Physics 2008-2009 Course Syllabus
Colorado Springs Early Colleges
Teacher:  Allen Mauer
Contact: mauera@gmail.com, allen.mauer@csec914.org        
Website:  www.csecscience.info                     

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions.  We will study the main areas of physics and focus on conceptual understanding, and then mathematics. Math is the language of physics.

Subjects will be covered in units that span one or more chapters in the book,

Unit 1             Scientific Method, Measurement, Data             
Unit 2             Motion                                                                      
Unit 3             Force                                                                         
Unit 4             Work, Power, Machines                                        
Unit 5             Energy, Thermal Physics                                      
Unit 6             Mechanical Waves                                                  
Unit 7             Light                                                                         
Unit 8             Electricity                                                                 
Unit 9             Magnetism                                                               
*Unit 10         Optics                                                                        
*Unit 11         Astronomy                                                               
*Time permitting

I expect you to be learning when you are in class. I expect that you are here because you want to be, so I do not foresee major issues with appropriate behavior (staying on-task, minimizing noise level/disruption, being receptive to help/feedback, respecting self and others).  

When you show mastery of all units in the course, you will be awarded credit. The mastery level required to receive credit is 75%. If you do not meet this minimum level of mastery, you will be allowed to retake tests and redo assignments (using different versions) until you reach the required level (or higher if you choose).

All grades below this 75% are irrelevant. Per school policy, I will not award credit until you reach 75% mastery of the material. I will do my part to address your difficulties and help you accomplish this goal. If you can reach 60%, you can reach 75% with a little more effort.

You will work independently, and in groups during certain activities. I will be spending time with individual students regularly and as needed. Graded material will consist of worksheets, activity forms, and tests. Points will be assigned to each, and the grade will be based on earned points divided by possible points. Every time you complete an assignment, record it in the daily progress log. As soon as a unit is completed, record it with me.

Laptops are allowed only if graded work is consistently being produced using the laptop, and the student is on pace. No off-subject work may be done in class (no exceptions).

Talking is limited to the subject of physics. All talking deemed off-subject (within reason) will result in dismissal from class to a designated, monitored area, where the student will bring materials to work independently. Multiple dismissals will result in probation from the class (1-3 days in addition to the day the student was dismissed) and notification of parents. Consider this a warning. No subsequent warnings will be necessary. This policy is in effect after the first five minutes of class until the last five minutes of class. I promise to do my best to enforce this policy consistently.

There may be pretests for some units. If you get 90% or higher on the pretest you are not required to complete certain items and will receive full credit for them.

You will keep all graded work in a separate 3 ring binger. I will trust you not to share/borrow completed assignments with others. This is counterproductive to learning. If you need help, ask me. I will help you or find help for you. Tests will be kept in the class at all times. If you do not finish a test during one period, you may complete the rest of the questions using a different version. This is to ensure quality and fairness.

If I find you being dishonest with your work, then I will alter the form of assessment and we will be discussing consequences. I hope it never comes to that.  

A little bit about me:  I am 27 years old. I am married, and we have a new baby in the house. I have a Bachelors of Science in Physics from the University of Colorado. I have been teaching for 3 years and working with youth for 5 years. I have lived in Colorado for 9 years. My family resides in Tennessee, where I graduated from high school. I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking and collecting minerals. I like to ski and play most sports when I get the chance.  I also like to travel, and I have been to Central America, South America, and Europe.

Feel free to contact me by email about assignments or issues that you may have.

Very Respectfully,

Allen Mauer