FAQ / RULES


1) is there a book or a guide ?
The website I will be using as a guide for lessons and assignments is :
http://onlinephys.com
All your assignments, labs , lessons .. will be uploaded on that website. Assignments are posted on moodle.

To save paper, when doing your assignments, you can copy the text from the website  to a word document. Type the answers in your computer. If you rather print the assignments, you can email yourself the assignments and print it. If I collect the assignments, write the answers on a loose paper or print the answers. In both case, remove any text style.

For independent study, you can use the Physics books found in the lab.
(the red one or the blues one). There is also another study guide on line.

2) why so many assignments?
Don't wait the day before our class (or the same day) to do your assignments. I usually give a lot of HW if a week end is between 2 classes.
We only meet twice a cycle , we will have activities and labs, therefore I have to give you a fair amount of assignments.

3) do you collect assignments ? why should I do them, then ?
what if I get stuck ?
I always give some hints for each problem/ It is really important that you work the problem first, without looking at the hint. REmember that all quizzes or tests will resemble the assignments. Make sure you work them thoroughly.
On the website, you will find a forum. I will try to answer questions. use it wisely. You can help each other.
REmember:
- a material is better digested if you go over before coming to class
- the quizzes will strangely resemble the assignments

4) When you collect HW, do you grade them
When I collect questions, they will count for the next quiz. They become take home quiz questions.

5) Can I talk in class? what about the hands-on activities?
If you have any question, please raise your hand and we will listen to you. If  I talk, I expect you to listen to me. THis is about respect for your friends and for your  teacher. If you are disruptive / disrespectful I will ask you to leave the classroom.
 If you need to finish a conversation, leave the class room.
Keep in mind that 10% of the final grade is participation, attendance.
If you are disruptive, the grade will go down by a grade (from A- to B+ for example). 

I encourage you to teach each other and help each other during our labs.
It is ok to talk and discuss then. (only about the lab of course).

6) How do you grade the lab report ?
the lab counts for 40% of the final grade. The lab report is usually short and you need to follow directions (very straight forward) . However, don't rush. You need to collect good data for full credits. Ask me if you are unsure. You can get easily an A if you don't rush and do it seriously. I base my grade not only on the data collected and the computations but also on your attitude during the sessions. Is a student is not involved in the lab and is not using collaborative work, he/she can't get full credits.
HOLD on your lab report. You may need them to review for ta quiz or to ague with me about a grade.

7) Do we have quizzes? pop quiz ?
You will have 30 minutes quizzes. Usually after going through some assignments. If you study your HW thoroughly, it is easy to get an A.
quiz will only include questions from the assignments. I usually only change the numbers. I will tell you what to review. I have always a pop quiz ready in case the class is disruptive. no pop quiz other wise.
the quizzes count for 40% of the final grade.
1 student per table during quizzes.

8) Do we have tests ? finals ?
The tests are 1 hour long. They will cover an entire unit. If you work out the assignments thoroughly, the tests will seem easy. You may have only 1 or 2 more challenging questions. But you also get a bonus question. Usually, the answer was given in class. Be a good listener and Physics will be a pleasure.
1 student per table during quizzes.

9)  How do you compute the final grade ?
10% is for participation in class and attendance.
40% is for the labs
50% is for the quizzes (30mn)

Hold on your quizzes and tests + lab reports in case we don't agree with the grades.

10) I Love Physics. Can I have more challenged problems ?
conceptual Physics or Algebra based Physics ?
Wait for the class to really start. I can give you access to a website
where I will post assignments for you to do. The assignments
are multiple choice and possible related to what we are doing.
The assignments will be sent to me. You can take the assignments
twice. I expect you to do research on your own (using books)
to get the right answer or to auto correct yourself. (You can take it
twice). Follow steps (only if you want extra work !!!)
log on ilrn.com
sign as new user. choose the school Pace University, New york.
don't enter any personal info. enter a fake ID number.
just remember your login and password.
When asked for a key (my instructor gave me a key) use:
grade 9 = E-29YN4WVC8GNWW
grade 10 = E-YN2RKJWFHH6VA