Quiz-replacement papers for General Physics with Dr. Laura McCullough

If you score poorly on a quiz, and would like a chance to get some points back, you have the option to write a paper on the physics in the quiz and turn it in. If the paper grade is better than the quiz grade, you'll receive the higher grade.

Papers should be about 800-1000 words in length. The topic needs to come from the chapters which the quiz covered, but within that topic you have some freedom in what to write about. You could choose to write about the historical development of those physics ideas, you could write a vignette about using those ideas in daily life, you could just take the opportunity to show your understanding of the ideas in verbal form instead of problem-solving form. You could also suggest conceptual problems that test understanding of these ideas. You MUST discuss your ideas with me before you write the paper.

The physics subject guide at the library is a good starting point.

Limitations:

You must take the quiz to take advantage of this option. If you miss a quiz, you can't make it up by writing a paper.

You can write one paper to replace one quiz. You cannot replace all three quizzes with papers.

Requirements:

Take the quiz. If you are interested in this option, see me within one week of getting the quiz back. Tell me what you are thinking of writing about.

Once we've agreed on the paper, you will have one week to write it and turn it in. I require electronic submission—you must email me the paper. I will grade it as quickly as possible and let you know your grade.

You must list all references, whether they are books, websites, or other media. The library has a useful site on how to properly cite your references.

Scoring for quiz replacement papers:

The quizzes are worth 100 points, so the papers are worth 100 points.