Peachtree Ridge High School

HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE Mechatronics/AP CS Principles TERM 2020-21 school year

TEACHER Michael Fusia ROOM # I-209 (& online)
Email Address Michael.fusia@gcpsk12.org
Teacher Web Page Google classroom (join code: npoitgo) and http://fusia.weebly.com
Teacher Support Class time is 7:30-9:00; after school support until 3:15 daily or by email. Fridays will
(Help sessions etc.) typically be designated for support and additional help

EXPECTATIONS FOR VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

This year will clearly be different than any year previously, including the end of the
school year in the spring!! This time you will be expected to log in and participate in
class instruction under a determined schedule just like if you were physically in school.
You will be expected to participate in both synchronous (live as a class) and
asynchronous (independent work) work as well as peer work with other classmates
virtually. If we all do return to school this semester.

Although we may not all be in the same room and I can’t walk around and check in with
everyone the way I normally would, I want to have the feel of a traditional classroom.
By that I mean that I don’t want to stand at the computer, stare at turned-off camera, and
talk for 90 minutes straight. While I don’t want to hear lots of background noise, I do
want your cameras on and mics on. If you have a question, if I made a mistake, or if you
just want something repeated, I want to HEAR from you. Head nods (and confused
faces) are highly encouraged. I want to see your face and get to you know you so that I
can help you as much as I can.

There will also be days where you will primarily work on labs and projects independently
or with your group. Other days will have deep dives in content with practice provided.

Daily video sessions will be recorded. Keep that in mind if you decide to make a “less
than appropriate” comment, gesture, or post. This includes breakout rooms and side
conversations. Get dressed, have breakfast, and get in a “school mindset” before class
begins so you can get the most out of this experience. If you are physically prepared,
you will be mentally prepared. Be kind, be positive, and be an active part of class!

Now, the logistics of the class…

AP Physics 1 Course Syllabus – Page 1 of 4

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Mechatronics! That term is a combination of mechanics and electronics and was coined in
the early 1970s by Tetsuro Mori. Typically referring to robotics, it doesn’t necessarily mean C3PO,
R2D2, Rosie (from the Jetsons), or Wall-E. It can refer to a number of applications of moving parts
under electrical controls; think about robotic arms in a manufacturing plant.

I chose to pair this course with AP Computer Science Principles because the two work well together.
You will be learning the basics of electrical circuits (and a little beyond), building physical machines
that move based on programmed commands, and exploring how computing innovations have and will
change society. This framework meshes well with the AP CSP curriculum.

This course will have many projects and opportunities for you to get a hands-on learning experience –
even from home. These smaller projects will build your knowledge and support your understanding as
you undertake a yearlong project: moving solar panels. Thanks to a grant from Infinite Energy in
cooperation with GCPS, you will be given supplies, materials, and the opportunity build rotating solar
panels which follow the path of the sun in order to generate and store the most energy. Your plans, data,
findings, and projects will be promoted not just in the class or even simply at Peachtree Ridge, but
outside of the school by Infinite energy and GCPS.

COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT

This course includes Introduction to Mechatronics (a.k.a. Mech 1), AC Theory, Electric Motors, and
Hydraulic Systems (Mech 2), and AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP), but will simply be
referred to as Mechatronics. You will need to understand the content in the Mechatronics classes, but
also prepare for the AP exam. By taking this course you are expected to register for and take the AP CS
Principles exam Thursday, May 13th. I will provide further information and guidance on that process
throughout the year.

Below is an abridged list of Academic Knowledge and Skills for the Mechatronics courses. An entire
list of standards can be accessed through the district web address at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us.
MECH 1 MECH 2
Employability Skills Employability Skills
Safety Practices & Proper tool use Safety practices
Magnetism AC voltage and current
DC circuits Inductors, Capacitors, and Transformers
Programmable Logic Controllers Motor Controls
Pneumatic Systems Hydraulic Systems
Careers in Mechatronics Intro to Diodes and Transistors

AP Physics 1 Course Syllabus – Page 2 of 4

The AP Computer Science curriculum is broken into 5 Big Ideas (similar to units) and 6 Computational
Thinking Practices as shown below. In addition to preparing for the AP exam in May, students will be
given class time to complete the Create Performance Task. This task counts for 30% of the overall AP
score (the other 70% comes from the traditional exam) and requires students to create a program and
described the functions, data, and algorithms contained in the code. For a full list of standards and
details of the course, visit AP Central or contact me.

Big Ideas Computational Practices

1. Creative Development 1. Computational Solution Design
2. Data 2. Algorithms and Program Development
3. Algorithms and Programming 3. Abstraction in Program Development
4. Computer systems and Networks 4. Code Analysis
5. Impact of Computing 5. Computing Innovations
6. Responsible Computing

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

For virtual Instruction… Supplies (and if in-person resumes)…
If you do not have a desktop or laptop, please 1) Composition Notebook
register to borrow a chromebook from the school. 2) Scientific Calculator
I do not recommend using a tablet or your phone. 3) Notebook/Binder

Additional hand and measurement tools will be used in class if we return to in-person instruction.
Students are NOT REQUIRED to purchase these items, and in most cases students should NOT bring
these to school as they may be deemed weapons by GCPS. Proper safety and supervision should be
adhered to when using any tool.
Hand tools used in the electronics portion of the course include wire cutters, wire strippers, pliers,
soldering irons, and solder vacuums. Measurement tools include multimeters, oscilloscopes, function
generators, and logic analyzers. Some projects may require the students to use the tools in the D3 space.
No student is allowed in the D3 Space or allowed to use the tools in the space without approval and
supervision.

EVALUATION AND GRADING

Grade Weights Grading Scale
Formative Assessment 35% A: 90 and above
● Classwork (1x) B: 80 – 89
● Labs (2x) C: 74 – 79
Summative Assessment 45% D: 70 – 73
● Tests (3x) F: 69 or below
● Quizzes (1x)
Final
AP Physics 1 Course Syllabus – Page 3 of 4
 ● Final Exam 15%
● Performance Final 5%

OTHER INFORMATION
Expectations for Academic Success Additional Requirements/Resources
1) Bring note book and calculator everyday ● After-school Help Available:
2) Ask questions NHS tutoring
3) Participate constructively as a team member
SNHS tutoring
4) Proof read written assignments and edit
The EndZone
meaningfully
● Lab Safety Procedures
5) Review multiple sources of information
6) Challenge yourself to continuously improve

Something to keep in mind

Most of the things we do in this class only take time. That may seem like a simple statement, but keep
in mind that you are learning this and it takes practice. I will provide you the support if you make the
attempts. Not a single attempt, but multiple attempts. Computer programming is not always easy and
sometimes it takes a couple trials to find the errors and fix them. When your circuit doesn’t work,
sometimes you just have a loose wire or missed a connection. In either of these cases, you’ve really
only lost time, but gained experience.

I hope your code doesn’t work the first time. I hope your circuit doesn’t function properly when you
initially wire it together.

I ask that you test, experiment, measure, explore, and learn how to not just do something, but fix
problems. Troubleshooting is one of the best skills to have.

AP Physics 1 Course Syllabus – Page 4 of 4