Course Syllabus Honors Physics I/Physics I

Prerequisites: Algebra 2, Geometry, Chemistry

Text: Holt Physics (2010)

Required Materials: binder, pen/pencil,graphing calculator

Course Outline:

First Quarter Topics:

Topic 1:            Vectors and Scalars, Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities

Topic 2:            Speed, Velocity and Constant Acceleration, use of kinematic equations

Topic 3:            Projectile motion, resolve vectors into their components

Topic 4:            Interpret and apply Newton’s first and second motion

Topic 5:            Use a free body diagram to show forces acting on a body

Student Objectives:

• Should be able to distinguish between scalar and vector quantities
• Resolve vectors into components by using trigonometry (sine and cosine functions)
• Describe motion in terms of displacement, time and velocity
• Use the kinematic equations to solve motion problems
• Resolve vectors into their components and apply the kinematic equations to solve problems involving projectile motion.
• Determine the net external force on an object through the construction of free body diagrams
• Describe the acceleration of an object in terms of its mass and the net external force acting on it.

Assessments:

• Tests/Quizzes
• Lab Reports
• Research Project
• Collins:

 

 

 

Laboratory Experiments

Vector addition lab

Measuring time and motion

Projectile motion

Acceleration due to gravity

Forces on an incline plane

 

Grading:

• Tests
• Projects
• Collins
• Quizzes
• Homework
• Classwork
• Labs

Second Quarter Topics:

Topic 1:            Interpret and apply Newton’s third law of motion.

Topic 2:            Understand Newton’s law of universal gravitation.

Topic 3:            Understand the law of conservation energy and momentum.

Topic 4:            Understand Potential and Kinetic energy.

Topic 5:            Understand the relationship between energy, work and power.

 

Student Objectives:

• Should be able to explain how forces exist in pairs.
• Apply Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation to find gravitational forces between two masses.
• Compare and contrast Kepler’s laws of planetary motion to Newton’s law of Universal Gravitation.
• Describe the relationship between work, energy and power.
• Distinguish between Kinetic and Potential energy.
• Calculate the net work done when many forces are applied to an object.
• Compare the momentum of different changing objects and describe the change of momentum in terms of force and time.

Assessments:

• Tests/Quizzes
• Lab Reports
• Research Project
• Collins: