Description
Formerly titled Physics. From the top of Mt. Everest to tiny viruses, physics is everywhere! We will explore many aspects of physics in mechanics, which you can then apply to further scientific or engineering study. Our exploration will include a variety of interesting hands-on experiments where you will be able to share and discuss your data and conclusions with your classmates. In addition, we will discuss a connection to our world each week that will range from the latest innovations, to forensic analysis of events that occurred half a century ago. Physics: Mechanics provides students with a firm foundation in Newtonian mechanics, and will introduce students to areas of mechanics including: vectors, motion, free fall, Newton’s Laws of motion, work, energy, rotational motion, and gravity. Online reading, engaging simulations, and lectures are used throughout the course to introduce students to concepts. Students tests forces and motion on ramps, see-saws, and roller coasters with weekly simulations. In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in weekly hands-on laboratory activities to apply their understanding of physics to a wide range of areas including: chemistry, when they measure motion in molecules as they are absorbed by paper; sports mechanics, when they measure their jump speed, and reaction time, and aeronautics and engineering, when they measure the flight of projectiles and test the lifting power of student-designed helicopters. The course is an outstanding introduction for students who wish to continue further into AP Physics 1, or as a stand-alone course for further study later on. Please join us as we embark on this journey to understand the most fundamental science--PHYSICS! *Please note this course contains a final exam that will require the student to identify in advance an appropriate location as well as an adult proctor for the exam. Forms and instructions for students to identify a location and proctor are included as a lesson within the course.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Algebra 1 is required for the course, and enrollment in Algebra 2/Trig or higher mathematics is strongly recommended.
Please note this course contains a final exam that will require the student to identify in advance an appropriate location as well as an adult proctor for the exam.
Course Objectives
- Describe the physical environment using appropriate units and terms.
- Correctly apply math operations to problem solutions.
- Develop a conceptual understanding in Physics, specifically in understanding the motion of objects in one, two, and three dimensions.
- Define displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
- Utilize vectors in the analysis of two-dimensional motion.
- Apply Newton’s Laws in understanding the motion of objects.
- Apply the Universal Law of Gravitation.
- Define work and energy, and identify different types of energy and their transfers.
- Apply conservation of energy principles to problem solving.
- Define impulse and momentum.
- Apply conservation of momentum principles to problem solving.
- Identify types of forces and their influences.
- Describe forces using vector analysis and determine the net force.
- Practice observation skills, reasoning skills, communication skills and problem solving strategies.
Additional Requirements
• butter knife (rounded edge, no sharp point) • cork • forks-2 • glass jar or drinking glass • graduated cylinder-100mL (preferred) or 1 cup measuring cup • lined paper-several sheets • paper clip--standard metal • paperclip--large • paper towel-several sheets • pen • pen barrel or small pvc tube • pencil • penny rolls (5) • plastic baggy-ziploc style, sandwich • popsicle stick • post-it note pad 3"X3" • printer paper-several sheets • protractor • rubber band • ruler-centimeter • scissors • sink or tub • spoon • stopwatch or stopwatch phone app • string • tape • tape measure • tin can (soup size) or small plastic container • toilet paper-several sheets • toothpick • water-soluble marker (black or brown) Please note: This course requires use of java to access some course content, which will require regular access to a computer with a Windows/Mac operating system running Safari or Internet explorer. This part of the course cannot be completed on a Chromebook or mobile device. Please note: This course requires regular access to a computer with a Windows[/Mac] operating system in order to install the software required for the course. This part of the course cannot be completed on a Chromebook or mobile device.
|
Details
Discipline:
Science - Physical Science, Science
Level:
High School Standard
Program:
Gifted and Talented Middle School, High School, STEM
Grade:
9, 10, 11, 12, 13
When Offered:
Duration:
weeks
Lab Kit Purchase Required:
No
Accredited:
Certified by NCAA for initial-eligibility (VHS Learning School Code:221356), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
|