Lab 1: Galileo's Dilemma

Here is the link to the questions for the first lab.

Galileo's Dilemma

You will submit it using Google Classroom.  I will soon post details about how to do this

Let me know if you have questions.  The lab is due by class time on Wed. Sept. 7, or Thurs. Sept. 8.

Installing Logger Pro on your computer

Grant H.S. has a site license for Logger Pro the software that we use frequently in physics.  As a Grant Student you may download it on your home computer.  Follow the instructions below.  You will need to get the password from me to decompress the software.


Here are links to download the software you requested from Vernier Software & Technology. After the file has downloaded to your computer, double-click the file, and enter the password to install the software.

LOGGER PRO DOWNLOADS

     Windows 10, 8, 7
     Logger Pro 3.11 with sample movies (Windows)
     Link: http://www.vernier.com/d/6g3m1
     Password: 
     Mac OS X 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8
     Logger Pro 3.11 with sample movies (Mac OS X)
     Link: http://www.vernier.com/d/cygfe
     Password: 

     Detailed Instructions
     For more details on how to download and install Logger Pro, see:
     http://www.vernier.com/til/2069/


FOR OLDER COMPUTERS

For Windows and Mac computers that are no longer receiving updates, you will need an older version of Logger Pro. If your version is not listed below, please contact us at support@vernier.com.

     Windows XP and Vista
     Link: http://www2.vernier.com/download/LoggerPro3_8_7.exe
     Password: 

     Mac OS X 10.7
     Link: http://www2.vernier.com/download/LoggerPro3_9.dmg
     Password: 

     Mac OS X 10.6
     Link: http://www2.vernier.com/download/LoggerPro3_8_7.dmg
     Password: 

Creating an Online Homework Account

Please go to this link and start an online homework account. First Follow the link Log In to Quest.  Then choose "I need a UT EID" below the red button. In the next windows and pages answer the questions to get an ID number from the University of Texas.  After you submit your information it will send your ID code to your email account. With this code you will will sign in to my class and start the first assignment. You may proceed to sign in now or bring your EID code and password on Friday/Monday.  In class we will log in, I will start accepting your enrollment and we will start the first assignment.

This is how to sign in:
Return to the link above and log in.
You will then need to select a class based on a unique number. For Physics the unique number is 2232016. Enter the number and then select "look up course info". Scroll down by clicking the arrow on the window that appears through the many other classes designated with that unique number until you find Physics (Grant High school 2016 Fall). It will probably be the only one. Select it and then select request enrollment.

I will have to admit you into the class. The next time you log in, after I admit you, you will be able to use the "select course" and "select assignment" windows to start the Kinematics homework.

Unit 1: Kinematics

Goals:
1. Know and apply the definition for average velocity.
2. Know and apply the definition for average acceleration.
3. Differentiate instantaneous and average velocity.
4. Interpret graphs of position, velocity and acceleration, including through the use of slopes and the area under the graph.
5. Draw position, velocity and acceleration graphs for described motion.
6. Know the acceleration due to gravity.
7. Solve problems by using 5 basic mechanics equations.
8. Properly use sign conventions for positive and negative acceleration and velocity.
9. Describe sources of error as either random or systematic and suggest basic ways of reducing error such as controlling variables, doing multiple trials, collecting data over a wide range and using big sample sizes.

Homework:                             Due Date

Letter to Teacher                     8/30

Lab 1 report                            9/12

First Quest hmwk assignment  Wed 9/13
Second Quest hmwk assig      Mon 9/18

Unit Test                                 9/20

Welcome to Physics

The 2016-2017 school year has started. Welcome to Physics.

Here is some general information about how the class runs.

Grades:
Approximately 50% Tests, 30% Labs, 20% homework

Tests: About twice a quarter, with semester finals also. Retakes are available, but only half the missed points are recoverable.

Labs: Although we’ll have weekly hands-on lab assignments, I’ll only have you write up formal lab reports about twice a quarter. (The first one will be due Sept. .) Late labs are penalized at 10% a week.

Homework: Most homework will be submitted online through the web site https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/   It will be graded for accuracy, but on a generous scale because I recognize that homework is practice and created to find mistakes. Students who have difficulty getting internet access should talk with me. Accommodations will be found. No late homework accepted except for excused absences.

Grading Scale: 100-90 A, 90-80 B, 80-70 C, 70-60 D,  0-60 F.

Supplies:
Textbook
Notebook, or section of a notebook
Calculator
Protractor


I hope you find the class challenging and fun.
Ethan Medley