Physics Competencies
Science Content
Students will develop an understanding for the core scientific concepts, ideas and processes that make up the discipline Physics and develop an appreciation for the role science plays in our culture and everyday lives.
Planning and Investigations of Science
Students will demonstrate the ability to work/investigate collaboratively and individually to generate questions or define problems, plan and conduct investigation using a variety of age appropriate research methods in various settings, analyze and interpret data, reason with evidence to construct explanations and to effectively communicate the research process and conclusions.
Habits of an Effective Problem-Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. While not every effective problem solver employs the same approach, they all have habits which they share in common. These habits are described briefly here. An effective problem-solver...
...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
...identifies the known and unknown quantities and records them in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram iteself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., v = 3.00x108 m/s, λ = 554 nm, f = ???).
...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Wherever in the world you are, you can now feed your mind with some of the best physics lectures, online courses and learning materials - all for free.
An online course for adult learners that explores the frontiers of physics with videos, interactive simulations, and comprehensive notes. Covers the latest research from the subatomic world to the cosmos. Produced by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Free undergraduate level physics courses from MIT, with lecture notes, assignments and exams with solutions. Great for independent study or revision.
In these 10 minute video clips, legendary physicist Richard Feynman sits down in an armchair at his Californian home to explain the physics that underpins the world around us.
The most interesting and important topics in physics, stressing conceptual understanding rather than math, with applications to current events. Also available on youtube.
5. Khan Academy
An impressive collection of simple and clearly explained video tutorials about a range of physics topics (as well as maths, chemistry and more) suitable for secondary school level students. Make sure you have your sound turned on.
Comprehensive physics website started by a teacher covering forces, motion and optics, waves and electricity. Lots of animations, simulations and other handy learning tools.
A fantastic interactive introduction to relativity, covering everything from the background to e=mc2 and special relativity.
