Course Overview:

This Physics course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of Physics and build
the inquiry skills they will need for college level introductory science courses. Because the course is
structured around six essential questions and scaffolded with the enduring understandings and science
practices, students are able to engage in a meaningful study of the nature and properties of matter and
energy.

The essential questions of this course include:

1) How can I collect, interpret and communicate data from scientific investigations?
2) How can I describe and predict the motion of objects?
3) How do the different types of energy interact with each other?
4) How do waves interact with each other and the surrounding environment to form the way we see,
hear and feel the world around us?
5) How do electric devices function at a microscopic and microscopic level?
6) How is physics still being explored today?

The vast amount of physics knowledge obtained by mankind is the result of observation of the mechanical
and natural world coupled with inquiry. Students need the opportunity to experience this within the
context of the course, and thus are continuously engaged in inquiry-based lab experiences and discussions
through the yearlong class.

I believe that physics is truly about the connection of many subjects and is consistently building upon
itself through the school year; this means that the need for students to understand the interrelationships
between each unit is critical. In order for students to understand and appreciate these connections
activities and lessons are structured to make them evident. Students must also have a firm grasp of the
importance of physics knowledge as it is applied to social and economic issues as well, so the course is
structured such that students engage in activities that allow them to apply their scientific knowledge and
critical thinking skills to social issues. Students will finish the course with a sense of how the individual
particles and different matter interact to form the way they see, hear and feel the world around them.
Students will also develop the capacity to formulate questions based on evidence and analyze claims in a
scientific manner. Both of these are skills students can use far beyond the context of this course.

Unit 1: 1-D Motion # of days: 11 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

5.1a Measured quantities can be classified as - Scalar vs vector
either vector or scalar. - What is a vector? How can I describe and
- Resolve vector into perpendicular predict the motion of
5.1b A vector may be resolved into components objects?
perpendicular components. - Vector addition
How can I collect,
- Distance vs displacement:
5.1c The resultant of two or more vectors, acting interpret and communicate
- conceptual, equations,
at any angle, is determined by vector addition. data from scientific
comparison
investigation?
5.1d An object in linear motion may travel with a - Speed, average velocity,
constant velocity or with acceleration instantaneous velocity:
- conceptual, equations,
5.1e An object in free fall accelerates due to the comparison
 force of gravity. Friction and other forces cause - Distance vs time graphs:
the actual motion of a falling object to deviate - generate and interpret
from its theoretical motion. - Acceleration:
- Conceptual and equations
- Velocity vs Time graphs:
- generate and interpret
- Acceleration vs time graphs:
- generate and interpret
- Free fall: gravity:
- calculate acceleration due to
gravity, conceptual

Enduring understanding: Summative: Formative:

Student will understand the basics behind how Unit Exam : Daily Exit Tickets
objects move and apply this to further science 20 Multiple choice questions (ACT, NY Entrance Tickets
classes. regents, AP)
2 Short answer (1 AP, 1 NY regents)
Students will use academic language to describe
motions they consistently see in their everyday
life.

Unit 2: 2-D Motion # of days: 8 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

5.1f The path of a projectile is the result of the - Projectile motion:
simultaneous effect of the horizontal and vertical - Fired horizontally: How can I describe and
components of its motion; these components act conceptually- sketch predict the motion of
independently the theoretical path objects?
of a projectile
5.1g A projectiles time of flight is dependent upon the - Equations
vertical component of its motion. - Fired at an angle:
sketch the
5.1h The horizontal displacement of a projectile is
theoretical path of a
dependent upon the horizontal component of its motion
projectile
and its time of flight.
- Circular motion
5.1n Centripetal force is the net force which produces - Conceptually
centripetal acceleration. In uniform circular motion, the - Equations
centripetal force is perpendicular to the tangential - Centripetal force
velocity. - Centripetal
acceleration

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Students will be able to describe the motion of objects in Unit Exam Daily exit tickets
a 2-D motion context. Projectile shooting the rocket in the Entrance Tickets
hoop project (name is not flushed
Students will be able break down the way an object is out)
moving into different components.
 Students will use academic language to describe motions
they consistently see in their everyday life.

Unit 3: Forces # of days: 12 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

5.1j: Analyze data to support the claim that Newtons - Types of forces: normal force,
second law of motion describes the mathematical force of gravity, force of How can I describe and
relationship among the net force on a macroscopic tension, force of friction, predict the motion of
object, its mass, and its acceleration (Newtons 2nd applied force objects?
Law) - Free body diagrams: drawing
and interpreting
5.1e To calculate the net force acting on an object one - Kinetic Friction:
must use the type of forces and create a free body - coefficient of friction
diagram (Free Body Diagrams and Net Force) for two surfaces
- Incline plane:
5.1i According to Newtons First Law, the inertia of an
conceptually and
object is directly proportional to its mass. An object
mathematics
remains at rest or moves with constant velocity, unless
- Spring forces: elongation of
acted upon by an unbalanced force. (Newtons First
compression
Law)
- Newtons 3 laws of motion
5.1o Kinetic friction is a force that opposes motion. - Law of inertia
(Force of Friction) - Relationship between
force and acceleration:
5.1q According to Newtons Third Law, forces occur concept, mathematics,
in action/reaction pairs. When one object exerts a force verify Newtons
on a second, the second exerts a force on the first that second law for linear
is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. motion, verify
(Newtons 3rd Law) Newtons second law
for uniform circular
motion
- Newtons 3rd law
- Work: conceptual and
equations
- Power: conceptual and
equations

Enduring Understandings: Summative: Formative:

Students will be able to further explain object's motion Unit Exam Daily Exit Tickets
and how objects interact with each other. Entrance Ticket

Unit 4: Universal Law of Gravitation/ Momentum and # of days: 10 days

Impulse

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support the - Momentum
claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is - Law of conservation How can I describe and
conserved when there is not net force acting on the system - Conceptual predict the motion of
- Equations objects?
HS-PS2-3 Apply scientific and engineering ideas to - Impulse
design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the - The simple pendulum Do objects have an
force on a macroscopic object during a collision - Conservation of underlying pull on one
momentum another?
5.1p The impulse imparted to an object causes a change in
- Factors that affect
its momentum
the period of a
5.1r Momentum is conserved in a closed system. pendulum
- Newtons Universal Law of
HS-PS2-4 Use mathematical representations of Newtons Gravitation
Law of Gravitation to describe and predict the - Historical
gravitational forces between objects development of the
concept of
5.1l Weight is the gravitational force with which a planet
Gravitational force
attracts a mass*. The mass of an object is independent of
- Gravitational field strength
the gravitational field in which it is located.
- Describe and
calculate
- Dependent on
masses and distance
- Weight: concept and
calculate

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative

Students will synthesize the different ways to describe an Motion project: Helmet/ impact Daily Exit Tickets
object in motion. safety device creation Entrance Tickets

Students will apply their knowledge of momentum, forces,

and motion in order to design a protective device.

Students will understand that all objects have a slight pull

on one another.

Students will understand why gravity works.

Unit 5: Work and Power/ Energy # of days: 12 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS3-1 Create a computational model to calculate the - Work and Energy
change in energy of one component in a system when the - Work Why is energy never
change in energy of the other component and energy - Power: compare the created nor destroyed?
flows in and out of the system are known (thermal, power developed
kinetic, potential energy) when the same work What does it mean to do
is done at different work?
HS-PS3-2 Develop and use models to illustrate that rates
energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a - Forms of energy
combination of energy associated with the motion of
particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative - Observe and explain How do the different types
position of particles (objects)- (Kinetic Thermal, energy conversions of energy interact with
potential energy) in real world each o ther?
situations
HS-PS3-3 Design, build, and refine a device that works - Recognize and
within given constraints to convert one form of energy describe
into another form of energy (Kinetic Potential- Rube conversions among
goldberg device) different forms of
energy in real or
4.1a All energy transfers are governed by the law of
hypothetical devices
conservation of energy.*
such as a motor,
4.1c Potential energy is the energy an object possesses by generator, a
virtue of its position or condition. Types of potential photocell, a battery
energy include gravitational* and elastic*. - Potential and Kinetic
Energy
4.1d Kinetic energy* is the energy an object possesses by - Calculate
virtue of its motion. - Examples
- Transformations:
4.1e In an ideal mechanical system, the sum of the
rollercoaster, spring,
macroscopic kinetic and potential energies (mechanical
free falling,
energy) is constant.*
pendulum
4.1f In a nonideal mechanical system, as mechanical - Work Energy Relationship
energy decreases there is a corresponding increase in - Conservation
other energies such as internal energy.* - Work energy
theorem
4.1g When work is done on or by a system, there is a - Rollercoaster
change in the total energy* of the system. - Elastic Potential Energy:
Springs
4.1h Work done against friction results in an increase in
- Hookes Law
the internal energy of the system.
- Springs: spring
4.1i Power is the time-rate at which work is done or constant, energy
energy is expended. stored in a spring,
predict velocities,
heights and spring
compressions based
on energy
conservation

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Student will be able to explain where the different forms Unit Exam Daily Exit Tickets
of energy are present in their lives and how there is an Roller Coaster Project
ongoing transfer of energy constantly happening around
them.

Unit 6: Thermodynamics # of days: 5 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:
HS-PS3-3 Design, build, and refine a device that works - Macroscopic properties of
within given constraints to convert one form of energy thermodynamic system How do the different types
into another form of energy (solar cells, solar ovens, - Temp., specific of energy interact with
generators) heat, and pressure each other?
are related to
HS-PS3-4 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide molecular level of
evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two matter
components of different temperature are combined within - Potential and kinetic
a closed system results in a more uniform energy energy of atoms
distribution among the components in the system (second - Conduction, convection and
law of thermodynamics) radiation
- Everyday examples that
4.1b Energy may be converted among mechanical,
demonstrate the laws of
electromagnetic, nuclear, and thermal forms.
thermodynamics:
- Law of conservation
of energy
- Law of entropy

Enduring understanding Summative: Formative:

Student will be able to explain where the different forms Unit Exam Daily Exit Tickets
of energy are present in their lives and how there is an Entrance Tickets
ongoing transfer of energy constantly happening around
them.

Unit 7: Waves # of days: 8 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to support a - Parts of a wave
claim regarding relationships among the frequency, - Frequency How do waves interact
wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various - Wavelength with each other and the
media - Crest surrounding environment
- Trough to form the way we see,
HS-PS4-5 Communicate technical information about - Amplitude hear and feel the world
how some technological devices use the principles of - Period around us?
wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to - Phase
transmit and capture information and energy - Speed of a wave
- Technological device
4.3a An oscillating system produces waves. The nature of
application
the system determines the type of wave produced.
- Oscillation: different types
4.3b Waves carry energy and information without - Longitudinal vs transverse
transferring mass. This energy may be carried by pulses - How waves carry energy:
or periodic waves. pulses or periodic waves
- How do waves travel:
4.3d Mechanical waves require a material medium medium vs no medium
through which to travel.
Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:
Students will understand how waves are a part of their Unit Exam Daily Exit Tickets
world and the basics behind how waves move. Entrance Tickets

Students will be able to apply their general knowledge of

waves to the following units relating to light waves,
sound waves and nuclear chemistry.

Unit 8: Light Waves # of days: 11 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

4.3e Waves are categorized by the direction in which - Transverse: how do particles
particles in a medium vibrate about an equilibrium vibrate How do waves interact
position relative to the direction of propagation of the - Reflection: when a wave with each other and the
wave, such as transverse waves. strikes a boundary surrounding environment
- Refraction: when a wave to form the way we see,
4.3h When a wave strikes a boundary between two moves from one medium hear and feel the world
media, reflection, transmission, and absorption occur. A into another around us?
transmitted wave may be refracted - Angle of
refraction/incidence
4.3i When a wave moves from one medium into another,
- Indices of refraction
the wave may refract due to a change in speed. The
- Absolute index of
angle of refraction (measured with respect to the normal)
refraction
depends on the angle of incidence and the properties of
- Speed of a wave
the media (indices of refraction).
- Diffractions: when waves
4.3j The absolute index of refraction is inversely pass by obstacles or through
proportional to the speed of a wave. openings
- Interference: when waves
4.3l Diffraction occurs when waves pass by obstacles or meet what happens
through openings. The wavelength of the incident wave
and the size of the obstacle or opening affect how the
wave spreads out.

4.3m When waves of a similar nature meet, the resulting

interference may be explained using the principle of
superposition. Standing waves are a special case of
interference.

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Students will understand the different behaviors of light Unit Exam Daily Exit Tickets
waves and the real life examples of these behaviors. Laser obstacle course project Entrance tickets
Unit 9: Sound Waves # of days: 5 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

4.3e Waves are categorized by the direction in which - Longitudinal waves: how do
particles in a medium vibrate about an equilibrium they move How do waves interact
position relative to the direction of propagation of the - Resonance: music with each other and the
wave, such as longitudinal waves. application surrounding environment
- Reflection and refraction of
to form the way we see,
4.3f Resonance occurs when energy is transferred to a sound waves
hear and feel the world
system at its natural frequency. - Diffraction and Interference
of sound waves around us?
4.3h When a wave strikes a boundary between two - Doppler Effect
media, reflection*, transmission, and absorption occur.
A transmitted wave may be refracted

4.3i When a wave moves from one medium into

another, the wave may refract due to a change in speed.
The angle of refraction (measured with respect to the
normal) depends on the angle of incidence and the
properties of the media (indices of refraction).

4.3m When waves of a similar nature meet, the resulting

interference may be explained using the principle of
superposition. Standing waves are a special case of
interference.

4.3n When a wave source and an observer are in relative

motion, the observed frequency of the waves traveling
between them is shifted (Doppler effect).

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Students will understand the different behaviors of Project with music?- need to flush Daily Exit Tickets
sound waves and the real life examples of these this out more Entrance Tickets
behaviors.

Students will be able to distinguish between how the

behaviors of light propagate differently in longitudinal
vs transverse waves.

Unit 10: Electrostatics # of days: 3 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS2-4 Use mathematical representations of Coulombs - Coulombs law
Law to describe and predict the electrostatic forces - Equation How do electric devices
between objects - Concept function at a microscopic
- Energy associated with and microscopic level?
HS-PS3-2 Develop and use models to illustrate that energy the relative position of
at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a particles
combination of energy associated with the motion of
 particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative - Two objects interacting
position of particles (objects)- (Energy stored between two through electric fields
electrically charged plates) - Size of particle
- Distance between
HS-PS3-5 Develop and use a model of two objects particles
interacting through electric fields to illustrate the forces - Positive vs negative
between objects and changes in energy due to the charged particles and
interaction their interactions

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Student will understand how electric charges interact with Quiz Daily Exit Tickets
each other in order to apply this logic to the circuits and Entrance Tickets
electromagnetism units.

Unit 11: Circuits # of days: 14 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS4-2 Evaluate questions about the advantages of - Digital technology and How do electric devices
using a digital transmission and storage of information storage of information: function at a microscopic
ethics and how does it and microscopic level?
4.1l All materials display a range of conductivity. At happen
constant temperature, common metallic conductors - Conductivity of objects
obey Ohms Law. - Ohms law
- Factors that affect
4.1m The factors affecting resistance in a conductor
resistance:
are length, cross-sectional area, temperature, and
- Length
resistivity.
- Cross sectional area
4.1n A circuit is a closed path in which a current can - Temperature
exist. (Note: Use conventional current.) - Resistivity
- What is a circuit?
4.1o Circuit components may be connected in series or - Current
in parallel. Schematic diagrams are used to represent - Resistance
circuits and circuit elements. - Voltage
- Series Circuit: resistance,
4.1p Electrical power and energy can be determined
current, voltage
for electric circuits.
- Parallel circuit: resistance,
current, voltage
- Combination circuit:
resistance, current, voltage
- Electrical Power
- Electrical energy

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Students will be able to articulate how electronic Unit Exam Entrance Ticket
devices are able to function using different circuits. Combined Circuit Exemplar Daily Exit Tickets

Students will be able to distinguish between the

different types of circuit and how they interact with
each other.

Unit 12: Electromagnetism # of days: 9 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

HS-PS2-5 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide - What is an electromagnet?
evidence that an electric current can produce a - What produces a magnetic How do electric devices
magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can field? function at a microscopic
produce an electric current - Electromagnetic radiation as and microscopic level?
a wave or a particle
HS-PS3-5 Develop and use a model of two objects
- Effects that different
interacting through magnetic fields to illustrate the
frequencies of
forces between objects and changes in energy due to
electromagnetic radiation
the interaction
have when absorbed by
HS-PS4-3 Evaluate the claims, evidence and reasoning matter
behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be - Energy transfer from
described either by a wave model or a particle model, electric to magnetic fields
and that for some situations one model is more useful - How are magnetic fields
than the other produced from electric
charges
HS-PS4-4 Evaluate the validity and reliability of - How are electric fields
claims in published materials of the effects that produced from magnets
different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have - Frequency of
when absorbed by matter electromagnetic radiation

4.1j Energy may be stored in electric or magnetic

fields. This energy may be transferred through
conductors or space and may be converted to other
forms of energy.

4.1k Moving electric charges produce magnetic fields.

The relative motion between a conductor and a
magnetic field may produce a potential difference in
the conductor.

4.3g Electromagnetic radiation exhibits wave

characteristics. Electromagnetic waves can propagate
through a vacuum.

4.3k All frequencies of electromagnetic radiation travel

at the same speed in a vacuum.

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Unit Exam Entrance Tickets
Students will be able to articulate how electricity and Make your own electromagnet Daily Exit Tickets
magnetism interact to help machines function in simple machine
efficient manners.
Unit 13: Nuclear Physics # of days: 12 days

Standards: Key Topics: Essential Question:

5.3a States of matter and energy are restricted to - States of matter quantized
discrete values (quantized). - Charge quantity: atomic How is physics still being
level, subnuclear level explored today?
5.3b Charge is quantized on two levels. On the atomic - Atomic level: what are
level, charge is restricted to multiples of the elementary
photons? What is understood about
charge (charge on the electron or proton). On the
- Frequency and the subatomic level of
subnuclear level, charge appears as f ractional values of
the elementary charge (quarks). energy of photon energy in the world of
- Energy and matter physics?
5.3c On the atomic level, energy is emitted or exhibit properties of
absorbed in discrete packets called photons both waves and
particles
5.3d The energy of a photon is proportional to its - Mass-energy and charge
frequency. conservation
- Standard Model of Particle
5.3e On the atomic level, energy and matter exhibit the
Physics
characteristics of both waves and particles.
- Behaviors and
5.3f Among other things, mass-energy and charge are characteristics of matter
conserved at all levels (from subnuclear to cosmic). - Fundamental source of all
energy
5.3g The Standard Model of Particle Physics has
evolved from previous attempts to explain the nature of
the atom and states that: - atomic particles are
composed of subnuclear particles the nucleus is a
conglomeration of quarks which manifest themselves
as protons and neutrons each elementary particle has
a corresponding antiparticle
5.3h Behaviors and characteristics of matter, from the
microscopic to the cosmic levels, are manifestations of
its atomic structure. The macroscopic characteristics of
matter, such as electrical and optical properties, are the
result of microscopic interactions.

5.3i The total of the fundamental interactions is

responsible for the appearance and behavior of the
objects in the universe.

5.3j The fundamental source of all energy in the

universe is the conversion of mass into energy.

Enduring Understanding: Summative: Formative:

Students will explore the complex physics phenomena Pick your Physics Phenomena Entrance Tickets
and dive deeper into how these theories have been Project Daily Exit Tickets
created.
Students will understand that science is an ever
expanding topic and that there are still many
unanswered questions.