Grading Policy

Chapter Tests
Tests are given over each chapter to assess the student's understanding of the material. Each chapter test consists of questions taken from the review questions and problems at the end of each chapter. Students must take the exam in the presence of the instructor or designated proctor and may not use their books or notes on the tests. Students are encouraged to keep a journal in which they answer the review questions and problems at the end of each chapter. This is the best way to prepare for the chapter tests. The average of the chapter tests will count 30% of the total grade. Student's may retake one test during RETEST week which is one week before final exam week.

Short Quizzes
Short 10 minute quizzes are frequently given to assess the student's comprehension of topics recently covered in the course. Students may not use their notes or books on the in-class short quizzes. Students also take practice tests over each chapter as preparation for real tests over each chapter. Scores on these pretests are treated like short quizzes. The lowest short quiz will be dropped at the end of the course before calculating the short quiz average.

Student-Centered Activities
Students learn best by doing rather than listening. A number of student-centered activities have been developed to promote active learning. These activities include:

The design and simulation of a planetary system using software such as "Interactive Physics"

Making measurements of light intensity, temperature, and other physical quantities discussed in the course using sensors and probes from PASCO Scientific's Science Workshop microcomputer interface.

Use of Voyager Sky Gazer and Starry Night astronomy software to learn the names of stars and their location within major constellations; observe the position of the moon, sun, and planets as they move across the celestial sphere during the course.

The average of the hands-on activities will count 25% of the total grade. A student will receive a zero on any uncompleted activity.

Comprehensive Final Exam
A comprehensive final examination will be given which includes questions from chapter tests, quizzes, and hands-on-activities, The final exam will count 25% of the total grade.

Calculating the final numerical grade average:

Example: Suppose the average of the chapter tests is 80. Since the chapter tests count as 30% of the grade, take 80 and multiply by 0.30. Now let's say the student has a 70 short quiz/homework average (after the lowest quiz is dropped). Since the short quizzes count for 20% of grade, take 70 and multiply by 0.20. Let's assume the student received a 84 on the hands-on activities. Since this counts for 25% of the grade, we multiply 90 by 0.25. Finally, let's suppose the student makes a 72 on the comprehensive exam. Since this exam counts for 25% of the grade, we multiply the 72 x 0.25.

The total points which have earned is therefore:

80(0.30) + 70(0.20) + 84(0.25) + 72(0.25) = 24 + 14 + 21 + 18 = 77 = C+.

A summary of the final numerical average and corresponding letter grade appears in the table below.

Final Average		Grade
>93		A
90-92		A-
87-89		B+
83-86		B
80-82		B-
77-79		C+
73-76		C
70-72		C-
67-69		D+
63-66		D
60-62		D-
0 - 59		F

Specific Directions or Recommendations

1. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED IN LECTURE ROOMS AND LABORATORIES ! In your student handbook you will find the statement "Food and beverages are allowed in the cafeteria and student lounge only." Please respect this rule. The physics and computer lecture / laboratory rooms contain computers and electronics equipment which can be seriously damaged if exposed to liquids and food particles. There is also the potential risk of fire and/or electrocution if such equipment is accidentally short-circuited by spilled beverages and foods.

2. A scientific calculator is required. Most scientific calculators can be purchased for less than $20.

   If you have a documented disability which may affect your performance in this course, please advise the instructor immediately so appropriate accommodations may be put in place. Accommodations may be arranged through the Disabilities Service Coordinator in room #104. Accommodations and assistive technology are available to students at no additional cost, and should be accessed at the beginning of each semester.

   Class Attendance Policy

   This course uses the General Attendance Policy as outlined in the student handbook. This states that the number of class or lab absences in a semester/session may not exceed the number of times the course meets in one week. Since this course meets two times each week for 75 minutes, the number of unexcused absences is two. Absence from any portion of a class may be counted as an absence. Excessive absences may result in the following sanctions:

   1. After two unexcused absences, the student will receive a written warning stating that he/she will be withdrawn from the course after the next unexcused absence. A copy of this warning will go to the student's advisor and the Dean of Academic Affairs.

   2. When the number of absences exceeds the number permitted by the instructor, the student may be suspended from that course at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor will send a written notice to the student, the Registrar and the student's advisor, indicating that the student has been withdrawn from the course. The instructor has the option of assigning a grade of AW (Administrative Withdrawal) or AF (Administrative Failure) which will appear on the student's transcript. An AW grade is not computed into the grade point average. An AF grade is recorded as a failing grade and will be computed into the student's grade point average.

   3. Your instructor in this course is under no obligation to provide makeup of lectures, hands-on activities, quizzes, tests or other information missed due to an unexcused absence.

   4. College-sponsored events such as field trips and athletic games are considered excused absences; course work, tests, and quizzes may be made up if the absence is because of a college-sponsored activity.

   5. Students receiving financial aid or veterans benefits may be expected to attend class regularly as a condition of receiving such aid. Verification may be requested by the aid source.

   Class Schedule for Prof. Davis     E-Mail to Doyle Davis

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