 

    IB Physics covers the following areas of the IB curriculum:

      *  Topic 1: Physics and physical measurement
      *  Topic 2: Mechanics
      *  Topic 3: Thermal physics
      *  Topic 4: Oscillations and waves
      *  Topic 5: Electric currents
      *  Topic 6: Fields and forces
      *  Topic 7: Atomic and nuclear physics
      *  Topic 8: Energy, power and climate change
      *  Topic 11: Wave phenomena
      *  Topic 12: Electromagnetic induction
      *  Topic 13: Quantum and nuclear physics
      *  Optional Topic A: Sight and wave phenomena
      *  Optional Topic E: Astrophysics

    IB Physics 2 will cover whichever parts of this curriculum were not covered in IB Physics 1.  Higher level students will be given additional work to cover HL only topics.

    Assistance 

    Any student needing assistance may see me in my office off the side of B221.  I am available lunches, and my free periods and after school by appointment.

     

                                                                                                                IB Physics 2 Syllabus, page 2
    Other important information 

    The IB exam is in early May.

    The Group 4 Project is an inter-disciplinary project that will be time-consuming.

    Grades will be determined as follows: 

    The grading is on a total points basis.  All assignments are added together.  The studentís percentage of the possible points determines the grade.   Homework will count less than 10% of the total.

    Graded assignments include tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, projects, lab reports, and possibly other things.

    Semester exam                                 25% of the semester grade.

    Grades

    A         90 - 100
    B         80-89.9
    C         70-79.9
    D         60-69.9
    E         <60

    Extra Help and Resources
    Please make arrangements with your teacher for help outside of class at a time convenient to both of us. Additional help is also available from the Time for Academic Progress (TAP) program from 2:15 to 3:15 every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in room B318.

    Reassessments and Make-ups
    Re-teaching and/or attendance at TAP may be required in order to reassess quizzes. Reassessments will take place after school or at lunch at the designated time. All missed laboratory assignments must be made up on the designated make-up day(s). Due dates and deadlines will be established for every assignment. Grades for work submitted after the due date but before the deadline will be reduced by 10%. Work submitted after the deadline will receive a grade of zero.

    Academic Integrity
    Each student is expected to complete and present work that represents their individual effort. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of zero.

    Laboratory Fee
    Each student will pay a one-time laboratory fee to cover both semesters of science.