Introduction to Physics

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will design and conduct scientific investigations Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations Use appropriate tools, technology, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data Organize and maintain a journal showing all phases of investigations Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence and logic Use mathematics to explain, interpret, and improve investigations and communications Construct logical relationships between evidence and explanations Identify and analyze alternative explanations, models, and predictions Demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry Use fair test procedures
Students will communicate scientific procedures and explanations Demonstrate effective methods to organize and display scientific concepts Present investigative procedures and results to others verbally, graphically, and in writing Communicate science concepts accurately and clearly, using scientific vocabulary

B. PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONTENT

Students will apply the principles of motions and forces Investigate interactions portraying Newton's Laws Explore examples of the Law of Universal Gravitation Explain basic principles of kinematics applied to human performance Analyze the principles of dynamics as applied to transportation Determine how electricity is used in home, industry, and the community Explain how simple machines and theories are used in the design of complex devices (examples: screws, levers, pulleys)
Students will apply principles related to the conservation of energy and describe the associated increase in disorder Explore methods of electricity generation, efficiency, and transfer Conduct investigations demonstrating principles of thermal energy in design Demonstrate potential, kinetic energy, and energy in a field
Students will explain the interactions between matter and energy Investigate wave characteristics Investigate the nature of light and sound Distinguish between a mechanical wave and light Apply basic principles of sound to listening environments and other everyday experiences Apply principles of geometric optics to modern applications and everyday experiences Explore applications of transverse and longitudinal waves Explain the characteristics of radioactive materials

C. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will demonstrate abilities of technological design Design and build conceptual or physical models of a technology for an identified problem in physics (example: circuits using modern electronic components) Evaluate outcomes based on selected criteria and possible consequences Communicate the nature of the problem, processes used, and solutions
Student will understand the interdependence of science and technology Document scientific investigations that require coordination and interaction among several different disciplines Summarize how new technologies often extend scientific knowledge Evaluate the impact of new technologies Determine how creativity, imagination, and knowledge are required in developing new theories and devices in science and technology

D. SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

Students will understand the need for personal and community health Model appropriate laboratory techniques, procedures, and behaviors Apply the laws of dynamics to transportation safety

Students will evaluate factors related to physics that impact on community and quality of life Analyze the application of appropriate technology to environmental hazards and future development
Students will develop an understanding of human induced hazards Assess real and perceived problems associated with emerging technology
Students will integrate science and technology in local, national, and global challenges Determine benefits and costs required to develop new technologies Evaluate the social, economic, and political impact of current research in physics and technology

E. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students will know that the human dimensions of science provides a context for scientific knowledge Research examples of current science projects that are conducted by individuals in the field as well as by teams Examine the ethical considerations of using new technologies (example: fusion in weaponry versus domestic power production) Use peer review as part of the laboratory experience Identify societal issues that are related to physics (examples: effects of electromagnetic radiation associated with high tension power lines, color televisions, microwave transmitters) Investigate science careers in engineering, lasers, and other related fields
Students will understand that science is an explanation of the natural world through the use of empirical observations Contrast knowledge of the natural world that is personally useful and relevant but not scientific, with experimental or observational evidence Validate that scientific knowledge is constantly growing and changing
Students will understand that science builds on previous knowledge Explain ways that scientists share knowledge and build on the work of previous scientists Create a historic time line for the development of a physics-related topic and explain how the theory and concept changed (examples: Aristotelian, Newtonian, relativity)