|
.
|
- Course Description:
-
Physics is the branch of science which studies the relationships between matter and energy. This course is the first in a three year science sequence that closely reflects Dr. Leon Lederman’s vision of a more comprehensive approach to science education. Topics that are discussed in this course include mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, relativity, and how these principles affect our society and the world as a whole. A knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world, but also supplies the student with the insight to develop new and innovative ideas.
- Course Objectives:
- At the end of this course the students will be able to:
- Discuss science as a body of knowledge and an investigative process.
- Understand that science is a way of knowing and that technology is a way of adapting
- Conduct scientific investigations systematically.
- Organize and interpret Graphs and Tables to express patterns and relationships.
- Apply appropriate units, significant figures and algebraic expressions in measurements and calculations.
- Understand the role, place, and interactions of matter and energy in the universe.
- Understand the characteristics that are unique to mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and atomic phenomena.
- Use written and oral communication skills to explain scientific phenomena and concepts in an appropriate manner.
- Instructional Materials:
-
- Instruction:
- Science is a multifaceted subject. Students will be exposed to a variety of instructional methods.
- Lecture.
- Textbook assignments and worksheets.
- Laboratory investigations.
- Project based competitions.
- Class and small group discussion.
- Video and Internet-based instruction.
- Assessment:
- The student's command of the subject material will be assessed using the following:
- Assignments including a combination of textbook assignments and worksheets.
- Laboratory reports.
- Tests, quizzes, and problem solutions
- Computer-based activities
- Project assignments.
- Participation in class discussions.
- Oral, video, and computer-based presentations
- Learning Activities:
- In addition to labs, lectures, discussions, demonstrations and engineering competitions students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively in groups to accomplish the goals of problem solving activities.
- Prepare and present an oral report relating physics to the analysis of a sport/game
- Create video presentations demonstrating an understanding of physical concepts.
- Utilize computer and calculator technology for gathering and analyzing data in a manner similar to that used by professional research scientists.
- Be presented guest speakers on topics related to the curriculum
- Explore the relationship between the concepts of physics and application through cross curricular activities with Industrial Technology and other departments.
- Participate in one or more field trips to metropolitan Chicago science centers such as the Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, Argonne or Fermi National Laboratories, or Great America to explore their relation to physics.
|