Conceptual Physics (Period 4)

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Course Description

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or Algebra Readiness
Co-requisite: Algebra I

Conceptual Physics is the first high school laboratory science course, and is required of all students for graduation. It is a required prerequisite for AP Physics. Some simple geometry and trigonometry will be taught when needed. Students will:

• Solve problems with the relationships between distance, velocity, acceleration, and time in simple situations including circular motion and trajectories.
• Solve problems where momentum is conserved, and where different types of energy are conserved.
• Study and solve problems of work and power relating these to the thermodynamics of a heat engine.
• Study a variety of types of waves and their features.
• Learn about electric circuits, magnetism, and electro-magnetic waves, and solving problems with passive circuits.
• Conduct laboratory experiments focusing on using technology to gather and analyze data accurately.
• Conduct genuine error analysis, troubleshoot, and modify their procedures to yield valid results.

Course Materials

Conceptual Physics, The High School Physics Program.Paul Hewitt, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Link to Powerschool for grades
Link to SuccessNet for online textboox

Essential Standards and Resource Links

Investigation and Experimentation	Students can distinguish between a variable and controlled parameter in a test, and can evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of data, graph data, and solve equations algebraically.
Linear Motion and Forces	Students can describe concepts and solve linear problems involving distance, velocity, acceleration, force, angular velocity, tangential velocity, centripetal force, torque, and gravity. They can distinguish between vector and scalar information, and solve vector problems for right- angle, parallel, and opposing vectors. They can create and interpret motion graphs
Energy and Momentum	Students can describe concepts and solve problems involving linear and rotational momentum, work, power, kinetic energy, and potential energy. They understand when energy and momentum are conserved properties.
Thermodynamics	Students can solve problems related to heat flow, specific heat, temperature, heat engines, and the Ideal Gas Law, using concepts including the Laws of Thermodynamics and the Kinematic Theory of Matter.
Waves	Students can identify or solve for characteristics of waves including frequency, wavelength, velocity, energy capacity, and orientation. They understand and can describe wave phenomenon including diffusion, diffraction, reflection, and interference. They know general facts about the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electricity and Magnetism	Students can solve problems to determine characteristics of circuits involving voltage sources, resistors, and capacitors using Ohm’s Law and the Power Law. Students can draw and interpret field diagrams and relate them to the force on a charged particle. Students understand how a transistor operates and how it is used in technology. Students understand the link between electricity and magnetism and can identify the orientation of a current or magnetic field using the Right Hand Rule.