science department

Physics

Physics 10

* Two semesters
* 1.0 credit
* Grade 10
* Degree of Difficulty: Regular
* Homework: Weekly, 2-3 hours
* Textbook: Physics by Raymond A. Serway and Jerry S. Faughn, 2002
* Scientific calculator required

This course provides an introduction to physics, concentrating on the application of physics in everyday life. The course is hands on, including experiments, where students formalize the scientific process, and projects. Topics include the use of measurement to describe the world around us, kinematics, forces, statics, waves and light, radioactivity, and energy. Projects include building a bridge, and building and programming robots. Students research significant inventions, scientists' contributions to understanding our world, and alternate sources of energy.

Required math skills include algebra, trigonometry, and vectors.

Students who complete this course can enroll in IB Physics Standard Level for their 11th and 12th grades.

IB Physics SL 1

* Two semesters
* 1.0 Credit
* Grade 11
* Degree of Difficulty: Hard
* Homework: Heavy
* Scientific calculator required
* Textbook: Physics by Douglas C. Giancoli, 5th edition

This course is the first year of a two year laboratory based program in physics, which both prepares students for the IB Physics Standard Level examination as well as college physics. While the course is non-calculus based, it is rigorous, and requires that students have or develop an ability to think analytically. Laboratories are performed approximately every two weeks. Topics include measurement, kinematics, forces, friction, mass and weight, momentum, work and energy, circular and orbital motion, statics, thermal physics, ideal gases, and traveling and standing waves.

Required math skills include algebra, trigonometry, and vectors. Calculus is not required.

Students wishing to take the AP-B examination in physics will require some additional outside preparation to study topics not covered in the IB curriculum.

IB Physics SL 2

* Two semesters
* 1.0 Credit
* Grade 12
* Degree of Difficulty: Hard
* Homework: Heavy
* Scientific calculator required
* Textbook: Physics by Douglas C. Giancoli, 5th edition

This course is the second year of a two-year laboratory based program in physics, which both prepares students for the IB Physics Standard Level examination as well as college physics. While the course is non-calculus based, it is rigorous, and requires that students have an ability to think analytically. Laboratories are performed approximately every two weeks. Topics include electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, and the Special Theory of Relativity.

Required math skills include algebra, trigonometry, and vectors. Calculus is not required.

Students completing this course may sit for the IB Physics Standard Level examination.