Physics is the most basic of
sciences. It is the study of the physical world, the interrelationship between
matter and energy. Topics included in the study of Physics include the
theoretical and experimental study of motion and forces, friction and momentum,
fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and heat, wave motion, sound, light and optics,
electromagnetism and modern physics. An integral part of the course is
extensive laboratory experiments with a variety of equipment, from simple to
highly technological. Students are expected to mathematically analyze physical
phenomena and apply the laws of physics.
Honors
students are expected to complete extensive projects, be independently
motivated, and have high-level math ability.
II) Course Learning Goals:
A) Skills embedded
throughout the Physics course:
As a result of the Physics
course, students will be able to:
1) Use knowledge of physics
to make and support informed judgments about current issues and problems.
2) Identify and solve
problems through scientific experimentation: formulate hypotheses, design
experiments, use technology, analyze data, and make and communicate
conclusions.
3) Apply the scientific
process to critically evaluate data, its sources, and its validity in
constructing theories and models.
4) Assess and apply knowledge
of safe scientific procedures, both to the classroom and to everyday life.
5) Select and use appropriate
laboratory equipment, technology, and units to measure physics properties.
B) Content Goals of Physics:
-The student will be able
to:apply the methods of observe, organize and conclude to ---interpret and
communicate changes in matter and energy
-use measuring devices and
senses to observe and record physical properties of matter
-employ mathematics and the
metric system to manipulate and interpret data through calculations, equations,
and graphing.
-develop inferences from
basic data and design valid methods to test them
-apply scientific models,
theories, and laws about the physical universe to a given situation
-use mathematical
descriptions to analyze and graph motion, and apply forces and laws of motion
to moving objects
-establish criteria and use
scientific information to make appropriate decisions on the risks and benefits
of technologies to society, and the environment
-demonstrate the ability to
understand and communicate scientific concepts through the use of writing,
appropriate diagrams, and hands on experiences
-explain simple phenomena in
terms of energy transformations and phase changes
describe energy sources and
energy types
-interpret wave energy as
applied to fluid, sound and electromagnetic waves, including light.
-explain the behavior of
light and radiation including reflection, refraction, absorption, and the
phenomenon of color.
PHYSICS: Study of Matter and
Energy and how they interact
CONTENT
Matter
Measurement
Speed
Graphing Motion
Acceleration (Kinematics)
Relative Motion
Relativity
Vectors (2 dimensions)
Projectile Motion
Forces (Dynamics)
Laws of Motion
Momentum
Energy
Energy Transformations
Heat Energy (Thermodynamics)
Electricity
Pressure
Harmonic Oscillators (Waves)
Circular Motion
Sound Waves
Light Waves
Special Topics
SKILLS (THINKING)
Observing
Math Problem Solving
Experimental Design
Models
Applying
Writing
Research
Group Work
Decision Making
Communication