Niswonger Online Course Syllabus
Physics
Course Description
Welcome to Physics! Physics is the science that deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. In this course we will explore many physics phenomena and strive to have you experience the full laboratory setting through a series of virtual simulations. The goal of this course is two-fold in your exposure to the physics curricula and strengthening of your reasoning and problem solving skills.
Assistance
If you have course related questions such as questions about due dates, assignment directions, lesson material, etc. please contact your instructor immediately via Canvas message (if courses have started) or via direct email (if courses have not started). Your instructor's email and name can be found after logging in by clicking on Course Information or can be found on the homepage of your course after classes begin.
After courses begin, all communications between instructor and student should happen from Canvas Messaging.
If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem with your account please visit https://niswongeronline.com/questions/ to submit a trouble ticket or contact:
Mr. Chris Dotson
Technology Support Lead, Niswonger Online & APAA
cdotson@niswongerfoundation.org
You can also visit this page for answers to frequently asked questions: https://niswongeronline.com/students
For other concerns that have not been addressed by your teacher or by our Technology Support Team contact:
Dr. Gina Pavlovich Mrs. Jill Davis
Director AP Access for ALL & Niswonger Online Assistant Director, Niswonger Online
gpavlovich@niswongerfoundation.org jdavis@niswongerfoundation.org
**ONLY your school Counselor or local Administrator can request a course change or drop. No one within the APAA program can approve this.**
Course Outline
Welcome Module- Location of the Syllabus, Pacing Guide, and State Standards
Academic Integrity Module- Must complete before moving on in the course
Module 1-Engineering Design & Scientific Method
Module 2-Reviewing Mathematical & Scientific Principles
Module 3-Introduction to Kinematics
Module 4- Newton's Nook
Module 5- Heat, Temperature, & Energy
Module 6- Circuits
Module 7- Waves
Module 8- Nuclear Chemistry
Grading Policy
The Physics grading system is a cumulative points system. All assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points. There are four general grade categories: Exams, Quizzes & Other Assignments, Labs, & Discussion Boards. Each assignment is worth a different percentage of your final grade. Exams are worth a total of 35% of the final grade, while Labs, Quizzes & Other Assignments both count for 25% of your final grade, and Discussion Boards count as 15% of your final grade.
Niswonger Online Late Work Policy (updated July 2023)
At Niswonger Online, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines and developing strong time management skills. To maintain consistency and encourage timely submissions, we have established a firm late work policy. Please click the link to review this policy: Late Work Policy
Viewing Grades and Feedback in Canvas
Points you receive for graded activities will be posted to your Canvas Grade Book. Click on the Grades link on the left navigation to view your grades and feedback.
Your teacher will update the online grades each time a due date has passed. Check back for updated grades and feedback 3-4 days after submission.
It is also important to read or view all feedback given by your teacher. This is how a student will grow within the course. Feedback can be viewed from your Canvas gradebook by clicking on the small icon- out from your numerical grade.
Course Policies
Commit to Integrity
As a student in this course, you are expected to maintain high degrees of professionalism and integrity.
Cheating is “the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of any dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means.”
Plagiarism is “the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.”
Niswonger Online Plagiarism Policy
All students will be asked to read the Niswonger Online plagiarism policy and complete an assignment to show understanding BEFORE any work in the course can be accessed or completed. The plagiarism policy and corresponding assignment is linked in the second module, labeled Academic Integrity, within each course.
Go to https://niswongeronline.com/academic-integrity/ to view the plagiarism policy without logging into the course.
Build Rapport
If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the course, make sure you let your teacher know as early as possible. As you will find, building rapport and effective relationships are key to becoming an effective professional. Make sure that you are proactive in informing your teacher when difficulties arise during the semester so that we can help you find a solution.
Submitting Assignments
All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Canvas unless otherwise instructed. If you have any trouble submitting your assignment in Canvas you should contact your teacher or the Niswonger Online Technology team immediately.
Course Enrollment and Drops
Students can only be enrolled in a Niswonger Online course by their home high school’s counselor or administrator.
Course drops can only be approved by school personnel (counselor or administrator). Online teachers, the Niswonger Online director, or Niswonger Online Assistant Director cannot approve any course changes. Each school has its own policy on when a student may drop their online course. Please see your school counselor or administrator if you have any questions about this.