I
Course Description
This course
deals with the following topics in a lecture laboratory format: mechanics,
heat, sound, light, electricity
and magnetism,
atomic and nuclear structure. A strong emphasis is placed on the use of
mathematics in problem
solving
along with the graphical analysis of data, and applications to the physical
world. Students will participate in
25 to
30 labs experiments a year.
II
Course Level
A senior
level course only
III
Prerequisites for this course include
a. Completion
of Chemistry with a grade of A,B,C
b. Completion
of Algebra II Trig with A,B, or C
c. Must
take math concurrent with Physics
d. Approval
of the physics teacher
A student
who does not fulfill one of the above requirements can be admitted
to the
course on the recommendation of the Chemistry teacher and the Science
department
chairman.
IV
Place within Department Goals and School
Physics
is a third year pure science for students who are interested in engineering
related
fields. The purpose of this course is to expose students to another of
the
basic
studies of nature. It follows logically after the study of Chemistry
and Biology.
This course
is intended for student in the APEX programs who have exceptional math
ability
V
General Goals of the Course
The general
goals of the Physics course are to develop a student's understanding
of the
physical world in which he lives. The course aims to prepare students
to
solve
problems in a logical order, and to prepare students who will advance toward
engineering
related fields.
VI
General Outcomes
A student
who successfully completes Honors Physics will be able to
- Measure physical properties and analyze experimental data
- Understanding the relationship between matter and energy by the study
of motion,
forces and various forms of energy.
- Apply algebraic and geometric skills toward problem solving involving
complex
conditions.
- Understand laws of thermodynamics and application toward physical motion.
- Understand the mechanical and electromagnetic wave theory and apply it
toward
sound, light and other forms of electromagnetic disturbances.
- Explain the dual nature of light and the origin of light from the atom.
- Understand the concepts and mathematics of optics as it applies to
visible and invisible electromagnetic radiation.
- Understand electrostatics, AC and DC current and learn how to create
simple DC circuits and LRC AC circuits.
- Understanding magnetism and how it relates to electricity.
- Understand Nuclear Physics and learn the latest developments in particle
Physics.
VIII The
Course Content
Quarter 1
- Measurement and the metric system
- Vectors
- Newtonian Physics
- Gravity
- Circular and rotational motion
Quarter 2
- Energy and Momentum
- Phases of matter
- Heat energy
- Thermodynamics
Quarter
3
- Mechanical and Electromagnetic waves.
- Sound
- Light
- Optics
Quarter
4
- Electrostatic
- Direct current circuits
- Electrochemical reactions producing direct current.
- Magnetism
- AC circuits/Electronics
- Nuclear and particle Physics
VIII The methodologies
of teaching
- The Socratic method
- Demonstrations
- Question and answer sessions
- Inductive and deductive reasoning sessions
- Laboratory study in groups and individually
IX
Assessment and Evaluation Policies
Grades
are determine by the addition of points accumulated in homework, tests,
and labs.
A
91-100%
B
82-90%
C
73-81%
D
64-72%
F
0-63%
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating
on tests and assignments is unethical and unacceptable. All work
must be your own.
Students
who are caught cheating, copying or plagiarizing will receive a ‘zero’
grade
for the
test or assignment
X
Required Materials
Text
A calculator
with trigonometric functions
Notebook
pencil
XI
Text and Supplemental materials
- Physics, Holt
(2002)
- Laboratory
equipment
- Computer
equipment
- Videodisks
- Handouts
from Physics texts/magazines
- Computer
programs