In 10th Grade Conceptual Physics, students will focus on the central theme of modeling change in the world using the idea of energy and the language of mathematics. Students will use observation and experimentation to build mathematical models of physical systems and then apply these models to a variety of hands-on engineering tasks.
Through experimentation and analysis students will learn how to use linear, quadratic, inverse, and exponential relationships to model data and will develop facility with the basic rules of algebra. For example, the exploration of linear relationships is a centerpiece of the typical Algebra 1 course and many physical phenomena from motion and energy to electricity and waves can be modeled using linear equations. Real-world physical examples will help students build meaning for their study of mathematics and the language of mathematics will help them to build more precise models for understanding the world.
Why do we measure things?
What is energy?
How are scientific ideas used to make things?
How does electricity work?
Honors students will be required to work independently to develop an understanding of topics (ex. motion in two dimensions, forces in two dimensions, quadratic equations, etc.) not covered in the general class. Classwork, quizzes, and tests will include additional problems based around these topics. Successful completion of honors challenge will require students to learn more complex mathematical skills such as trigonometric functions and solving quadratics.
Essential Questions:
How do we use physics as we move through the world?
Major Concepts:
Precision and accuracy in measurement
Units allow us to compare measurements
Sound and light travel at a set speed
Major Content:
Speed
Units for distance, time and speed
Basic metric units
Unit Assessments:
Great Estimation Race Project
Unit test
Major Texts:
Energizing Physics Activity Guide
Essential Questions:
What happens to energy over time?
Major Concepts:
Energy is a way of measuring change
Building scientific arguments based on data
Confirmation bias
Hooke’s Law (stretched springs)
Major Content:
Conservation of energy
Types of mechanical energy
Force
Spring constant
Unit Assessments:
Bungee drop project
Unit test
Major Texts:
Energizing Physics Activity Guide
Essential Questions:
What causes changes to the motion of a system?
Major Concepts:
The relationship between work, force and energy
Force is a vector (its direction matters)
Linear graphs and slope
Newton’s 1st and 3rd Laws
Major Content:
Force
Work
Friction
Normal force
Unit Assessments:
Slingshot project
Unit test
Major Texts:
Energizing Physics Activity Guide
Essential Questions:
What is acceleration and how can we represent it graphically and algebraically?
Major Concepts:
Interpreting and predicting position, velocity and acceleration graphs for simple motions
Newton’s 2nd Law
Major Content:
Velocity as a vector
Acceleration
Unit Assessments:
Physics of Movies project
Unit test
Major Texts:
Energizing Physics Activity Guide
Essential Questions:
What is electricity? How do we use it to improve our lives?
Major Concepts:
Models of electricity
Types of circuits
Conduction and resistance
Energy and power in electrical circuits
Reducing energy consumption and cost
Major Content:
Charge
Current
Voltage
Resistance
Power and energy
Unit Assessments:
Flashlight project
Home Energy Audit project
Unit test
Major Texts:
Energizing Physics Activity Guide