Physics I
Recommended Prerequisite:  Geometry or Algebra II

Grades Offered:  9 - 12

Credit:  ½ - 1

SDE Course Code:  3231

MNPS Course Code:  SCI6112

 

Course Description:

 

Physics deals with the relationship between matter and energy, and how they interact.  Students will study mechanics; thermodynamics; waves and sound; light and optics; electricity and magnetism; and atomic and nuclear physics.  The major emphasis is concept development through inquiry learning and hands-on laboratory experiences, and concept reinforcement through application activities.

 

Course of Study:

·        Mechanics

o       Investigate fundamental physical quantities of mass and time.

o       Analyze and apply Newton’s three laws of motion.

o       Understand work, energy, and power.

o       Investigate kinematics and dynamics.

·        Thermodynamics

o       Develop an understanding of heat and internal energy.

o       Compare Celsius, Kelvin and the Absolute temperature scales.

o       Investigate exchanges in internal energy.

·        Waves and Sound

o       Explore conditions associated with simple harmonic motion.

o       Investigate Hooke’s law.

o       Understand wave mechanics.

o       Examine the Doppler Effect.

o       Explore the characteristics and properties of sound.

·        Light and Optics

o       Describe the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum.

o       Investigate the interaction of light waves.

o       Analyze the optics of mirrors.

o       Explore the optics of lenses.

o       Investigate the phenomenon of color.

·        Electricity and Magnetism

o       Examine properties of electric forces, electric charges, and electric fields.

o       Explore the flow of charge and electric currents.

o       Investigate Ohm's law.

o       Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits.

o       Analyze schematic diagrams.

o       Understand magnetic poles, magnetic fields, and investigate electromagnetic induction.

·        Nuclear Physics

o       Investigate the properties and structure of the atom.

o       Compare and contrast the Bohr model and the quantum model of the atom.

o       Explore the dynamics of the nucleus: radioactivity, nuclear decay, radiocarbon/uranium dating and half-life.

o       Compare and contrast nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

o       Investigate the quantum theory.

Standards:

MNPS standards for Physics can be accessed at:
http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3353

State Physics standards can be found at:  http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/sci/cisciphysics912.htm

Textbook:

      Holt Physics, Serway, et al, 2/e, 2002, Holt, Rinehart, Winston (basal)

       

 

Recommended/Required Resources:

 

·        Laboratory facility with access to a source of water, electricity and natural gas for lab equipment; required

·        Access to computers that are web-accessible; required

·        Computer-based probe ware such as light sensors, motion detectors, temperature probes, pH meters, etc; recommended

·        Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required