|
Honors Physics Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Briggs
Textbook(s): Holt Physics, Serway, Faughn, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Grade Level: 11-12
Year: 2006-07
Class Time: M-Fr 8:10-8:55
Lab Time: TBA as needed
Aims of Course:
Honors Physics at Veritas Christian Academy is an exciting, rigorous introductory course in Physics. This course provides students a platform to develop an awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural world’s energy and motion. Items stressed in this course include the philosophy and nature of science, scientific method, history of physics, technology, scientific inquiry, and more.
Objectives:
1. To develop foundational concepts of physics, examining systems, order and organization
2. To develop in the student a respect and sense of awe for the complexity of God’s physical universe.
3. To develop in the student critical thinking skills, which will provide the ability to evaluate scientific knowledge with respect to those problems which are, and will be facing mankind.
4. To develop in the student an appreciation for the impact of physics upon issues of ethical, moral, philosophical and political importance for the Christian.
5. To encourage the integration of faith into students’ education, and foster a sense of responsibility that will accompany their knowledge.
Outline of First Semester:
I. Physics as a Science
A. Measurement
B. Language of Physics
II. One-Dimensional Motion
A. Displacement, velocity
B. Acceleration
III. Two-Dimensional Motion
A. Vectors
B. Projectile Motion
C. Relative Motion
IV. Forces and Motion Laws
A. Newton
V. Work and Energy
A. Conservation of energy
B. Power
VI. Momentum and Collisions
A. Impulse
B. Conservation of Momentum
C. Elastic/Inelastic Collisions
VII. Rotational Motion & Gravity
A. Tangential and Centripetal Acceleration
VIII. Rotational Equilibrium and Dynamics
A. Torque
B. Rotation and Inertia
C. Simple machines
IX. Fluid Mechanics
A. Buoyant Force
B. Pressure/Temperature
C. Motions of fluids and gases
X. Heat
A. Temperature
B. Heat
XI. Thermodynamics
A. Thermodynamic Processes
B. Efficiency of Heat engines
C. Entropy
XII. Vibrations and Waves
A. Simple harmonic motion
B. Waves
Semester Final
*Course of study is tentative, and subject to change at the discretion of the teacher
Equipment and Stationery:
* Students will need a three-ring binder for lecture notes and handouts. A divider may be used to separate lab materials from course notes.
* A high quality lab notebook will be provided for you.
* Lab coats, gloves and goggles will be provided for all wet labs as needed.
* Usual pens, pencils, ruler, calculator, etc.
Expectations:
Students are expected to keep a complete set of detailed notes based on class lectures, textbook and supplementary reading assignments.The majority of homework will consist of pre-and post-lesson reading assignments or questions and or completion of labs. Students are expected to have the work completed by the beginning of the next class. When homework is not assigned, students are expected to review their notes and read.
-
Late assignments will be penalized or not accepted.
-
Students are expected to arrive at class promptly.
Test Preparation:
Adequate warning (usually a minimum of 1 week) will be given for major tests. Pop quizzes will occur from time to time to ensure that the assigned readings are being completed and to assist in learning.
Extra Help:
I have an open door policy. Extra help will be available to any student upon request. I will be available from 3:45-4 on posted days to answer questions and provide assistance outside of class. Please take advantage of this as required.