Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Schedule Update

A little update for everyone.

Reminder - signature forms are due back now.

Period 2, 5, and 7 - your "physics toolkit" worksheet is due next class.
(Per 2 on Wed, Per 5 and 7 on Thursday).

Period 3 and 6 - we will finish up the intro material on Wed and then you will get the worksheet to do.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Hi everyone!

It was good meeting all of you this week.

This weekend, take some time to look at the class websites and some of the resources and links as we get started with the material on Monday.

On Monday we'll start by going over what is Physics, and some math review material.

Don't forget to bring in your signed parent form. (If you lost it or forgot it, you can print another one from HERE. )

Have a great weekend.

Mr. A

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Welcome!

WELCOME!

My name is Mr. Andrade. I teach AP Physics, and M Physics. I am also the CPEP teacher at Central High School. I have a Bachelor's Degree, with Distinction, in Aerospace Engineering from WPI and I worked for 10 years as an engineer before becoming an educator. I have a Master's Degree in Education, with honors, from Walden University and I have been teaching here at Central High since 2002. I am also a paramedic and EMS-Instructor with over 22 years of experience in EMS.

I am available in my room, C209, everyday except Wednesdays after school. Students can come and get extra help at that time. Students should feel free to ask for help at any time. Do not wait until you are really lost or confused to ask for help.
The AP Physics class is an advanced college level science course that will cover many topics and areas about the physical world around us, using lectures, demonstrations, labs, projects, humor and FUN. To fully achieve competence in this material, the students must work hard and apply themselves. Students must do all of the assigned work and reading. This course is extremely fast paced and the students must keep up with the reading and work.

M Physics is a college level science course that will cover many topics and areas about the physical world around us, using lectures, demonstrations, labs, projects, humor and FUN. To fully achieve competence in this material, the students must work hard and apply themselves. Students must do all of the assigned work.


I use a lot of technology resources with my students. Everything is accessible from the main class website, http://www.physicsmedic.org. This site has information about each class, class expectations and rules, reference links, and files for students to download. There are also individual sites for each class, listed below. These sites are updated often with the schedule, assignments, due dates, and more. Students can enter their email address at the site below for their class and they will get emails with updates and information.
Students and parents should feel free to email me at any time at dandrade@bridgeportedu.net. I check my email daily. All of my students can check on their grades and status in my class at any time through PowerTeacher and PowerSchool. More information to follow. Parents can also have access to view their child's grades at any time. Just contact me and we will get it set up.

While students may not have a specific homework assignment every night, they should be reviewing their notes and assignments every day. This is very important for success in these classes. Students must read the chapters and assignments and review their notes. All material in these classes builds upon the earlier material.

See the syllabus below.

Syllabus

Physics
Mr. Andrade

Physics is a science course that will cover many topics and areas about the physical world around us, using lectures, demonstrations, labs, projects, humor and FUN. To fully achieve competence in this material, the students must work hard and apply themselves. You must do all of the assigned work. I will do everything I can to help you succeed. Please ask for help if you need it. 

The two websites above will contain files, links, assignments, and much more for you. Make sure you subscribe to the blogspot site using your email address.

Class work will include: Lectures, Labs and lab reports, Class and homework problems, Projects and project reports, Articles and various readings, Films and Videos, Demonstrations, Class Activities.

Resources: World Wide Web, Conceptual Physics (Hewitt), Holt Physics, Glencoe Physics
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Chemistry (Trigonometry is helpful)

The following areas will be covered:
Introduction to Physics - What is Physics, measurement, units, math review (algebra, trig)
Motion in One Dimension
Motion in Two Dimensions (including projectile motion)
Forces and Newton’s Laws
Work, Power, Energy
Momentum
Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation
Matter, Stress, Fluids
Heat and Thermodynamics
Vibrations and Waves
Sound
Light
Electricity and Magnetism
 Other topics covered during the year: Science and Engineering Careers, Design Process, Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Every section listed above has at least one lab activity. Some have multiple labs and multimedia activities. There will be multiple labs and projects throughout the year, including “How Does it Work?”, Bridge Design and Building, Glider Design and Building, and Rocket Design and Building.

Grading: I will be weighting items as follows:
Tests……………....…………….........…….20%
Labs, Practicals and Projects………….…….25%
Homework/Classwork .……………….…….20%
Quizes………………………………………20%
Class participation, effort, attitude, behavior…15%
  
I am usually at school until 3:30 or so every day in room C209 and you can always reach me via email.
       Have a great year