Welcome to Grade 12 Physics
SPH 4U
Instructor: Office: Rm 344
Prerequisites: Grade 11 Physics SPH3U Textbook: Nelson Physics 12
General Aims and Objectives:
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
The level of study is directed at developing practical and quantitative research tools in the students who may or may not be preparing for post-secondary education at Community college or for entrance into University. With these objectives in mind the course of study and sequential course outline were designed.
Big Ideas
Dynamics
Forces affect motion in predictable and quantifiable ways.
Forces acting on an object will determine the motion of that object.
Many technologies that utilize the principles of dynamics have societal and environmental implications.
Energy and Momentum
Energy and momentum are conserved in all interactions.
Interactions involving the laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum can be analysed mathematically.
Technological applications that involve energy and momentum can affect society and the environment in positive and negative ways.
Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic Fields
Gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces act on matter from a distance.
Gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields share many similar properties.
The behavior of matter in gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields can be described mathematically.
Technological systems that involve gravitational, electric and magnetic fields can have an effect on society and the environment.
The Wave Nature of Light
Light has properties that are similar to the properties of mechanical waves.
The behavior of light as a wave can be described mathematically.
Technologies that use the principles of the wave nature of light can have societal and environmental implications.
Revolutions in Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
Light can show particle-like and wave-like behavior, and particles can show wavelike behavior.
The behavior of light as a particle and the behavior of particles as waves can be described mathematically.
Time is relative to a person’s frame of reference.
The effects of relativistic motion can be described mathematically.
New theories can change scientific thought and lead to the development of new technologies.
Teaching Strategies: Instructional methods will include Library research, expository teaching, textbook assignments, laboratory activities, multi-media analysis, inductive and deductive learning, group work and student directed study.
Expectations: Students will be expected to:
Interact harmoniously with each other and the environment (respect)
Be punctual, and be prepared
Complete assignments on time
Strive to maintain good citizenship
Display a level of maturity that is compatible with the level of the course
Required Materials:
Binder with paper and/or Notebook
Pens and Pencils
Scientific Calculator
EVALUATION:
Unit |
Evaluation Pieces |
Dynamics |
One test, one lab and/or assignment |
Energy and Momentum |
One test, one lab and/or assignment |
Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields |
One test, one lab and/or assignment |
Wave Nature of Light |
One test, one lab and/or assignment |
Revolutions in Modern Physics |
One test, one lab and/or assignment |
Mark Breakdown:
Knowledge & Understanding 17.5%
Communication 17.5%
Making Connections 17.5%
Thinking & Inquiry 17.5%
Portfolio 10%
Final Exam 20% All four categories
Total 100%
Tests
Test dates are usually announced one week in advance. In the case of absences due to:
SCHEDULED EVENTS: such as school field trips, sports, appointments known in advance, you must inform the teacher AT THE TIME THE TEST IS SCHEDULED.
ILLNESS: Your parents must leave me a voice message (ext 587) before the test time or you must provide a medical note after the absence. A make-up test will be give on return.
NOTE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE PROCEDURES OR MISSING A TEST WITHOUT A VALID REASON WILL RESULT IN A MARK OF ZERO.
Laboratory Activities
A major portion of the evaluation in this course will be based on activities performed in the laboratory. Students will be assessed and evaluated on these laboratory skills and will be expected to actively participate regularly.
Extra Help
Extra help is available by appointment. It will only be provided to students who have tried their best to learn during classes and after school.
You can succeed in this class if you:
have required skills for this course
attend all classes and arrive ready to learn with the necessary materials
are attentive in class
practice critical thinking all the time
positively participate in class, ask/answer questions without calling out, assist peers, etc.
study the material covered in class after school on a daily basis
complete the assigned homework
seek help as soon as possible to remedy any difficulties you have with the assigned homework
submit work that is only your own
Summarize and review topics regularly
Assessment of Learning Skills:
The report card provides a record of the learning skills demonstrated by the students in every course in the following six categories listed in the table below. Separate evaluations and reporting of these learning skills will be assessed through out the course and will play a critical role in student achievement of the curriculum expectations. These assessments of the learning skills will not be considered in the determination of percentage grades.
LEARNING SKILLS |
BEHAVIOUR/DESCRIPTORS |
Responsibility |
· completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines
· punctual
· academic honesty |
Organization |
· devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks
· establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals
· preparedness |
Independent Work |
· uses class time appropriately to complete tasks
· follows instructions with minimal supervision |
Collaboration |
· responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others
· shares information, resources, and expertise
· promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions
· encourages and motivates others |
Initiative |
· demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks
· demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning
· actively participates in class |
Self-regulation |
· sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them
· seeks clarification or assistance when needed
· takes responsibility for and manages own behavior
· stays on task |
SCIENCE PORTFOLIO OUTLINE
A portfolio is a collection of student’s work including a selection of assessment and evaluation pieces representing student’s performance throughout the course.
Your portfolio mark represents 10% of the final mark and must include the following items properly set up in a duo-tang folder or binder:
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Quizzes
- Classroom Activities and Assignments
- Article Summaries/Reflections
- Descriptive Feedback Logs and Test Reflections
Quizzes:
There will be several quizzes given during this course. All will be assessed either by students and/or teacher. Each of these quizzes will be included and dated in your portfolio. Several of these quizzes will be chosen by your teacher to be included in your evaluation for this portfolio.
Assignments/Activities/Articles:
There will be several activities, assignments and articles assigned/performed in class and/or for homework. A great majority of these activities/assignments/articles, will be included and dated in your portfolio. Several of these activities/assignments/articles will be chosen by your teacher to be included in your evaluation for this portfolio.
Descriptive Feedback Log/Test Reflections:
You will be provided with a “Descriptive Feedback Log” form and be required for every evaluation to reflect and record the feedback provided by the teacher on that respective evaluation. Also, you will be required to make corrections to your evaluations, write a reflection by explaining what happened during the evaluation, why do you think you made that/those mistake(s). The test with the corresponding corrections, the feedback log and the written reflection will have to be handed in to the teacher within 2 days after the evaluation was returned to the student.
SPH4U Portfolio Assignments Tracking Sheet
Assignment # |
Description |
Date Due |
Date Completed |
Mark (if applicable) |
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