Syllabus

Mr. Barrentine - Physics

Syllabus and Resources

Class Meetings - Weekly Schedule Linked Here

Synchronous Meeting Plan:

  • Answer questions from last class
  • Connect with each other through daily question prompts
  • Begin the assignment that’s due the next day.

Asynchronous Periods:

Students will be marked absent unless they do one of the following:

  • Turn in the assignment that’s due that day
  • Fill out the ‘asynchronous check-in form’ in Canvas
  • Contact me directly
  • Meet with your Learning Team and fulfill your role

Contact Information

Email: sbarrentine@pps.net 

Text: (503) 389-5670

(this is a “Google Voice” number - text only!)

Canvas: lms.pps.net

Synergy: StudentVue and ParentVue

Proficiency Based Grades and Rubric

Each assignment will be graded on this scale:

HP (4) - Highly Proficient
PR (3) - Proficient

CP (2) - Close to Proficiency

DP (1) - Developing Proficiency

At the end of each quarter, averages convert to letter grades determined by the following:
A        3.5-4.0                
B        3.0-3.4
C        2.5-2.9

F        < 2.4

The grading categories are these four crucial science skills:

Design

Setting up experiments and using engineering design

“I can set up, conduct, and explain scientific experiments and the engineering process”

Analyze

Analyzing data and arguing from evidence

“I can organize data and cite it as evidence to make scientifically supported claims”

Explain

Scientific content and knowledge

“I can use scientific language, math, and models to demonstrate my knowledge and solve problems”

Reflect

The impacts of science and engineering

“I can explain how science and engineering are applied to address problems or issues in the world”

If you have questions on grades, please talk to me often. “Proficiency” is all about improvement, so there will be opportunities to fix low grades!

Course Sequence and basic timeline

Unit 1:

Energy and Engineering

Centers on experiencing the four skills listed above for the first time. We'll explain some energy concepts, design an energy transforming machine, and reflect on the science and engineering processes. Each student will pick two “life skills” - how will you analyze our growth over the first quarter?

Unit 2:

Forces and Impact

Unit 2 focuses on the forces that govern our universe.We will analyze data the same way Isaac Newton did to draw conclusions about the way the world works. Can you explain how things move? How would you design a way to slow something down in a safer way?

Unit 3:

Power Production and Climate Change

Unit 3 examines power production under the umbrella of Portland’s 50-year energy plan. Can you explain how energy is produced? How would you design Portland’s “50 year plan” to combat climate change?

All four skills will be addressed in each unit, however, the sequence and course structure are subject to change

Behavior: Class Norms and Agreements

My primary class rule is “no hate” - meaning that I do not tolerate any suggestions that any person or group of people is “less than” anyone else. I will address violations of this norm as they arise! I also ask that students engage with our work and push themselves so they can grow.

Franklin STRONG Values

Strive to Be…

Thoughtful -

We put time and effort into our work

Respectful -

We respect the diverse learning needs of our peers

Organized -

We are present and on time to class

Neighborly -

We greet others and interact positively

Generous -

We share our resources with each other

Resources and important links (will be updated periodically)

FHS Links

Student Handbook (student rights and responsibilities, departments, links for reporting concerns/bullying/discrimination)

Counselor homepage (your counselor can help you with scheduling concerns, academic supports, and mental health guidance, among other things)

Family Support Resources

FHS Resource Center (links to community resources, including our school social workers’ contact info for mental health and resource supports)

SUN Request Form (SUN program emergency funds to assist with rent and utilities)