Homework: Homework will be assigned through Canvas, under the "Assignments" button. There will also be links in the appropriate weekly Modules. Your homework will be completed through the digital textbook system (called "Mastering"). Most of the problems will be multiple-choice. All of the problems will be based on the textbook. Late homework is accepted but I strongly encourage you to complete the assignments on time to ensure success on the homework quizzes- which will be very similar to the homework. You may work together on homework assignments. Your lowest homework score will be dropped.
Reading Quizzes: You will be expected to read each section assigned in the textbook (about 1 chapter per week). Each reading assignment will be accompanied by a quiz. The quizzes will be open-book, take place at the beginning of class, and will last 2-3 minutes. Questions will be primarily multiple choice and true/false. Your 2 lowest reading quiz scores will be dropped (this policy is designed to allow for illness, medical appointments, job interviews, university activities, etc.). If you must miss a reading quiz and would like to make it up, you must email me before the quiz with a valid excuse.
Homework Quizzes: Homework quizzes will be administered less frequently than reading quizzes and will be between 20 and 30 minutes in length. These quizzes will allow me to determine how well you understood the homework assignments and will cover approximately 2 weeks' worth of material. Your lowest homework quiz score will be dropped. Homework quizzes will be closed-book and must be taken in class. If you must miss a homework quiz due to illness, medical appointment, or extracurricular activity, you must notify me in advance.
In-Class Exercises: In-class exercises (called "observation activities") will take place during some class meetings (maybe 1/3). Collaboration during these exercises will be encouraged and often required. Your work will typically be submitted through Canvas via picture upload. In general, these assignments cannot be made-up (exceptions may be granted in the case of emergency or illness if the professor is notified no later than the day of the absence.) Your lowest 2 observation activity scores will be dropped.
Final Project: The final project will consist of one of two things. 1) Read a section from the textbook that wasn't covered in class, write a 1-2 page paper on the topic and do a few problems from the textbook.
Or 2) Using physics we've learned in class devise an experiment that can be performed outside of class- make a prediction about what will happen, take some data, and attempt to confirm the relevant theory or idea. Describe your experiment and write up your results in 1-2 page paper.
No matter which option you choose, you will prepare a slide (with pictures, words and equations) to accompany a 5 minute presentation, to share what you learned.
Additional Policies:
SUU faculty and staff care about the success of our students. In addition to your professor, numerous services are available to assist you with the achievement of your educational goals. SUU's Link system may be used by faculty to notify you and/or your advisors of their concern for your progress and provide references to campus services as appropriate.
You should be familiar with the following campus policies:
Class Attendance: In-class attendance will be recorded for contact tracing purposes only. Attendance will not be considered as a part of your final grade.
Extra Credit: Extra credit will be offered at the discretion of the professor. Please do not ask for extra credit to improve your grade.
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating on any work will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, copying another's work, and copying solutions directly from the internet or a solutions manual. Extreme violations will result in automatic failure of the course. You are expected to have read the sections of the student handbook regarding student rights and responsibilities, and SUU's intellectual property policy.