Introduction

=toc= = = =**About the course in general **= Physics Advancement is a fast-paced survey course that replaces a full year of college prep physics. You must have solid skills in Algebra as well as a high level of motivation to succeed in this class. Five hours a day for 24 days, you will be bombarded with new information. There will be labs, activities, practice sets, readings, quizzes, and exams, everything a Physics class would be during the regular school year, compacted into 5 weeks. Each day is like a week of class time. Be prepared emotional and intellectually! = = =Requirements of the course = The grade requirements are mandated by your school's guidance department. Please find out what grade you need in order to earn credit. For some schools, it is an A, others a B, still others a C. Then earn the grade you need to get.
 * Introduction to the Course **

=About the Instructor = Elise Burns has been teaching physics for over 20 years in NJ public school systems, currently at Pascack Hills High School, Montvale, NJ. With a Master's in Education from Teacher's College, Columbia University, she constantly takes graduate work to improve teaching skills and learn new techniques. She has taught Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra II/Trig, Precalculus, and Calculus, but her expertise, experience, and interest lie in Physics, with its concrete, visual, and widely applicable concepts. She has taught College Preparatory, Honors and Advanced Placement levels of physics, with a focus on laboratory and problem solving skills at those levels.

Ms. Burns grew up and continues to reside in Bergen County, with her 2 children.

=Contacting the Instructor =
 * 1) Click the little envelope all the way at the top of this screen and send me an email.
 * 2) Email me at efb68@yahoo.com
 * 3) Call me at the number I give you in class. Please only use this in case of emergency.

=The Instructor's Responsibilities =
 * I will explain things until I have answered all of your questions.
 * I will grade your assignments within 48 hours.
 * I will provide you with extra help either personally or through an assistant.
 * I will maintain a website to provide you with all documents, links, and assignments.
 * I will accommodate student emergencies when necessary.

=The Student's Responsibilities =
 * You will ask questions and seek extra help when you do not understand.
 * You will do all assignments as described, on time (unless you have communicated and made other arrangements).
 * You will use the resources available to you to complete the assignments.
 * You will communicate with the teacher during class and outside of class when necessary.
 * You will keep track of your grades.
 * You will earn the grade you need to get credit or take responsibility for not earning the grade that you needed.

=Grading =

//I use the total points system of grading for __each unit__, which depends on the total number of points assigned each marking period. Because of this, no single grade will affect your overall average significantly. If your overall performance is good, even if you miss one or two assignments or bomb a few quizzes you should have no problem doing well in the class.//

//Assignments will made up of (in general)://
 * Quizzes (Daily): approximately 10 points each
 * Problem Sets (Occasionally): 5-10 points each
 * Labs (Daily): 10 - 25 points each, depending on the level of complexity
 * Homework (Daily): Approximately 10 points per assignment

//Your final average in the course will consist of://
 * Unit 1 Kinematics and Dynamics (25%)
 * Unit 2 Conservation Laws (15%)
 * Unit 3 Waves, Sound and Optics (25%)
 * Unit 4 Electricity and Magnetism (15%)
 * Midterm Exam (10%)
 * Final Exam (10%)


 * There is absolutely, positively, NO extra credit.** However, there will be optional assignments that can not only provide more practice but can help to acquire more points.These will be clearly marked on the assignment list, and strict due dates will apply.