PHYSICS
Syllabus
First Grading Period
Unit 1
FOCUS: This unit focuses on metric measurements of physical quantities.
Skills addressed include recording data based on precision of measuring
devises used in taking measurements and relating this to significant digits,
use of scientific notation, canceling units by dimensional analysis, determining
accuracy and precision, and generating graphs plus making calculations
from experimental data.
TIME FRAME: 4 days
TOPICS: Measurement; Symbolic Representation
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 1
ACTIVITIES (4)
Activity
1-1 - Practicing Math Operations (SI GLE: 5; PS GLEs: 4, 5)
After a pre-test, students will work on problems with scientific notation,
significant digits, dimensional analysis, metric conversions, relative
& percent error, and graphical analysis of data.
Activity
1-2 - Density of Objects and Volume of the Textbook (SI GLE: 5; PS GLE:
1)
The density of a given object will be determined using water displacement.
The volume of the textbook will be determined using measurments taken with
a metric ruler. [rubric]
Activity
1-4 - Using the Inquiry Process to Design a Lab (SI GLEs: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9,
10; PS GLEs: 1, 2, 3)
Each group will be provided with 4 identical beakers, a thermometer, a
watch/clock, ice, and hot water. They will plan a lab on heat transfer
and perform the necessary experimentation. The data will be presented
in the form of a graph. [rubric] |
Unit 2
FOCUS: This unit focuses on the study of forces that produce linear
motion. Four kinds of forces are identified and their relative strengths
are addressed. Activities include calculating and graphically determining
velocity and acceleration, plotting and interpreting graphs of linear motion,
and solving for missing variables in kinematic equations including momentum
problems.
TIME FRAME: 7 days
TOPICS: Linear Motion (Velocity, Acceleration)
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 2
ACTIVITIES (3)
Activity 2-1 -
Graphical Analysis of Constant Speed and Acceleration (SI GLEs: 1, 4, 5,
6, 7; PS GLEs: 2, 3, 9, 10, 11)
Part 1:
Determine the velocity of constant motion vehicles using displacement/time
graphs. They will also create velocity/time graphs.
Part 2:
Determine the velocity of a ball rolling down a ramp using displacement/time
graphs. They will also create velocity/time and acceleration/time
graphs.
Activity 2-2 -
Analysis of Free-Fall Motion (SI GLEs: 1, 4, 7; PS GLEs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7,
9, 10)
Students
should first research Galileo's experiments (methods, equipment) with free-falling
objects and write a short summary. After the experiment, they should
compare the results with Galileo's.
Part 1:
Predict and then test whether or not two balls (equal size but different
mass) will fall at the same rate.
Part 2:
Record the free-fall time for several objects and use the data to calculate
a value for acceleration due to gravity.
Activity 2-7 - Solving
Problems (SI GLE: 5; PS GLEs: 4, 10, 11, 13, 23, 24)
The students
will make a list of possible problem types in this unit. Working
in groups, they will create one problem to go with each type. |
Unit 3
FOCUS: This unit focuses on the analysis of projectile, circular
and harmonic motion plus the use of vectors to resolve forces exerted at
angles. Making calculations using trigonometric functions is included.
Both graphical and mathematical methods are
addressed.
TIME FRAME: 11 days
TOPICS: Trigonometry, Vectors, Motion in Two Dimensions (projectile
motion), Periodic Motion (circular)
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 3, 7, 8
ACTIVITIES (6)
Activity 3-2 - Analysis
of Projectile Motion (SI GLEs: 4, 5, 7, 10; PS GLEs: 5, 13, 18)
Activity 3-4 - Centripetal
Force. (SI GLEs: 5, 10; PS GLEs: 7, 13, 15)
Activity 3-6 - Boat
Crossing a River (SI GLEs: 4, 7, 15; PS GLEs: 5, 13, 14)
Activity 3-7 - Experimental
Determination of Torque (SI GLEs: 4, 5; PS GLEs: 4, 16)
Activity 3-10 - Problem
Solving (SI GLE: 5; PS GLEs: 4, 5, 7, 13, 14)
Activity 2-6 - Probing
the History of Gravitational Theory (SI GLEs: 8, 11, 13, 16)
Working in groups of three, they will research Newton's and Einstein's
theories of gravity. They will create a Venn
diagram to compare and contrast the two theories. The final results
will be presented in class. |
Second Grading Period
Unit 2
FOCUS: This unit focuses on the study of forces that produce linear
motion. Four kinds of forces are identified and their relative strengths
are addressed. Activities include calculating and graphically determining
velocity and acceleration, plotting and interpreting graphs of linear motion,
and solving for missing variables in kinematic equations including momentum
problems.
TIME FRAME: 6 days
TOPICS: Forces
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 4
ACTIVITIES (3)
Activity 2-3 - Investigation of Newton's Second Law and
the Role of Friction (SE GLE: 10; PS GLEs: 9, 13)
A cart will be pulled by a hanging weight. The amount of weight needed
to produce contant motion of the cart will be used to calculate friction.
Activity 3-1 - Identifying
Relative Strengths of Fundamental Forces (PS GLEs: 6, 8)
Activity 3-8 - Three
Forces Acting Concurrently on a Point (SI GLEs: 4, 5, 7; PS GLE: 12)
Activity 3-9 - Newton’s
Third Law (SI GLEs: 7, 10; PS GLEs: 5, 14) |
Unit 4
FOCUS: This unit focuses on energy transformation and conservation.
Conversions among thermal, chemical, magnetic, electrical, and mechanical
energy types are examined. In addition, mechanical advantage and efficiency
of simple machines are explored.
TIME FRAME: 17 days
TOPICS: Energy
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 5, 6, 8-4, 10
ACTIVITIES (5)
Activity 4-1: Pulley Lab
(SI GLEs: 4, 5; PS GLE: 20)
Activity 4-2: Personal Energy
Audit (SI GLEs: 5, 6, 7, 12, 14; PS GLEs: 21)
Activity 4-3: Power Lab (SI
GLEs: 2, 7, 8; PS GLEs: 4, 5, 19, 21, 23, 24)
Activity 4-4: Heat of Fusion
(SI GLEs: 5, 6; PS GLEs: 4, 22)
Activity 2-5 - Components
of Momentum (SI GLEs: 10, 14; PS GLEs: 23, 24)
Carts of different weights will be made to collide. Data will be
recorded to analyze the components of momentum. |
Third Grading Period
Unit 3
FOCUS: This unit focuses on the analysis of projectile, circular
and harmonic motion plus the use of vectors to resolve forces exerted at
angles. Making calculations using trigonometric functions is included.
Both graphical and mathematical methods are
addressed.
TIME FRAME: 4 days
TOPICS: Periodic Motion (harmonic)
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 12-1,2
ACTIVITIES (2)
Activity 3-3 - Factors
that Affect the Period of a Pendulum. (SI GLEs: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 15, PS:
17)
Activity 3-5 - Hooke’s
Law and Elastic Constants. (SI GLEs: 4, 6; PS GLE: 17) |
Unit 5
FOCUS: This unit focuses on the nature of waves and the function
of waves as a means of energy transfer. The components, properties, and
behavior of mechanical and electromagnetic waves are analyzed. The function
of mirrors and lenses is included.
TIME FRAME: 18 days
TOPICS: Energy, Interactions of Energy and Matter/Waves
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 12-3,4, 13, 14, 15, 16
ACTIVITIES (10)
Activity 1: Snakey
Spring Lab (SI GLE: 7; PS GLEs: 25, 26)
Activity 2: Plane
Mirror Demo (SI GLE: 7; PS GLE: 27)
Activity 3: Plane
Mirror Lab (SI GLE: 7; PS GLE: 27)
Activity 4: Concave/Convex
Mirror and Lens Lab (SI GLEs: 5, 14; PS GLE: 27)
Activity 6: Total
Internal Reflection Demonstration (SI GLE: 7; PS GLE: 27)
Activity 7: Interference,
Diffraction and Polarization Demonstration (SI GLEs: 5, 6; PS GLEs: 28,
30)
Activity 8: Research
the History of Light (SI GLEs: 6, 8, 11, 14; PS GLE: 34)
Activity 9: Resonance
Demonstration (SI GLEs: 6, 15; PS GLEs: 25, 33)
Activity 10: Doppler
Effect Demonstrations (SI GLE: 7; PS GLE: 35)
Activity 11: Solve
Problems Involving Different Types of Waves and Different Media (SI GLE:
5; PS GLEs: 4, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 35) |
Fourth Grading Period
Unit 6
FOCUS: This unit focuses on electrostatics, circuit electricity,
and magnetism. Electrostatics includes test charges, electric fields and
magnetic fields along with Coulomb’s law that quantifies electric charges.
Electricity involves constructing circuits and calculating
current,
voltage, resistance, energy and power. Electromagnetic induction is used
to link the nature of electricity and magnetism.
TIME FRAME: 23 days
TOPICS: Interactions of Energy and Matter/Waves, Intereactions of Energy
and Matter/Electricty and Magnetism
TEXTBOOK CHAPTER: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
ACTIVITIES (4)
Activity 2: Demonstration
of Force Lines (SI GLE: 7; PS GLE: 29)
Activity 3: Electrostatics
Lab (SI GLEs: 5, 7, 9, 11, 14; PS GLEs: 8, 29)
Activity 4:
Series and Parallel Circuits (SI GLEs: 9, 10; PS GLE: 30)
Activity 5: Magnetic
Fields around Magnets and Current Bearing Wires and Magnetic Induction
(SI GLE: 15; PS GLE: 31) |
PHYSICS
Table of Contents
Word version
|
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The Science of Physics
-
Motion in One Dimension
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Two-Dimensional Motion and Vectors
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Forces and the Laws of Motion
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Work and Energy
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Momentum and Collisions
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Rotional Motion and the Law of Gravity
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Rotational Equilibrium and Dynamics
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Fluid Mechanics
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Heat
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Thermodynamics
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Vibrations and Waves
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Sound
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Light and Reflection
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Refraction
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Interference and Diffraction
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Electric Forces and Fields
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Electrical
Energy and Capacitance
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Current and Resistance
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Circuits and Circuit Elements
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Magnetism
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Induction and
Alternating Current
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Atomic Physics
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Modern Electronics
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Subatomic Particles
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Grade Level Expectations - Physics,
Grade 11/12 [Physical Science]
Word
version
Science as Inquiry
The Abilities Necessary to Do Scientific Inquiry
1. Write a testable question or hypothesis when given
a topic (SI-H-A1)
2. Describe how investigations can be observation, description,
literature survey, classification, or experimentation (SI-H-A2)
3. Plan and record step-by-step procedures for a valid
investigation, select equipment and materials, and identify variables and
controls (SI-H-A2)
4. Conduct an investigation that includes multiple trials
and record, organize, and display data appropriately (SI-H-A2)
5. Utilize mathematics, organizational tools, and graphing
skills to solve problems (SI-H-A3)
6. Use technology when appropriate to enhance laboratory
investigations and presentations of findings (SI-H-A3)
7. Choose appropriate models to explain scientific knowledge
or experimental results (e.g., objects, mathematical relationships, plans,
schemes, examples, role-playing, computer simulations) (SI-H-A4)
8. Give an example of how new scientific data can cause
an existing scientific explanation to be supported, revised, or rejected
(SI-H-A5)
9. Write and defend a conclusion based on logical analysis
of experimental data (SI-H-A6) (SI-H-A2)
10. Given a description of an experiment, identify appropriate
safety measures (SI-H-A7)
Understanding Scientific Inquiry
11. Evaluate selected theories based on supporting scientific
evidence (SI-H-B1)
12. Cite evidence that scientific investigations are
conducted for many different reasons (SI-H-B2)
13. Identify scientific evidence that has caused modifications
in previously accepted theories (SI-H-B2)
14. Cite examples of scientific advances and emerging
technologies and how they affect society (e.g., MRI, DNA in forensics)
(SI-H-B3)
15. Analyze the conclusion from an investigation by using
data to determine its validity (SI-H-B4)
16. Use the following rules of evidence to examine experimental
results:
(a) Can an expert's technique or theory be tested, has
it been tested, or is it simply a subjective, conclusive approach that
cannot be reasonably assessed for reliability?
(b) Has the technique or theory been subjected to peer
review and publication?
(c) What is the known or potential rate of error of the
technique or theory when applied?
(d) Were standards and controls applied and maintained?
(e) Has the technique or theory been generally accepted
in the scientific community? (SI-H-B5) (SI-H-B1) (SI-H-B4)
Measurement and Symbolic Representation
1. Measure and determine the physical quantities of an
object or unknown sample using correct prefixes and metric system units
(e.g., mass, charge, pressure, volume, temperature, density) (PS-H-A1)
2. Determine and record measurements correctly using
significant digits and scientific notation (PS-H-A1)
3. Determine accuracy and precision of measured data
(PS-H-A1)
4. Perform dimensional analysis to verify problem set-up
(PS-H-A1)
5. Use trigonometric functions to make indirect measurements
(PS-H-A1)
Forces and Motion
6. Explain the role of strong nuclear forces and why
they are the strongest of all forces (PS-H-E1)
7. Relate gravitational force to mass and distance (PS-H-E1)
8. Compare and calculate electrostatic forces acting
within and between atoms to the gravitational forces acting between atoms
(PS-H-E1)
9. Describe and measure motion in terms of position,
displacement time, and the derived quantities of velocity and acceleration
(PS-H-E2)
10. Determine constant velocity and uniform acceleration
mathematically and graphically (PS-H-E2)
11. Plot and interpret displacement-time and velocity-time
graphs and explain how these two types of graphs are interrelated (PS-H-E2)
12. Model scalar and vector quantities (PS-H-E2)
13. Solve for missing variables in kinematic equations
relating to actual situations (PS-H-E2)
14. Add and resolve vectors graphically and mathematically
to determine resultant/equilibrant of concurrent force vectors (PS-H-E3)
15. Calculate centripetal force and acceleration in circular
motion (PS-H-E3)
16. Analyze circular motion to solve problems relating
to angular velocity, acceleration, momentum, and torque (PS-H-E3)
17. Analyze simple harmonic motion (PS-H-E3)
18. Demonstrate the independence of perpendicular components
in projectile motion and predict the optimum angles and velocities of projectiles
(PS-H-E3)
Energy
19. Explain quantitatively the conversion between kinetic
and potential energy for objects in motion (e.g., roller coaster, pendulum)
(PS-H-F1)
20. Calculate the mechanical advantage and efficiency
of simple machines and explain the loss of efficiency using the dynamics
of the machines (PS-H-F1)
21. Explain and calculate the conversion of one form
of energy to another (e.g., chemical to thermal, thermal to mechanical,
magnetic to electrical) (PS-H-F1)
22. Analyze energy transformations using the law of conservation
of energy (PS-H-F2)
23. Apply the law of conservation of momentum to collisions
in one and two dimensions, including angular momentum (PS-H-F2)
24. Apply the concept of momentum to actual situations
with different masses and velocities (PS-H-F2)
Interactions of Energy and Matter
25. Determine the relationships among amplitude, wavelength,
frequency, period, and velocity in different media (PS-H-G1)
26. Evaluate how different media affect the properties
of reflection, refraction, diffraction, polarization, and interference
(PS-H-G1)
27. Investigate and construct diagrams to illustrate
the laws of reflection and refraction (PS-H-G1)
28. Draw constructive and destructive interference patterns
and explain how the principle of superposition applies to wave propagation
(PS-H-G1)
29. Describe observed electrostatic phenomena, calculate
Coulomb’s law, and test charge pole, electric field, and magnetic field
(PS-H-G2)
30. Construct basic electric circuits and solve problems
involving voltage, current, resistance, power, and energy (PS-H-G2)
31. Describe the relationship of electricity, magnetism,
and inductance as aspects of a single electromagnetic force (PS-H-G2)
32. Compare properties of electromagnetic and mechanical
waves (PS-H-G3)
33. Solve problems related to sound and light in different
media (PS-H-G3)
34. Compare the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum
as a wave and as a particle (PS-H-G3)
35. Analyze the Doppler effect of a moving wave source
(PS-H-G3) |
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