New Unit: Constant Acceleration (Black: 12/16 Orange: 12/17)

Today we started a new unit on constant acceleration (increasing speed at a constant rate).  I introduced the unit with a drag racing video game.  We used the times from the video game to calculate the acceleration of the car.  After that I gave the Navigating the Curves activity to periods 2,4, and 6 (5th period already got it after the test).  Both items were stamped.

No homework over the break... enjoy!

Review Day (Black: December 10 Orange: December 13)

I checked the Review Sheet and gave out an answer key in class.  We also graded Quiz 2, then took and graded quiz 3.  The remainder of the period was spent assembling homework packets.

HW:  Study for test on 12/14 for periods 2,4,6 and 12/15 for period 5

Unit 4 Homework Packet

Unit 4 Worksheet 1
Unit 4 Worksheet 2/Riding a Bike (1 stamp on each side)
Unit 4 Worksheet 3
Match 'em Up/ What's Your Problem (1 stamp on each side)
Unit 4 Review
Quiz 1 (not scored in the packet)
Quiz 2 (not scored in the packet)
Quiz 3 (not scored in the packet)

All stamps = 100 pts if corrected; stamped but not corrected = 75 pts; no stamp but complete = 50

Extra Credit Opportunity

This is a SMALL extra-credit opportunity, but probably the only one you will have all semester.  It is worth 5 test points.  Please select one of the following options:

•  Bring in 2 boxes of tissues
•  Bring in one (8 oz. or larger) bottle of hand sanitizer
•  Bring in one container of disposable anti-bacterial surface wipes
•  Help clean the classroom for during tutorial (30 minutes)

If you are bringing in items, please clearly mark the items with your name.  If you are helping clean the classroom, please make arrangements with me... availability is limited.

Match 'em Up (Black: 12/8 Orange 12/9)

I checked the homework and went over it briefly.  We also graded Quiz #1.  Most of the period was spent doing 2 different activities... Match 'em Up and What's Your Problem?  In Match 'em Up students were given a eight different descriptions of motion, position-time and velocity-time graphs that they needed to match.  The other activity involved creating your own constant velocity problem, then having a partner solve it.

HW:  Study for quiz on WS 3; finish Review Sheet (Due Friday for black, Monday for Orange).

You can download a practice test here.

You can also check out a video tutorial of how to do WS 3 here.

Riding a Bike! (Black: 12/6 Orange 12/7)

We took the quiz on WS 2.  Most of the period was spent talking about distance vs. displacement and speed vs. velocity.  Displacement is the change in position of the object and can be graphically represented as the area under a v-t graph.

Homework was to complete WS3.

Graphing Motion Lab #2 (Black: 12/2 Orange: 12/3)

I gave a quiz on WS 1 and the Monster Truck Lab.  I also checked and went over WS2.  Most of the period was spent doing the Graphing Motion Lab #2.  We used the motion sensors to make velocity-time graphs of our motion.

HW:  Study for quiz on WS 2; finish lab if needed.

Graphing Motion Lab #1

I started the period by checking the homework and then whiteboarding it.  Following that I reviewed how to calculate the slope of the line and we calculated the slope of our Monster Truck position-time graph.  The remainder of the period was spent doing the Graphing Motion Lab.

HW:  Study for quiz (WS 1 and Lab questions #3 and 4); finish WS 2

Monster Truck Lab (Orange: 11/29)

We recorded position-time data for a toy monster truck as it ran along a meter stick.  We graphed the data and found the slope of the line represents both the speed and direction of travel.  In physics, these two pieces of information are called velocity.  We also found the y-intercept represents the starting position of the truck.

HW:  WS 1 i

Unit 3 Exam (Orange: 11/22 Black: 11/23)

I collected the Unit 3 Homework Packet and gave the Unit 3 test.

Monster Truck Lab (Black: 11/19)

Today we started the next unit for periods 2,4, and 6.  We recorded position-time data for a toy monster truck as it ran along a meter stick.  We graphed the data and found the slope of the line represents both the speed and direction of travel.  In physics, these two pieces of information are called velocity.

HW:  WS 1 is due AFTER the Thanksgiving break.  Study for Unit 3 test on 11/22.

Exploratorium Field Trip (Orange: 11/18)

Today was our field trip to the Exploratorium in San Francisco.  The alternate assignment is as follows:

Visit the Exploratorium Website.  Select 4 online exhibits that are of interest to you.  Write a one paragraph summary of each exhibit.  What is it about?  What did you learn?  Why did you choose it?  Bring me your summaries next week (November 22 or 23).

HW: Study for your test!!  Do the practice test and get a blank copy of the review sheet here.

Unit 3 Homework Packet

The following items should be in your homework packet.

Unit 3 Worksheet 1a (blue)
Unit 3 Worksheet 2 (tan)
Unit 3 Worksheet 3 (purple)
Trigonometry Review (green- periods 2,4,6 have a stamp)
Unit 3 Worksheet 4 (salmon)
Unit 3 Worksheet 5/Review Sheet (grey)
Notes: Newton's First Law Paul Hewitt Lecture or Alternate Assignment
Practice Quiz (corrected in red = 100 pts, not corrected = 50 pts)

Stamped items = 100 pts; unstamped but corrected = 50 points

Review Day (Orange: November 16 Black: November 17)

I stamped the Review Sheet and gave time to go over it in class.  You can check the answers here).  You can also download a blank review sheet if you would like to practice the problems additional times.  I also gave the practice quiz, since I did not have time to give a real quiz.  Please correct your practice quiz the same way you would a real quiz in class.  If your practice quiz is not corrected, you will only get half credit for it in your homework packet.

The test will be Monday, November 22 for period 5 and Tuesday, November 23 for periods 2,4,6.

You can download a practice test here.  Answers to the practice test will be available at tutorial only starting on Friday, November 19.

HW:  Study for the test (Review Sheet, Practice Test); assemble HW packet

More Trig and Solving for Forces at Angles (Black: 11/15)

I checked the homework (Trig Review Worksheet) and gave class time for WS 4.

HW:  Review Sheet

Mrs. Peters out- Review Day (Orange: 11/12)

Mr. Rann covered for me.  He checked WS 4 and gave time to work on the Review Sheet.

HW:  Finish Review Sheet

Looking at Forces from a New Angle (Orange: 11/9 Black: 11/10)

I checked and went over the homework.  There will be a quiz on WS 3 during the next block, so be sure to check your answers here.  I also gave the quiz on WS 2.

Many forces that we encounter on a daily basis act on the object at an angle.  For example, pushing a broom or pulling a wagon.  Therefore, we need to understand basic trigonometry functions and how to resolve forces into their components.  We discussed this in class and did a few practice problems.

HW:  WS 4, quiz on WS 3

We are about to accelerate (Orange:11/5 Black: 11/8)

I checked and we whiteboarded Worksheet 2.  I also gave a quiz on the Force-Mass lab.  Most of the period was spent working on problems where an object is accelerating and the sum of the forces is no longer zero.

Here are the answers to WS 2, sorry for the poor quality...My scanner isn't working.

HW:  WS 3; Quiz on WS 2

Force Diagrams with Numbers (Orange: 11/3 Black: 11/4)

We debriefed and turned in the Force-Mass lab.  We also reviewed extensively for the quiz by going over WS1a, then took the quiz on drawing force diagrams.  The remaining half of the period was spent learning how to solve force diagram problems when given numerical values.

HW:  WS 2

Force-Mass Lab (Orange:11/1 Black:11/2)

Today I checked and went over selected problems on WS1a.  You have two options to correct the answers for WS1a.  You can click here for a simple pdf document with the answers, or you can download the PowerPoint that shows you step by step how to solve each problem.  There will be a quiz on Wednesday (period 5) and Thursday (periods 2,4,6) on drawing force diagrams.

Most of the period was spent collecting data for the Force-Mass lab and learning how to make a mathematical model from two variables.

HW is to complete WS2 #1a,2a and #4a.

Force Diagrams

I collected and we debriefed the Newton's First Law Lab.  I also showed a video lecture from Paul Hewitt, the author of our textbook.  If you do not take notes during the lecture, the alternate assignment is to read Chapter 3 and answer the Review Questions on p. 35-36 #1-15.

I also explained how to make a Force Diagram.

HW: WS 1a

Newton's First Law Lab (Orange: 10/22 Black: 10/27)

We took a diagnostic test about forces then did the lab.  The lab has 10 stations around the room that all demonstrate Newton's First Law.

HW:  None

Wave Model of Light Homework Packet

1.  Assemble your packet as listed below.

Waves Notes (tan)
Worksheet 25-1 (blue)
Wave Interference (grey)
Loud Music and Hearing Loss (ivory-- I still have 2,4,6th period's)
Worksheet 6 (white)
Review Sheet (tan 100 pts per rainbow stamp)
Book Problems p. 416
Book Problems p. 438 (extra credit if stamp only... no partial credit-- I still have 6th period's)
Wave Model of Light Quiz 1 (green)
Wave Model of Light Quiz 2 (lavender)
Wave Model of Light Quiz 3 (blue)

2.  Write the score for each homework in the upper right hand corner of the assignment.  Score your homework packet as follows:

Homeworks with stamps and corrections = 100

Homeworks with stamps but not corrected = 75

Homework complete, but no stamp = 50

Not complete = 0

Quizzes scores are not included in the homework packet!

3.  Add up the total number of points for your packet and write it at the top of the first page.

Doppler Shift (Orange: 10/20 Black: 10/21)

Today Mr. Rann guest lectured on the Doppler Shift.  He showed some cool animations and youtube videos that he made.  After that we reviewed for the test by going over the more challenging questions on the review sheet and grading quiz #4.  I passed back most of the labs from this unit for studying as well.

The practice test is available for download.  I left out the matching section, but you can check your answers to the vocab on the review sheet link below.  The practice test is closely aligned, but not identical to the real test.  Be sure to come in during tutorial to check your answers!

HW:
Study for test
Check your answers to the review sheet here (Download a blank one here).
Assemble HW packet (I will put up a second post by Sunday night.)

Test is Monday p. 2, 4, and 6 and Tuesday for p. 5

Rainbows (Orange:10/18 Black 10/19)

I checked the homework, but students will need to correct their homework online by clicking here.  I gave the quiz on colors, then we spent most of the period doing the Rainbow Lab.  First, we made rainbows without rain by observing thin-film interference.  The second part of the lab involved going outside to make rainbows using a spray bottle.

HW:
Review Sheet (Due 10/20 for Orange, 10/21 for Black)
Read p. 432-436; Answer the review questions p. 438 #22-27

More Color Mixing (Orange: 10/14 Black: 10/15)

We finished (p. 2,4 and 6) the True Colors lab, then discussed Parts 1,2 and 4.  During the discussion we also corrected the WS 6 and talked about the questions that weren't assigned.  I demonstrated how shadows are made using different colored lights, similar to the worksheet.  This took most of the period.  We talked about our field trip to the Exploratorium on November 18 (an Orange day).  The cost of the trip is $30 and the money and permission slips are due on Friday, October 23.  The last thing we did was grade quizzes 1-3 in class.

HW:
Read pp. 399-408; Review Questions on p. 416 #1-15
Study for quiz on colors (Reading, Lab, WS 6)

True Colors (Orange: 10/12 Black: 10/13)

We switched seats today.  I also collect the homework (the reading) and debriefed and collected the lab.  I passed back the test and went over it, as we revisited two topics from the particle model of light unit, shadows and refraction.  The lab was called True Colors, and we looked at the dispersion of white light through a prism, and used the optics benches to do additive color mixing.

HW:  Complete Worksheet 6 (skip 5-9 for now).

Casio Lab (Orange: 10/8 Black 10/11)

We started the period with the Wave Interference Quiz.  I talked a little about sound waves and hearing, then we spent most of the period doing the Casio Lab.

HW:  Reading and summary on Loud Music and Hearing Loss

Resonance (Orange: 10/6 Black: 10/7)

I checked the homework, but you will need to correct it by checking here.  I discussed the Standing Wave lab and collected it.  I also discussed the Wave Tank lab (either the NVIDIA or PhET versions), with the most important concept from the lab being diffraction.  The first 2 minutes of this clip provides a great explanation of diffraction.  After that we took the Post-Test for NVIDIA to review the results.  Most of the period was spent discussing resonance, and I showed a number of examples, including the Mythbusters resonance episode, and this one of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.

Constructive and Destructive Interference (Orange: 10/4 Black: 10/5)

I checked the homework (WS 25-1) and we corrected it in class.  The quiz was based on the homework and the lecture from last week on wave relationships.  Following that, we discussed constructive and destructive interference and standing waves.  The second have of the period we did the Standing Wave Lab and two on-line activities.

HW:  Finish the online activities, wave adding worksheet.

Wave Relationships and Virtual Wave Tank (Orange: 9/30 Black: 10/1)

Today we started with a quiz on the basic parts of a wave.  I continued to lecture on wave relationships, frequency, period, and velocity.  Most of the period was spent completing a lab that shows how waves behave using a virtual wave tank.

HW:  Finish WS 25-1 (Read 25.1-25.9 for help)

Quiz on wave relationships (period, frequency, speed)

Review for Particle Model Test and Begin Waves (Orange: 9/24 Black: 9/25)

I checked and we corrected the review sheet.  We also took and corrected the Refraction Quiz, and graded Quiz #3.  We discussed a few more refraction examples, then talked about problems with the particle model of light.  We began our Waves Unit with a pre-test that will be used with the research that Stanford University and NVIDIA are doing in our classroom.

HW:  Assemble HW Packet, Study for Test

Click here for HW Packet assembly instructions
Click here for the Practice Test (If you are unable to open it, email me and I will send you the .pdf)

Particle Model of Light Homework Packet

1.  Assemble the packet in the order listed below:

Properties of Light Notes (ivory)- no stamp = 50 pts.
Worksheet 2 (tan)
Worksheet 3 (pink)
Concept Review #1-9
Worksheet 4a (yellow)
Worksheet 5a (green)
Review Sheet (salmon)
Green Sheet Quiz (green)
Quiz 1 (tan)
Quiz 2 (salmon)
Quiz 3 (ivory)
Quiz 4 (buff 1/2 sheet)
Quiz 5 (gold or grey)
Quiz 6 (lilac)

2.  Write the score for each homework in the upper right hand corner of the assignment.  Score your homework packet as follows:
Homeworks with stamps and corrections = 100
Homeworks with stamps but not corrected = 75
Homework complete, but no stamp = 50
Not complete = 0
Quizzes scores are not included in the homework packet!

3.  Add up the total number of points for your packet and write it at the top of the first page.

More Refraction (Orange: 9/22 Black: 9/23)

I checked and we whiteboarded WS5a.  Following that, I did a few demonstrations of refraction and critical angle.  I gave about 25 minutes to work on homework, the review sheet for the upcoming test.

HW:
Review Sheet
Study for Refraction Quiz (WS5a)

Discuss Refraction Lab (Orange: 9/20 Black: 9/21)

I started the period by discussing the results of the Refraction Lab, then collecting it and the Reflection Lab.  The Refraction Lab need the graph attached to it, the Reflection lab has the white paper that you used to trace the light rays attached.

Most of the period was spent working on the homework (Worksheet 5) in class.  We also graded Quiz #2 in class.

Homework is to finish WS 5.

Refraction Lab (Orange: 9/16 Black: 9/17)

We started the period off with a quiz on WS 4a and I checked to make sure everyone had a protractor.  Following that I did a few demonstrations using refraction of light.  The majority of the period was spent doing the refraction lab.

HW:  Finish the lab

First Whiteboarding Session (Orange: 9/14 Black 9/15)

Today started with a quiz on the Law of Reflection.  Following that we discussed how whiteboard presentations work and what is expected of each presentation, presenter and the audience.  We spent almost an hour preparing and presenting Worksheet 4a.  Click here for the answer key!

Homework:
Get a protractor
Quiz on WS 4a (click here for answer key)

Debrief Reflection Lab and Drawing Ray Diagrams (Orange: 9/10 Black 9/13)

We started the period with the quiz on Worksheet 3.  I also checked the homework and we briefly went over it.  We debriefed the reflection lab and discussed how to draw ray diagrams.  I gave a lot of time in class to work on WS 4a.  If you did not finish WS4a it is homework.  The quiz will be on the law of reflection (review your lab).

Plane Mirrors (Orange: 9/8 Black: 9/9)

I checked Worksheet 3 homework, but we did not go over it. The answers can be found on my website, or click here to be taken directly to the answer key. I also collected the paragraph summary and the light intensity lab. We took the quiz on pinholes. The quiz for the next block will be on WS 3, so be sure to correct your answers. The remainder of the period we worked on the plane mirror lab. From this we learned the Law of Reflection and that the virtual image is the exact same distance "behind" the mirror as the real object is in front of the mirror.

Homework:
Read 29.1-29.4 (pp.419-424); answer the Review Q's 1-9 p. 437
Finish Lab
Quiz on WS 3

Light Intensity Lab (Orange: 9/3 Black: 9/7)

I gave the quiz on properties of light and shadows. I checked WS 2 and went over it. There will be a quiz on one problem from this worksheet the next time I see you. I also showed a video Mr. Hammack and I made that shows how pinhole viewers work. The one thing that was not discussed in the video is how the pinhole representation gets more intense (brighter) when the viewing screen is close to the pinhole. To explore this we did the Light Intensity Lab and discovered the Inverse Square law.

Homework:
Finish WS 3
1 Paragraph Summary of Reading
Study for Pinhole Quiz

Pinhole Viewer (Orange: 9/1 Black: 9/2)

I started the period with a quiz on the Green Sheet and collecting "Getting to Know You...".  We spent a considerable amount of time debriefing the Shadow Lab and the back side of "Properties of Light" notes from the first day.  The remainder of the period we made pinhole viewers, then constructed a physical model to explain what we saw in the viewers.  The last 10 minutes was spent playing a Who's Who, so students can get to know each other.

Homework:
Complete Worksheet 2
Finish the Shadow Lab Discussion Questions
Study for quiz (based on Shadow Lab and Properties of Light)
Get materials, Greensheet signed, textbook covered and $10 lab fee

First Day of School! (Orange: 8/30 Black 8/31)

Welcome to Physics!  This blog archive what we do in class each day, lists homework assignments and also provides insight to future assignments and quiz/test hints.

We spent a good portion of the class going over the usual introductory stuff... Guidelines, textbooks, lab groups, etc.  The second half of the period we began our study of light.  We completed the anticipation guide and a discussion of the Properties of Light.  The last 30 minutes of the period was spent doing the Shadow Lab.

Homework:
Getting to Know You...
Get materials, Green Sheet signed, lab fee
Quiz on the Green Sheet