Course Description

This course will introduce you to Physics principles, concepts, and terminology. Physics is the study of the physical world. It can be described as the fundamental science.

The goal of physics is to use basic concepts, equations and assumptions to describe the physical world. The products of these descriptions form the foundation for predictions about a wide range of phenomena.

Many of the inventions, appliances and tools we live with currently were developed from physics predictions and the application of physics principles.

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Course Objectives

After completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Engage in full and partial scientific inquiries to design, conduct, and communicate scientific investigations to explore ideas about the natural world.
2. Use scientific inquiry to design and conduct scientific investigations to meet a human need, make a decision, solve a human problem, or develop a product.
3. Recognize and describe the interrelationship between science and technology.
4. Apply the tools of technology (e.g., computers) in scientific endeavors.
5. Identify qualities inherent in scientific behavior (e.g., reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity).
6. Discuss contributions of men and women of various social and ethnic backgrounds to science and technology.
7. Apply science concepts to make decisions (weighing risks and benefits) about students’ personal health and well-being.
8. Understand the principles of motion and force.
9. Apply principles of conservation of energy and describe the associated increase in disorder.
10. Relate the interactions between matter and energy.

DoDEA Physics Standards may be viewed by clicking the link.

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Course Outline

• Language of Physics
• Velocity
• Acceleration
• Forces and Vectors
• Motion in 2 Dimensions
• Linear Momentum/Impulse
• Work, Power & Energy
• Nuclear and Modern Physics
• Wave Properties
• Sound
• Light
• Electrostatics and Electrical Current
• Series and Parallel Circuits
• Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
• Fluid and Mechanics
• Thermodynamics

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Required Textbook

The textbook for the course is Holt Physics, authored by Serway and Faughn and published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston (2004).