H	Physics 180A Requirements
	H
					Individual Option - 720 pts           Group Option - 720 pts Test 1 Test 2 Final Test 1 Test 2 Final Chapters 1-4 Chapters 1-8 Chapters 1-13 Chapters 1-4 Chapters 1-8 Chapters 1-13 144 pts - 20% 216 pts- 30% 252 pts - 35% 85% 72 pts - 10% 144 pts - 20% 180pts - 25% 55% Tests - 612 pts Tests - 396 pts (progressive grading) 10 'Quick' Questions/Problems 50% 10 'Quick' Questions/Problems 50% 2 Diagramming-Reasoning-Solution Problems 50% 2 Diagramming-Reasoning-Solution Problems 50% Individual Homework - 108 pts GroupWork (4-6 students) - 324 pts Mastering Physics (12 Chapters - 25 problems - 9 pts @) 15% Mastering Physics 12 Chapters 15 problems (6 pts @) 10%     Your education is greatly enhanced when collaborating with others. You will experience so much more when helping others to understand complex physics concepts. Your personal goal should be to articulate what you learn. Group Homework 12 Chapters 10 problems (6 pts @) 10% Group Video Experiment 1 Sessions 20-25 min (36 pts) 10% Group Audio Discussion 2 Sessions 10-15 min (36 pts) 5% Group RealTime Disc. 2 Sessions 20-25 min (72 pts) 10%
						A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 40%
					Individual Option - You will need to do the 25 Masteering Physics problems. Tests will be constructed from web notes, lectures, text readings Mastering Physics problems and chapter problems. The 10 'Quick' questions/problems will be either MC or quick solution but in either case you must show some work (25 minutes). The 2 - Diagramming-Reasoning-Solution problems will require more extensive work (DRS Technique) (25 minutes). You must produce a diagram, demonstrate reasoning and solve the problem.The Tests are the same for both options. There is no Progressive grading applied with this option. Mastering Physics Problems is online homework with a kick. Many of the problems assigned will help you understand the physics concepts. There are three types of problems, skill building, self teaching and end of chapter problems. You are encouraged to work together on these assignments. Everyone should do well here. Remember these questions may show up on the tests. I have assigned problems for practice (not graded) so that you can practice the concept and get the answer. Group Option - Learning occurs in many ways. The various components of this Option allow students to take advantage of other more authentic assessment avenues. Tests are worth more as we go forward because these physics concepts are inter-related. So, the later the test the more it is worth. Using Progressive grading, If a student does better on a later test then that later score demonstrates that students' knowledge more accurately. So therefore, I will add back points based upon a better grade on the Final Test. So, I will add back half the difference between the percentage on your Final Test with the Total percentage of all your tests. This only applies to students who follow the Group Option. The Tests are the same for both options. Group Homework is assigned because the second part of each test requires that you demonstrate your knowledge of solving problems using the DRS technique. You must produce a diagram, demonstrate reasoning and solve the problem. I will accept only one complete assignment (10 problems) from each group. Each group member will receive the same grade on each assignment. Each group member is required to help with the homework assignment. The homework assignments are quite similar to the tests. Working with others will sharpen your skills. You will be able to discover how other people go about solving problems. This is the most important part of this Option! You will need to be flexible in meeting with each other. Important: I will require that each member keep their own work and will on occasion randomly audit individual homework. The work that you keep for yourself should be as neat and complete as the work turned in to me. If you do not provide me with an assignment, I will deduct those points from your individual grade. So, keep all your homework assignments! Working in a group is the responsibility of every member. The Group should hold all members responsible for the work. And, the Group should expel any member for failing to keep up with the work. All expelled group members will be put into the Individual Option. Group Audio Recording - Why do physicists think physics is the fundamental science? Why is physics required in my major? How will problem solving relate to my future profession? How does the Big Bang Theory relate to late 20th century existential post-modernist thought? Huh. . .? The first audio recording is more or less a biography (5-10 minutes) and is done individually and it is worth 16 points. The second audio is a group thing (20-30 minutes) and it is worth 20 points. These will be broadcast on the net for your classmates to evaluate. Group Video Experiment- You will record a 20-25 minute demonstration of some physical principle. This experiment is wide-open and suggests that students are to use their creativity as well as their logical academic skills.This will be broadcast on the web (MySpace or YouTube or my website) and your fellow students will get a chance to watch you demonstrate your physics prowess. There's extra credit here! Group RealTime Discussion - The group will set two appointments with me to sit down for 25-30 minutes for a full discussion about any physical concept that I choose and one that you choose. Members will demonstrate their knowledge about framing a problem and setting it up for a solution. I will grade you based upon your individual articulation, group crosstalk, boardwork, and creative and logical skills. You should be quite comfortable with each other's weaknesses as well as each other's strengths. This is the best part. I get to meet students and record the session for the web. You may be surprised at how creative and intelligent your classmates can be! I will have a rubric which i will use for your grade. The first seesion with me will be worth 22 points. The second session will be worth 50 points. All members of the group will get the same grade.