How to Get an A+ on Homework Papers

Homework typically comprises about 25% of your overall grade in this class.  In order to get full credit (A+) on these assignments, you must meet the following requirements:

• all of the answers are correct
• work is shown for all calculations
• correct units are included for all numeric answers
• handwriting is neat and legible
• all questions are answered

Correct Answers

Try the following steps if you are having trouble answering a question on a homework assignment:

• check the "(with Web Assistance)" link for the assignment
• look at the related notes for the assignment
• do your assignment the day you get it so you can ask questions the next day
• drop by Mr. Samson's room and ask him for help
• have a friend explain it to you - but don't copy!

Show Work

If you don't show your work on all problems, the highest grade you can get on a homework assignment is a "B", even if all the answers are correct.

You don't have to show each step, just show the initial set up.

Rationale:  if you don't show me how you got the wrong answer, I can't help you get the right answer

Include Units

A number without units (grams, meters, etc.) is meaningless. 

Including units in your initial set up prevents most careless mistakes.

If you don't include units in your answer, the highest grade you can get on a homework assignment is a "B".

Rationale:  students who don't include units in their answers often do not understand the underlying science principles.

Write Neatly

I realize that some of you have better handwriting than others, however, it is unrealistic to think that you should get an A+ on a paper that sloppy and difficult to read.

Slow down, take your time, and write legibly - that's all I ask.

If you have a disability that makes it impossible for you to write clearly, I will of course wave this requirement.

Rationale:  if I reward sloppy work, you may become habitually sloppy, and this could affect your career options.

Answer All Questions

Avoid the temptation to leave an answer blank when you don't know the answer right away.

Unanswered questions are marked wrong twice in my class.

Rather than giving up and leaving an answer blank, check the website, ask for help, or guess. 

Don't bother putting down nonsense answers, these will also be marked wrong twice.

Rationale:   it is far better to try and get it wrong, than to not try at all

Use Complete Sentences

Don't answer questions as though you were texting me

A reader should be able to tell what the question was by reading your answer