Physics
Juniors

Week Objectives 

Two day lab on predicting the projectile motion of hot wheels launched from a ramp. Begin chapter four covering topics of forces and laws of motion. 

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (314)

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

1. Binder for organization of handouts, notes, and graded assignments. 

2. Loose leaf paper or notebook for note taking 

3. Multiple writing utensils including 1 red pen 

4. A planner - for assignment tracking 

5. Calculator (4-function, minimum) (Graphing calculator will be extremely helpful in this class)  

Class Description 

In keeping with the tradition of a classical liberal arts education, this course invites students to contemplate the order, beauty, and intelligibility of the natural world through the study of physics. Guided by Physics by Holt McDougal, students will explore the fundamental principles that govern creation—motion, forces, energy, momentum, waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and the frontiers of modern physics—seeking not only to master the concepts, but to understand their place in the grand harmony of the cosmos.

This course integrates mathematical reasoning, careful observation, and hands-on experimentation to cultivate the habits of mind essential to the natural philosopher: clarity of thought, precision of speech, and intellectual curiosity. Students will be trained to think logically, to express their findings in well-ordered prose, and to see the unity between mathematical law and the physical world.

Physics at the junior level serves both as a rigorous academic pursuit and as a means of nurturing wonder—connecting the timeless truths discovered by thinkers such as Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, and Maxwell with the questions and discoveries of today. 

Adhering to the following guidelines will be essential:  

1. Listen during lectures and lab work. 

2. Take good notes. 

3. Stay organized: Keep notebooks neat and organized.  

4. Complete all assignments. 

5. Always ask for help as science builds upon itself through the course. 

6. Stay positive! 

Required Course Learning Outcomes (Competencies)

1. Demonstrate understanding of core physics concepts

2. Apply algebra-based problem-solving techniques 

3. Use appropriate units, measurements, and significant figures

4. Represent physical situations using graphs, diagrams, equations, and vector analysis.

5. Conduct laboratory investigations

6. Interpret and communicate scientific information 

7. Relate physical principles to real-world applications

Topical Outline

1. I. Foundations of Physics

2. II. Mechanics

3. III. Properties of Matter & Thermodynamics

4. IV. Waves and Sound

5. V. Light and Optics

6. VI. Electricity and Magnetism