1. How Thinks Work: the Physics of Everyday Life, 3rd Edition by Louis A. Bloomfield
2. WileyPlus Access Code for How Thinks Work: the Physics of Everyday Life, 3rd Edition
3. iClicker Classroom Response Unit

Various purchase options:

Although 2 and 3 are necessary to complete the course, 2 (the WileyPlus Web Site) includes an electronic version of the book, accessible during the semester in which the student is registered with WileyPlus. A student may therefore opt to purchase the WileyPlus Access Code and the iClicker Unit, and read the text online. 

10 Problem Sets (2.5% of Course Grade Each, 25% Total)
1 Midterm Exam (15% of Course Grade)
1 Term Paper (20% of Course Grade)
1 Final Exam (30% of Course Grade)
In-Class Reading Quizzes (5% of Course Grade)
In-Class Interaction (5% of Course Grade)

Several guided problems per set, submitted via the WileyPlus homework web site. Questions will require independent thought on your part in order to answer them correctly. You are encouraged to work on the problems independently, but may seek help from other students when you get stuck. You must write up your answers separately and in your own words. Although problem sets are not pledged assignments, points will be deducted from your problem set if you use someone else's words or allow them to use your words.

The true purpose of these problem sets is to help you understand the material, not to assign grades. I have observed over the years that students who simply copy answers from other students or from the instructor, and who don't make a serious effort to understand why those answers are correct, do poorly on the exams. It's in your best interest to work on the problems yourself at first and to seek help from others only when you are having trouble making headway. Similarly, you provide the best help to others when you guide them back onto the correct path, rather than simply giving them an answer.

The due dates for problem sets are listed on the course schedule. Late problem sets are acceptable for reduced credit until 4 days (96 hours) after the due date. The maximum credit is 80% during the first 24 hours, 60% during the second 24 hours, 40% during the third, and 20% during the fourth.

An original 1500- to 1750-word discussion of how something works. The term paper is a pledged assignment that must be completed entirely on your own. You must submit a paper copy and email an electronic copy to to receive credit. See the course web site for the link and instructions.

To help motivate you to do the relevant reading prior to class, I will ask basic questions about it and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker). You will receive credit only for correct answers. When computing your semester percentage of correct answers, I will drop your 5 lowest-scoring days so that 5 absences are "free." If you have a compelling reason for being absent more than 5 days over the semester, please see me.

To make the class more lively and help keep you engaged, I will ask questions about the issues at hand and you will submit your answers via your Classroom Response Unit (iClicker). My initial plan is to give 5 credits for participating and 1 credit for getting the right answer, but I reserve the right to change this ratio if I feel it is necessary. When computing your semester percentage of possible credits, I will drop your 5 lowest-scoring days so that 5 absences are "free." If you have a compelling reason for being absent more than 5 days over the semester, please see me.

Guests and visitors are always more than welcome (except during the exams, naturally). No special permission is required. I have iClickers that they can borrow, though I'll probably want to hold onto some ID to be sure I get the iClickers back.