Warwick School District

Course Description

This course seeks to build a student’s understanding of the physical relationships between matter, energy, space, and time through the exploration of observed phenomena using scientific methods in a collaborative environment. Students will study linear and circular motion, forces, energy, momentum, and select other topics while completing a variety of labs and projects. Students should anticipate a significant, yet practical, application of their mathematical abilities.

Core Curriculum Content Standards

Sci & Tech - Physical Sciences: Chemistry and Physics (2009-2012)

• Sci & Tech - Physics

• GRADE 12

• -Examine the status of existing theories. -Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes. -Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions. -Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions, or advance a solution. -Communicate and defend a scientific argument.(3.2.12.B7)

• PHYSICS

• Differentiate among translational motion, simple harmonic motion, and rotational motion in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration. Use force and mass to explain translational motion or simple harmonic motion of objects. Relate torque and rotational inertia to explain rotational motion.(3.2.P.B1)
• Explain the translation and simple harmonic motion of objects using conservation of energy and conservation of momentum. Describe the rotational motion of objects using the conservation of energy and conservation of angular momentum. Explain how gravitational, electrical, and magnetic forces and torques give rise to rotational motion.(3.2.P.B2)
• -Compare and contrast scientific theories. -Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists to study the natural world and universe. -Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. -Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence. -Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models. -Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in making valid measurements. -Examine the status of existing theories. -Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes. -Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions. -Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions, or advance a solution. -Communicate and defend a scientific argument.(3.2.P.B7)

Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (2023)

• Physical Science

• Grades 9-12

• Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.(3.2.9-12.I)
• Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects).(3.2.9-12.P)
• Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.(3.2.9-12.S)
• Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.(3.2.9-12.T)
• Evaluate questions about the advantages of using digital transmission and storage of information.(3.2.9-12.U)
• Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.(3.2.9-12.V)
• Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter.(3.2.9-12.W)
• Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.(3.2.9-12.X)

• Technology & Engineering

• Grades 9-12

• Analyze and use relevant and appropriate design thinking processes to solve technological and engineering problems.(3.5.9-12.N)
• Apply appropriate design thinking processes to diagnose, adjust, and repair systems to ensure precise, safe, and proper functionality.(3.5.9-12.O)
• Apply a broad range of design skills to a design thinking process.(3.5.9-12.P)
• Implement and critique principles, elements, and factors of design.(3.5.9-12.Q)
• Optimize a design by addressing desired qualities within criteria and constraints while considering trade-offs.(3.5.9-12.W)
• Troubleshoot and improve a flawed system embedded within a larger technological, social, or environmental system.(3.5.9-12.MM)

Units

Unit #1 - Scientific Thinking in Experimental Settings

Unit #2 - Kinematics in 1 Dimension

Unit #3 - Kinematics in 2 Dimensions

Unit #4 - Forces

Unit #5 - Circular Motion

Unit #6 - Work and Energy

Unit #7 - Linear Momentum

Unit #8 - Waves and Sound

Unit #9 - Electricity & Circuits

Unit #10 - Light and Optics