Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.

Email me: fkral
Call school: 415-339-9336
Get info: http://teach.kralsite.com

Semester 2: Electromagnetism and Modern Physics

Course Description

In this introduction to physics, students learn the laws of physics through the study of interactions of familiar objects. Topics studied include electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Students work with objects from ordinary life, equipment from the laboratory, and computer simulations. They engage in conceptual and analytic thinking and perform estimates. Scientific ideas are communicated using graphical, numerical, algebraic, verbal, and physical approaches. Examples of objects studied in electromagnetism and modern physics are xerographic copiers, flashlights, household magnets, radios, microwave ovens, compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs, lasers, cameras, and smart phones. Objects not readily accessible, such as power plants, medical imaging equipment, and elementary particles are studied as well. As needed, we will review mechanics, vibrations, and waves. Examples of objects studied in mechanics are roller skates, pinwheels, bouncing balls, bicycles, clocks, flutes, and—from afar—satellites.

Required text and supplemental materials

Assessment

Homework: timely completion of homework assignments. Assessed formally and informally. 5 points per homework
Quizzes and Tests: written and graphical solutions of problems. 50 points per test, 20 points per quiz
End-Semester Assessments: Final examination or final project. 20% of course grade
In-Class work: positive energy and interest level during in-class work including discussion, working on experiments, and practice during class. Assessed informally. 20 points per week
Commitment to learning: Taking on what is challenging to you, getting help, communicating with the teacher, engaging with the material, and documenting work in the notebook. Assessed informally. 100 points per semester
Projects, Presentations, and Labs: quality and correctness of written and graphical results, and quality of delivery. 5 to 50 points depending on scope

Safety policy: only use equipment when and as instructed

Late work policy and tardy policy

The teacher enters grades once per week on a weekday communicated to the students. Students get credit for late work up to that weekly deadline. Students who are late to class or leave the classroom for an extended time during class receive a maximum of 60% of the day's in-class work credit.

Cell phone and device policy

For your own benefit, I will not tolerate any cell phone use in class. I know you are addicted to multitasking, but your job is to focus only on this class.  Upon entering my class you will drop your cellphones or similar devices into the Device Drop basket. When class is over you can take it when you leave. If you need a calculator, please get a classroom calculator.

Class computer use policy

Personal and school computers shall be used for this subject only. The Marin School supports the responsible use of technology on our campus. Students who violate the school Technology Policy, as written in the Parent and Student Handbook, will be expelled from the classroom. This will lead to disciplinary consequences.

Collaboration policy

I encourage study groups. You may work with others (not just students) unless instructed otherwise as long as all of you contribute. It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.

 

Come visit or email! – Fred