Physics
Spring 2013 C.E.
4th 6-WeeksIn this 6-weeks, students will be introduced to Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics,. We wil wind up the 6-weeks with applications for the classical wave concepts (both Mechanical and Electromagnetic).
Physicists in academia, industry, and government do more than just work physics problems. Engineers and physicists utilize physics principles to create devices and ideas of benefit to society. The study of waves will be expanded to include light and geometric optics followed by Week 1-3: Thermodynamics In these lessons we will look at how matter reacts with changing temperature, how thermal energy moves.how thermal energy is controlled and utilized, and the limitations of using thermal energy to do work. Students will examine thermal systems through the lens of conservation of energy and relate the molecular behavior of a substance to its thermodynamic properties. Week 3-4: Waves and their Characteristics This lesson examines classical wave properties, including how they are created (vibrating objects), how they are characterized (wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc.), how they propagate and interact with different media (speed, reflection, refraction...), and also how waves behave (diffraction, interference). This lesson illustrates the “wave properties” common to all waves and uses sound and light as primary examples. The project for this unit is Palm Pipes and a Presentation of the various applications of the classical wave concepts such as sonograms, seismology, radar technology, etc.. P.S. Interesting site regarding application of all this:Planetary Harmonics and Neurological Resonances Wk 4- 6: Electromagnetic Waves Students will need to be able to hit a target using mirrors and a laser for this unit. |
5th 6-weeks
Week 1-3: Electrostatics - Forces, Fields, and Energy
We begin with a study of the concepts of electric charges and their interaction with matter. These are concepts that allow us to understand electrical forces, fields and energy. They form the foundation for our study of current electricity, magnetism, and atomic theory. This lesson examines how objects are charged and how this relates to electrostatic forces, fields, and energy. Students will investigate how make a fork rotate, bend water, and use an aluminum can as as electroscope, among other things. As students move into a study of the Coulomb Force, Electrostatic Fields and Energy, they will apply their problem solving skills to real life situations. Students will then have the background required to begin their study of current electricity and electromagnetism. Week 3-5: Current Electricity and Circuits In this unit students will become familiar with current, voltage and resistance. They will be able to discuss what is necessary to light a light bulb, what causes a current to flow through a circuit, the role of a battery, the pros and cons of series and parallel circuits, etc. Student will apply their knowledge of electricity and circuits to electrical safety as they investigate such issues as what it is that kills you - current or voltage, why have a fuse breaker, etc.Students will demonstrate their understanding of series, parallel, and combined circuits by building and presenting an electric "house" explaining its operation using schematic diagrams and Ohm's Law. Week 5-6: Magnetic Fields: Sources, Characteristics, and Interactions This lesson examines how the magnetic field is created from both permanent magnets as well as electrical currents. Students will see the connection between the magnetic fields produced by moving charges and the forces acting on moving charges as they move through static magnetic fields. Thus the student will see the connection between electricity and magnetism and why it is called Electromagnetism. Students will begin this lesson by building a motor. In this 6-weeks, students will be introduced to applications for the classical wave concepts. Physicists in academia, industry, and government do more than just work physics problems. Engineers and physicists utilize physics principles to create devices and ideas of benefit to society. The study of waves will be expanded to include light and geometric optics followed by |
6th 6-weeksWe close the school year by finishing up any Light an Optics left over from the 5th 6-Weeks, a bit of Relativity
( where the age old answer to aging is found along with every females goal of loosing body mass is available), and, finally, a scooch of Quantum Mechanics (a land where perpetual machines actually exist!) ... not to mention The Rube Goldburg Machine that will be used to bring together all we have learned this year! |