670 Introductory Physics CP 9 full year 5 credits
614 Introductory Physics ACP 9 full year 5 credits
Students will learn important science related skills including experimental design, accurate measurement using a variety of instruments and technologies, quantitative and qualitative observations, construction and interpretation of data tables and graphs, unit analysis, application of algebra to science problems, and applications of science concepts to the real world. Laboratory experiments will examine forces, motion, electricity, magnetism, waves, light, sound and heat. Energy will be emphasized throughout the entire course. This activities-based course will provide the foundation for all future science courses. Our CP course is is designed for students who would do well in a more structured setting and would benefit from additional scaffolding in math.
The STE Department intends to run some sections of this course as a multi-level CP/ACP mixed class pending enrollment.
646 ELL Introductory Physics CP 9, 10, 11, 12 full year 5 credits
644 ELL Introductory Physics ACP 9, 10, 11, 12 full year 5 credit
This Introductory Physics lab science course is designed to support students with developing English proficiency. Students will learn important science related skills including experimental design, accurate measurement using a variety of instruments and technologies, quantitative and qualitative observations, construction and interpretation of data tables and graphs, unit analysis, application of algebra to science problems, and applications of science concepts to the real world. Laboratory experiments will examine forces, motion, electricity, magnetism, waves, light, sound, and heat. Energy will be emphasized throughout the entire course. The focus of this course will include strategies for reading a science textbook, strategies for learning science vocabulary, problem-solving techniques, and MCAS test-taking strategies.
670 Introductory Physics CP 9 FY 12 credits
614 Introductory Physics ACP 9 FY 12 credits
Students will learn important science related skills including experimental design, accurate measurement using a variety
of instruments and technologies, quantitative and qualitative observations, construction and interpretation of data tables
and graphs, unit analysis, application of algebra to science problems, and applications of science concepts to the real world.
Laboratory experiments will examine forces, momentum, motion, electricity, magnetism, waves, light, sound and heat. Energy
will be emphasized throughout the entire course. This activities-based course will provide the foundation for all future science
courses
The STE Department intends to schedule some sections of CP and ACP courses together as a multilevel class pending
enrollment.
644 ELL Introductory Physics ACP 9, 10, 11, 12 FY 12 credits
646 ELL Introductory Physics CP 9, 10, 11, 12 FY 12 credits
This Introductory Physics lab science course is designed to support students with emerging English proficiency. Content will
include forces, motion, momentum, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, and heat. Students will learn important science
related skills including experimental design, accurate measurement using a variety of instruments and technologies, quantitative
and qualitative observations, construction and interpretation of data tables and graphs, unit analysis, application of algebra to
science problems, and applications of science concepts to the real world. There will be a strong focus on English literacy skills, as
well as strategies for learning science vocabulary and for problem solving.
All sections of CP and ACP courses will be scheduled together, and with ACP Introductory physics as a multilevel class.
648 ELL Pre-physics ACP 9, 10, 11, 12 FY 12 credits
This science course is designed to support students with emerging English proficiency, generally for students also taking ELL
1 and Components of Reading. Students will learn foundational concepts about energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, heat,
momentum, forces, and motion. Students will also develop foundational lab skills like making accurate measurements using a
variety of instruments and technologies. Students will make quantitative and qualitative observations, construct and interpret
data tables and graphs, and apply science concepts to the real world. Study skills, reading strategies, vocabulary-building
and scientific writing will be emphasized. This student-centered course will provide the foundation for a full year of ELL
Introductory Physics.
8th grade teachers at Bigelow and Day Middle Schools will be working with Newton North Physics teachers to make appropriate placements. Teachers take into account a student's interest in science as well as their skill levels in communication, organization, group work, and math.
The STE Department intends to run some sections of this course as a multi-level CP/ACP mixed class pending enrollment. See page 5 in Opportunities (the course catalogue) for NNHS full statement on multi-level courses as well as descriptions of the CP, ACP and H levels.
When discussing the appropriate level with their 8th grade Science teacher, resources students might consider are:
Sample Work from CP and ACP level courses for a single content learning objective: students will be able to solve three-variable algebra problems to determine speed, distance, or time.
Sample Math Expectations in CP and ACP level courses:
Create a graph from a table with multiple data points (eg velocity vs. time) with scaffolding
Identify quantities and variables within a word problem
Use graphic organizers and other scaffolding to help solve three-variable algebra problems
Independently create a graph from a table with multiple data points (eg velocity vs. time)
Solve three-variable algebra problems with minimal scaffolding
Q: Will students know enough math to take Physics as 9th graders?
A: Yes! Our 9th grade Physics course is a conceptual Physics course. Students need to know basic algebra and graphing skills and are supported in learning and using these skills by both their 9th grade math teachers and Physics teachers. Many adults experienced a Biology-Chemistry-Physics sequence and remember using trigonometry and/or calculus with Physics. Students can have this more mathematically advanced Physics experience in our 3 Senior Physics courses.
Q: Why don't students take Biology first?
A: Biology has become an increasingly complex field. The NNHS Science Department believes that students have a richer experience with Biology after having taken Physics (9th) and Chemistry (10th).
Q: Do students take MCAS in Science?
A: Yes, NNHS 9th grade students take the Introductory Physics MCAS at the end of the year. Students have typically done well on this exam after a full year with our 9th grade Physics teaching team.
Students must earn one Competency Determination (CD) in Science & Tech/Engineering. Currently, this can be earned in Physics, Chemistry or Biology. Students in these classes earn their CD by demonstrating proficiency in the course aligned with the MA STE Standards. Questions can be directed to the Department Head, Heather Hotchkiss hotchkissh@newton.k12.ma.us.