Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

Physics 12

Course Description

Physics 12 at St. George’s follows from Physics 11 in developing an understanding of the world around us.  We use a mathematical approach to describe motion in terms of the forces which govern the interactions between objects.  The course’s many learning outcomes all contribute to a greater understanding of the interactions between objects, and help us to predict their behaviors.

Instructional Aims.

Based on the B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum, students will learn through labs, discussions, problem-solving, projects, presentations, and other activities.  The instructors aim to give the students an understanding of motion, forces and energy which will help them to understand the world around them.

Learning Outcomes.

Based on the B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum, students will learn and be evaluated on the following knowledge and skills:

  • An object's motion can be predicted, analyzed and described
    • This includes both one and two-dimensional kinematics as well as graphing and use of precision and accuracy.
  • Forces influence the motion of an object
    • Students will be able to apply Newton’s Laws in various situations, and will understand complex systems including many forces.
  • Energy is found in different forms, and has the ability to do work. Momentum and energy are both conserved.
    • This will include the law of conservation of energy and momentum, the relationship between work and power, thermal energy, and electric circuits.
  • Circular motion occurs when forces are applied perpendicularly to an object’s motion.
    • This includes basic orbits and gravitation.
  • The electrostatic force influences charged objects.
    • Circuits will be discussed along with the motion of charged particles in electric fields.
  • Magnetic fields influence moving charged particles.
    • Students will discuss induced currents, as well as the motion of particles in magnetic fields.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students will be assessed using a variety of tools, formal and informal, including tests, quizzes, and lab reports.  While these assessments will always include some of the learning outcomes, they will also evaluate the skills associated with the course such as scientific literacy or scientific problem solving.

 

Work during the year is weighted by Unit and reflects the number of classes allotted to that Unit.

 

Grades are cumulative, with a student’s grade at any point in time being comprised of all assessments to date. 

 

First Peoples Principles

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured to live, work, and play on this land together.

 

As part of contribution to reconciliation, Physics 12 makes First Peoples Principles visible in class by understanding that learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place). Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

 

Literacy

In Physics 12, students will work with the scientific inquiry method, which will require them to make observations, ask questions, analyze data, and communicate their findings. Students will also be required to comprehend information presented orally, textually, and visually to gain an understanding of the key content and concepts of physics. Finally, students will be asked to give oral presentations, visually represent data and ideas, and share written versions of their ideas and conclusions.

 

Resources

  • Textbooks: Giancoli Physics: Principles with Applications
  • A link to a general e-book text for High School Physics is here
  • This course syllabus, all major assessments for the current unit, and a plethora of helpful learning resources can be found on Canvas.

Course Expectations

  • Students can expect to do an average of 20-30 minutes of work outside of class for each block they attend. This will vary throughout the year, and there will be points when more or less will be expected of them.
  • All assignments, quizzes and tests will be posted online. While not all material will be submitted online, the assignment page will make it clear how assignments are to be submitted. 
  • Students will be expected to review material and keep up with the course content regardless of whether homework is being collected as an assessment.

Contacting Me

Course Summary:

Date Details Due