STEM123 – General Physics 1 Subject Orientation

Objectives

• By the end of the orientation session at least 85\% of the students should be able to:

  • Become fully oriented with the subject overview, course requirements, and grading scheme.

  • Recognize the Performance Task (PT) assigned for General Physics 1 and appreciate its relevance to science as a body of knowledge.

  • Execute group tasks that establish shared expectations and goal-setting for the quarter.

Instructor & Contact Information

• Name: Marian A. Callo, LPT

• Preferred Names / Pronouns: Ma’am Mars, She/Her

• Degrees: Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Physics

• E-mail: mcallo@gbox.adnu.edu.ph

Course Description

• Course Code: STEM123 – General Physics 1

• Scope:

  • Mechanics of particles, rigid bodies, and fluids

  • Waves

  • Heat & Thermodynamics

• Mathematical Tools Employed: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphical analysis, and introductory/basic calculus.

• Essential Attitude: The course emphasizes the development of quantitative reasoning and problem-solving through real-world and laboratory contexts.

Course Topics & Tentative Quarter Breakdown

• 1st Quarter

  • Physical Quantities, Scientific Notation, Unit Conversion

  • Scalar vs. Vector quantities & Vector Addition

  • Introduction to One-Dimensional Kinematics

  • Motion Functions & Newton’s Laws of Motion

  • Circular & Periodic Motion

• 2nd Quarter

  • Work, Power, and Energy

  • Center of Mass, Momentum, Impulse, & Projectile Motion

  • Fluid Mechanics

  • Additional integrative problems to bridge mechanics with thermodynamics and waves where relevant.

Grading Structure (Per Quarter)

• Written Works: 25\%

  • Quizzes, practice sets, and mock examinations.

• Performance Task: 45\%

  • Hands-on tasks, laboratory simulations, and continuous performance checks.

• Quarterly Examination: 30\%

  • Midterm and Final assessments synthesizing all covered competencies.

• Passing & Merit Expectation: Maintenance of satisfactory performance across all components is required for course credit.

Performance Task — “Physics Laboratory Assistant Qualification”

• Setting: The newly modernized Naga Science Hub (community physics laboratory, Naga City, Bicol).

• Narrative: Students form a Physics Laboratory Assistant Candidate (PLAC) team competing for lab-assistant positions under the supervision of the Lab Custodian.

• Core Deliverables (Digital Portfolio):

  • Document ≥ 3 experiments — include steps, raw data, analysis, and results.

  • Photos/videos that illustrate correct technique and adherence to safety protocols.

  • Simulated Safety Checklists and Incident Reports demonstrating preventive and corrective practices.

• Collaborative Reflection: A written reflection wherein teams propose specific improvements to the lab setup or experiment designs—an opportunity to exhibit critical thinking and cooperative problem-solving.

• Submission Deadlines:

  • Midterm Portfolio Due: 22\text{ August }2025

  • Final Portfolio Due: 24\text{ October }2025

Subject Policies (Attendance, Make-Up Work, & Conduct)

1. Summative Tests: Scheduled after every 1\text{–}2 topics.

2. Absences / Missed Assessments: Submit digitally an excuse letter signed by a parent/guardian within 1 week via the Google Form on Google Classroom.

3. Scheduling of Make-Up Tests: Expect a reply within 1\text{–}2 days; failure to complete within 1 week results in an automatic score of 0.

4. Google Classroom Activities: All posted tasks are mandatory.

5. INC (Incomplete) Grades: Possible in Midterms if performance tasks/exams are not submitted on time.

6. Completion Window: 2 weeks to finish missing requirements, otherwise the grade becomes 0.

7. Grade Consultations: Available up to 7 days after each quarterly exam.

8. Recitation Quota: Minimum of 20 meaningful recitations per quarter (counts toward Performance Task).

9. Notes Requirement: Hard-copy notebooks must be submitted at quarter’s end; digital notebooks are not accepted.

10. Electronic Device Policy: Phones, tablets, laptops, earbuds are prohibited during class/lab unless explicitly authorized.

Required Materials

• Dedicated Physics Notebook (for lecture & solved problems)

• Ruler & Protractor (for vector diagrams/graphing)

• Scientific Calculator (trigonometric & basic calculus capabilities)

• Ballpen/Pencil for written work

• Whiteboard Marker (for collaborative board work)

• Phone/Tablet/Laptop (only when the instructor allows, e.g., simulations, data logging)

Consultation Hours

• Day: Fridays

• Time: 12\text{ PM} - 3\text{ PM}

• Venue/Platform: To be announced; typically via designated classroom, laboratory, or video-conference link shared in Google Classroom.

Practical & Pedagogical Significance

• The course framework blends conceptual physics with hands-on experimentation to foster scientific literacy.

• Grading weights place the greatest emphasis on Performance Tasks (45 %), underscoring the value of authentic lab competence.

• Policies incentivize consistent engagement, timely submissions, and professional conduct akin to real-world laboratory standards.

• The PLAC portfolio acts as an integrated capstone, mirroring tasks of actual physics technicians—students not only master theory but also practice documentation, safety, and peer collaboration.