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Physics Team Assignments

Instructors
Term
2013-2014 School Year
Department
Science
Description

Physics Team Mission:

"The Physics Team serves the needs of members with a caring environment that nurture skills useful in the discipline of Physics while preparing members for interscholastic Physics competitions. The team goal is to develop the talent, intellect, character and spiritual strength of each team member to the highest level possible."

What are the Physics Team Rankings Now?

 How to can a member increase rating and rank on the Physics Team?

What Roles can I play on the Physics Team?

Starting in September (until the competition)

the "Physics Team" meets:

in room 6103 on Monday (for advanced topics)

& Wednesdays after school!

 

Q: How do you become an official Physics Team Member?

A: A member attends 16 practice sessions and/or purchases a team shirt by January. Those with the highest ratings after the qualifying test are designated as "Competitors".  Competitors travel with the team to interscholastic competition and are automatically team members! Click on "Physics Team Roles" to get more information on ratings and roles available to Physics Team Members!

Q: How can I increase my rank?

A: Previous year ranking, attendance at practice sessions, scores on www.physbuzz.org training quizzes and the qualifying exam all increase your rating (and hopefully your ranking!) Your rank and rating are updated each week at the McGill-Toolen Physics Team Rating site!

Q: When and where are the practice sessions?

A: Problem Solving Practice Sessions are in room 6103 each Wednesday from September through February (3:10-3:50 PM). Advanced problem sessions (focused on scholarship exam) are on regular scheduled Monday's from September through February.

Q: Can I take on leadership roles in the team? 

A: YES! Click "INFORMATION SHEET" to learn how members

can become a secretary, president or captain of the Physics Team!

Q: How can being a physics team member help a student?

     (1) Build your resume with team membership

     (2) Learn more Physics (and improve grades!)

     (3) Develop problem solving skills through practice.

     (4) Be recognized for science competition participation

     (5) Win a Free all expenses paid trip to the competition!

     (6) Win a full 4 year scholarship!

 

Q: Can a student practice for the competition at home?

A: YES! Click "Review Guide" for formulas used in the last 20 years! This review sheet also summarizes the formulas you will learn through the school year!

Competition practice items and quizzes that increase your ratings can be found at:  www.physbuzz.org. 

This interactive site requires that you have your McGill-Toolen Assigned username & password.  You can read instructions on how to sign in at the "Moodle Sign In" form.  If you are not able to sign in email Dr. Burgess at [email protected] for assistance.

 

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Please note that the views expressed here by me do not  represent the views of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Archdiocese of Mobile or any  part of the Universal Catholic Church.

 

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Due:

Assignment

2015 PHYSICS TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

     in room 6103 at 3:15 PM on Wednesday April 16, 2014
Fellow Physicists,

    This was an incredible year unparalleled in the history of McGill-Toolen!

    First I want to congratulate every member of the 2014 Physics Team.  We had the highest largest number of qualifying test takers and the highest qualifying score average in the history of the McGill-Toolen Physics Team.  The entire team learned more Physics than any previous team in the history of the school (based on the qualifying performance).

    Second I want congratulate the competitors who trained and practiced with discipline (some not even taking physics this year) to prepare for the competition.  The results were awesome!  McGill-Toolen tied the highest team score in the history of the competition, had two individual award winners (with full 4 year scholarships in any discipline) and had the highest ranked SCHOOL over all schools in all divisions!  This is the second time McGill-Toolen has accomplished this highest ranking in 38 years and it was done 2 years in a row!  In an astounding accomplishment 2 freshman stepped up to produce PERFECT team rounds.  Teams that normally dominate the competition year in and year out were stunned!

     Winning next year does not start in January.  McGill-Toolen is certainly a very good team, but I can assure you that typical winners like Indian Springs, Darlington Academy, Randolph Academy, Mississippi School of Math & Science and Hoover have no plans to let McGill-Toolen win again (nor do the other 30-40 schools!)  It will be an uphill battle to three peat.  A three-peat would be unparalleled in the history of the competition.  I sure hope you decide to be part of history!

    Aspiring competitors will be provided with a scouting report and training program on Wednesday April  16, 2014 after school in room 6103.  This is for the competitors that want the McGill-Toolen Physics Team as not just a good team but to be an elite team in the history of the competition.  All of you are invited!

    This elite status will, of course, require our competitors to be the best ever.  Why not prepare to be one of them?

Highest Regards,

Dr. B

Due:

WinTeamA2014.JPG PTR2014.JPG TIA2014.JPG DSC_1025.JPG

Assignment

CONGRATULATIONS PHYSICS TEAM

REPEAT CHAMPIONS 2014!

CHAMPIONSHIP DINNER AT MOBILE COUNTRY CLUB

for PHYSICS TEAM COMPETITORS of 2014!

6:30 PM on March 20, 2014

Hosted by Fr. Bry Shields & Mrs. Michelle Haas

to HONOR PHYSICS TEAM VICTORY of 2014!

 
1st ever Defense of Physics Competition School Championship!
1st ever Defense of Physics Team Championship over all Divisions!
1st ever Defense of Physics Team Championship in Private School Division!
3rd consecutive Year of Top Medal Winners!
2 Top Individual Award Winners!
1st Ever McGill-Toolen Junior to win Top Individual Award!
 

READ THE COMMENTARY ON PHYSICS TEAM VICTORY 2014 HERE!

  There were 29 registered schools, 25 competing schools, more than 220 competitors vying for the full four year scholarships, awards, trophies and prizes at the cold-weather delayed competition at the University of Alabama High School Physics Competition on February 18, 2014 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
     Every member of the team deserves congratulations!  Lead Trainers often train up new competitors that go and make a difference (like freshman who get perfect team rounds).  Members ask questions and request explanations that help trainers to think in new ways about old problems (thus making them better competitors).  Every member of the team helps build a culture of achievement that leads to winning!  
    Thank you Physics Team 2014!  The first McGill-Toolen Physics Team to defend a Physics Team Championship (and win that championship a second consecutive year!)
 
 
Highlights from the 2014 Alabama High School Physics Competition:
*     The  McGill-Toolen Physics Team tied for the highest ever team score in the 37 year history of the University of Alabama High School Physics Competition by scoring 78 (out of 80 possible) points!
    A-Team (78 pts): Collin Phillips, Jacob Jagiello, Chris McDonald, Matthew Davis
    B-Team (55 pts): Tim Deighton, Claire Powers, Connor Kusch, Erin Hannahan
*   Overall school rating of 105.8 was a phenomenal!
  

Due:

IMG_20140131_071524.jpg

Assignment

PHINAL PHYSICS TEAM MEETING

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2014!
 
PHYSICS TEAM YEARBOOK PHOTO OF ALL MEMBERS! (3:15-3:20 PM)
SENIOR LEADER COMPETITOR COMMENTS AND PHAREWELL!
COMPETITOR RECOGNITION!
PHABULOUS PHYSICS MUSIC!
LEAD TRAINER THANK YOU GIFTS!
PHREE SNACKS & BEVERAGES!
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANY AWARDS AT COMPETITION!
                              (Please Pray for this!)
SPECIAL AFTER SCHOOL PHYSICS MOVIE SERIES ANNOUNCEMENT!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR 2015!

 

Highlights from the 2014 Alabama High School Physics Competition:
*     The  McGill-Toolen Physics Team tied for the highest ever team score in the 37 year history of the University of Alabama High School Physics Competition by scoring 78 (out of 80 possible) points!
    A-Team (78 pts): Collin Phillips, Jacob Jagiello, Chris McDonald, Matthew Davis
    B-Team (55 pts): Tim Deighton, Claire Powers, Connor Kusch, Erin Hannahan
*    McGill-Toolen had 5 competitors with Perfect Rounds! These students answered EVERY question correct in 40 seconds or LESS. 
     Collin Phillips & Jacob Jagiello (seniors)
     Chris McDonald (sophomore)
     Tim Deighton & Claire Powers (freshman)
     In addition Matthew Davis (junior) had every question correct!
 
*   Overall school rating of 105.8 was a phenomenal!
     (Last year the the first place rated McGill-Toolen scored 101.2)
 
Final placement of all teams and individual awards is pending delayed participation by teams due to the harsh weather conditions.  Even without final team placements or individual awards the quality, preparation and character of our McGill-Toolen Physics Team Competitors was without question!
 
PLEASE CONGRATULATE THESE COMPETITORS!
THEY DESERVE RECOGNITION FOR THE FABULOUS
PERFORMANCE!
 

IMG_20140131_071524.jpg 

Due:

PTSchWin2013.JPG

Assignment

Recruit Winners!
QUALIFYING COMPETITION!
Scores on this computer based quiz
will earn rating points for McGill-Toolen Physics Team Members.
The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 5 of all Physics Team Members.
 
Worksheets and Readings provided (attached) can help deepen understanding of the unit topics and materials.
 
A unit quiz located at www.physbuzz.org can be used to replace missed class work or improve assignment grades and will NOT be available after the unit is over!
 
The "Hot Seat Team Cipher" Competition has a 10 point assignment bonus for the assignment and a 5 point test score bonus for the winners.  Help your team win through disciplined preparation!
 
REMEMBER THAT ALL HONORS STUDENTS MUST TAKE PART IN SOME EXTERNAL SCIENCE COMPETITION (this counts as a test grade in the 4th quarter) prior to April 15th, 2014.  Physics Team Membership, Science Fair Entry (McGill-Toolen or Regional Science Fair) or any externally qualified and judged entry is acceptable.  Good Luck!  

Due:

Assignment

Become a Winner!

[the online PRE-QUALIFYING QUIZ closes January 14th]
 
NEW YEARS CELEBRATION BONUS!
       The top two "Pre-Qualifying Scores" will be granted automatic "Physics Team Competitor" designation IF the winners agree to train and go to the Alabama High School Physics Competition in 2014.
       EVERYONE WHO TAKES THE "PREQUALIFYING QUIZ" PRIOR TO January 15, 2014 will get up to 20 RATING POINTS based on the items correct (divided by 10).  This means that you can still enhance your rating (even if you do not win the Pre-Qualifying).  Pre Qualifiers also get the BONUS rating points.
      YOUR SCORE ON THE QUALIFYING TEST will determine 80% of your final rating and will provide an increase in your rating points.  Underclassman will carry the rating points (divided by 10) into the next year.
      ONLY THOSE WHO TAKE THE QUALIFYING AND HAVE 18 ATTENDANCE POINTS ARE DESIGNATED AS "PHYSICS TEAM MEMBERS".
 
THE FINAL WEEKS
    Once the qualifying process is complete the final meeting of the year will garner rating points and a chance to observe a "dry run" of the team cipher on January 22.  Competitors will begin a "Blitz Training"  that includes daily drills and practice sessions that help determine the final team make order at the competition in the final 2 weeks prior to the competition.

Rating points earned through attendance and Training Quizzes BOTH increase your rank and prepare you for the Qualifying Competition in January. The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 9 of all Physics Team Members after the Qualifying Test in January!
 
What is your Rank?  How far from the BEST are you?
Physics Team Rankings!
 
Go to www.physbuzz.org now and start training!

Due:

Assignment

Congratulations to the 2013 Super Cipher Winners!
 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
Remember that Honors students must take part in some external science competition.  Science Fair or Physics Team will work for you!
 
Anyone can be a Physics Team Competitor!  Take the Pre-Quallifying Quiz and prepare for the Qualifying Test on January 15, 2014!  If you can score high enough you  could be a Physics Team Competitor in 2104!  Go to www.physbuzz.org today and do and play physics!
 
 

Due:

Assignment

COMPETITOR SELECTION TIME APPROACHING!
     Physics Team Competitor Pre-Qualifying is only available to the top 2 highest ranked Physics Team Members on Wednesday January 15, 2014.
 
YOU CAN EARN UNLIMITED RATING POINTS
by scoring your highest on the "Pre-Qualifying Quiz" 
available over the Christmas Break (after exams on www.physbuzz.org)!
bonus points for all those who attempt the "Pre-Qualifying Quiz"
 
     All Physics Team Members must take the Qualifying Exam on Wednesday January 15th before or after school in room 6103.  The remaining six Physics Team Competitors will be selected based on FINAL RATING on January 16th, 2014.  
 
   A two week final blitz will then prepare the team for the competition. A SUPER SCRIMMAGE will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2014 in room 6103.   There will be free drinks and snacks for observers!  It will be an exciting match.  The scrimmage will pit teams of competitors against one another.  Veterans and new comers.  Freshman against upper class members.  Everyone will be invited to see what happens!
 
    Physics Team Competitors are provided free meals, free transportation, free competition registration, free lodging and free escorted tours of the science and engineering facilities at the University of Alabama on January 30 and 31, 2014. In addition to school trophies, team plaques, individual awards and full four year scholarships there are also often University of Alabama school spirit type items at the award ceremony given out free!
    The University of Alabama High School Physics Competition will take place on the morning of January 31, 2014.  I sure hope you decide to join us!
     Good Luck & Highest Regards
 Dr. Burgess

Due:

Assignment

Become a Winner!
Do a December Training Quiz
[closes on last day of month]

Scores on this computer based quiz earn rating points for McGill-Toolen Physics Team Members!

Rating points earned through attendance and Training Quizzes BOTH increase your rank and prepare you for the Qualifying Competition in January. The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 9 of all Physics Team Members after the Qualifying Test in January!

Due:

Assignment

Become a Winner!
Do a November Training Quiz
[closes on the 30th of November]

Scores on this computer based quiz earn rating points for McGill-Toolen Physics Team Members!

Rating points earned through attendance and Training Quizzes BOTH increase your rank and prepare you for the Qualifying Competition in January. The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 9 of all Physics Team Members after the Qualifying Test in January!

Due:

Assignment

Become a Winner!
Do an October Training Quiz
[closes on last day of month]

Scores on this computer based quiz earn rating points for McGill-Toolen Physics Team Members!

Rating points earned through attendance and Training Quizzes BOTH increase your rank and prepare you for the Qualifying Competition in January. The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 9 of all Physics Team Members after the Qualifying Test in January!

What is your Rank?

Due:

Assignment

THERE IS NO PHYSICS TEAM ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2013 DUE TO PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES (but there is a morning practice in 6104!)
REGARDS,
Dr. Tim Burgess

Due:

Assignment

Phriday Philm: "Speed c Relative to What?" 
Do a Training Quiz & become a Winner!
[at the end of the month!]

Scores on this computer based quiz earn rating points for McGill-Toolen Physics Team Members!

Rating points earned through attendance and Training Quizzes BOTH increase your rank and prepare you for the Qualifying Competition in January. The Physics Team Competitors are those ranked in the top 9 of all Physics Team Members after the Qualifying Test in January!
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25498804/PhT/Physics_Team_Ranking.pdf http://www.physbuzz.org