Regents Physics Syllabus
Room
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Mrs. LaBarbera
207
dlabarbera@vcmail.ouboces.org
http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us//Domain/248
TUE. – FRI.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The New York State course in Regents Physics is an excellent introduction to physics for the college bound
senior. Many students embark on their university career without knowing exactly what they want to study.
Taking physics in high school can open many doors for students who find that they want to major in a technical
area. Students who take high school physics can obviously expect to do far better in university physics courses
than those students who have not.
Taking a course in physics gives the student a stronger foundation in problem-solving strategies and critical
thinking. These are exactly the areas in which many universities and employers are complaining that candidates
are not skilled enough!
The Regents course is comprehensive in scope with each subject is treated with the proper depth for the
average student. Students are prepared for, and expected to take, the Regents Physics exam in June.
There are two prerequisites for this course. First, students should have completed Regents Biology, Regents
Earth Science and Regents Chemistry. Without previous science experience, it will be difficult to do well in this
class. Second, students should have completed two Regents Math exams. This course requires the
understanding of algebra and fundamental knowledge of geometry that you gain from your math class.
We meet every day for 40 minutes with an additional 40 minute lab period every-other day. At the completion of
this course students should have a strong conceptual understanding of required topic and be able to complete
all required physics laboratory experiments.
COURSE TOPICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The language of physics, math – review algebra, graphs, scientific notation, etc. topics.
Kinematics.
Mechanics
Momentum and Energy
Electricity and Magnetism
Vibration and Waves
Modern Physics
RESOURCES AND HELPFUL LINKS
Textbook - Holt Physics, by Raymond A Servway and Jerry Faughn,
http://www.nysedregents.org/physics/
http://www.sparknotes.com/physics/
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/
http://hyperphysics.phy-
http://www.launc.tased.edu.au/online/sciences/physics/t
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html#mechcon
utes1.html
http://webphysics.davidson.edu/physlet_resources/bu_
http://www.fearofphysics.com
semester1/index.html
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics
http://www.falstad.com/mathphysics.html
http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/stwaverefl.htm
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Regents Physics Syllabus
Mrs. LaBarbera
GRADING SYSTEM
Category
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Tests & Exams
Lab
60%
5%
40%
5%
60%
5%
60%
5%
Project/formal lab
5%
5%
5%
5%
Class work/ Participation
10%
10%
10%
10%
Homework
10%
10%
10%
10%
Quizzes
10%
10%
10%
10%
Midterm Exam
20%
Course Grade
Students will receive a course grade that is an average of their grade for each of the four quarters and
their score on the Regents Exam. Thus, each quarter and the Regents Exam will comprise 20% of the
final course grade.
Midterm
The physics department administers a district-wide midterm exam during "Midterm Week" in January.
This exam includes Regents level questions and will count for 20% of the student's second quarter
grade.
Tests and Exams
A test is a 25 point assessment with a blend of multiple choice and extended response questions. Tests
are typically given in the middle of a large unit of instruction. An exam is given at the end of each unit
and is a two part assessment. Part One of the assessment will consist of 25 multiple choice questions.
Part Two of the assessment will consist of 25 points worth of extended response questions. The two
parts of the exam carry equal weight to each other and to all other tests and exam parts given in the
same quarter. All tests are built using questions from past Regents exams and/or questions based
directly on Regents exam questions.
Lab
All labs will be documented in a personal lab-notebook which will be kept in the classroom. Students will
be required to complete at least 1200 minutes of lab (about 30 labs) time with a complete lab report in
order to pass the course.
Project/Formal Lab
One Project per quarter will be designated as a "formal lab". This project will be subjected to strict
grading criteria and will be important in teaching students how to produce high quality lab reports.
Class work / Participation
Class work includes any formal or informal assessment of student work or preparedness for class. Most
of the class work grades will consist of "Do Now's", "Exit Slips", and "Activities". Participation includes
attendance, attentiveness to tasks during class and ability to work well with others. Participation grade
heavily rewards effort on the part of the student.
Homework
Homework is assigned from your textbook or from the http://www.castlelearning.com website.
Homework is assigned everyday; it will take an average student about half an hour to complete.
Homework will be collected and graded daily. According to research, completion of homework in high
school produces a gain of about 24 percentile points.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given in the weeks in which no test is scheduled. They generally consist of five to fifteen
questions that directly reflect the questions assigned on previous homework.
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Regents Physics Syllabus
Mrs. LaBarbera
REQUIRED SUPPLIES




Lab notebook
Binder (suggested)
Protractor with ruler
calculator
CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT
1. No electronic devices are allowed during school.
2. Come to class on time. Standing outside the door and rushing in after the bell has begun to ring will
constitute a tardy. You must be INSIDE the door when it begins ringing to be counted on time. If you are on
time for five weeks, you will get one homework pass.
3. Begin do now activity within one minute after the second bell. Do now is part of participation grade.
4. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. I have been instructed not to give passes to lockers
and to limit passes, so please do not ask for a pass unless you have a true emergency. If you used less
than two passes for five weeks, you will get one homework pass.
5. Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up. Throw scraps away at the end of
the period on your way out.
6. Bring required materials every day. If you bring all you supplies for a quarter, you can get a quiz pass for
the quarter.
7. Talk only when permitted. Be aware of the situation since quiet talking is allowed in some situations and
speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be allowed in others. I will remind you once and
expect compliance.
8. Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable.
9. Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the student who
shares his work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies it will suffer the same
consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it.
10. Sign in when you are late or when you are back from a leave; Sign out when you leave the class.
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Regents Physics Syllabus
Mrs. LaBarbera
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Unit
Overview of Topics
Math Prep
A review of the various mathematical tools students will need
during the year. Students will get review in: algebra;
trigonometry; significant figures; scientific notation; graphing;
and unit conversions. There will be no tests in this unit,
however students will take a series of quizzes in the various
topics presented.
Motion of objects in one-dimension is described using words,
diagrams, numbers, graphs, and equations.
Motion in one dimension
Text
Chapters
# of
Weeks
1
Quiz
9/11
2
2
Test
9/25
2-D motion and vectors
Vector principles and operations are introduced and combined
with kinematics principles and Newton's laws to describe,
explain and analyze the motion of objects in two dimensions.
Applications include riverboat problems, projectiles, inclined
planes, and static equilibrium.
3
3
Unit
Exam
10/16
Forces and laws of
motion
Newton's three laws of motion are explained and everyday
forces are analyzed.
4
Rotational Motion and
Law of Gravity
Newton's laws of motion and kinematics principles are applied
to describe and explain the motion of objects moving in
circles; specific applications are made to roller coasters and
athletics. Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation is then
presented and utilized to explain the circular motion of planets
and satellites.
The impulse-momentum change theorem and the law of
conservation of momentum are introduced, explained and
applied to the analysis of collisions of objects.
7
3.5
Test
11/9
1
Unit
Exam
11/20
6
2
Test
12/21
Work and Energy
Concepts of work, kinetic energy and potential energy are
discussed; these concepts are combined with the work-energy
theorem to provide a convenient means of analyzing an object
or system of objects moving between an initial and final state.
5
3
Unit
Exam
1/15
Mid term review and test
Review the previous 7 topics
2-7
0.5
Momentum and
Collisions
4
Regents Physics Syllabus
Electric forces and fields
Current and resistance
Electric circuits and
Magnetism
Mechanical waves /Sound
waves
Electromagnetic waves Light waves, Reflection
and refraction of light
Modern physics
Final review
Mrs. LaBarbera
Basic principles of electrostatics are introduced in order to
explain how objects become charged and to describe the
effect of those charges on other objects in the neighboring
surroundings. Charging methods, electric field lines and the
importance of lightning rods on homes are among the topics
discussed in this unit.
The flow of charge through electric circuits is discussed in
detail. The variables which cause and hinder the rate of
charge flow are explained. The mathematical application of
electrical principles to series, parallel and combination circuits
is presented. Magnets and magnetic fields are discussed.
The nature, properties and behaviors of waves are discussed
and illustrated; the unique nature of a standing wave is
introduced and explained. The nature of sound as a
longitudinal, mechanical pressure wave is explained and the
properties of sound are discussed. Wave principles of
resonance and standing waves are applied in an effort to
analyze the physics of musical instruments.
The behavior of light waves is introduced and discussed;
polarization, diffraction and interference are introduced as
supporting evidence of the wave nature of light. The ray
nature of light is used to explain how light reflects off of a plain
mirror to produce virtual images; how light refracts at planar
surfaces; Snell's law and refraction principles are used to
explain a variety of real-world phenomena;
E = h∙λ is used to explain the duality of energy and matter.
Model of atoms is introduced and is used to explain the atomic
spectra. Mass-energy relationship is presented and standard
model of particle physics is described.
Review of all topics
17, 18
2.5
Test
2/12
19, 20,
21
4.5
Unit
Exam
3/22
12, 13
2.5
Test
4/19
14, 15,16
2
Unit
Exam
5/3
23
1.5
Unit
Exam
5/17
1-7; 1221, 23
3
Regents Exam
5
Regents Physics Syllabus
Mrs. LaBarbera
Probable Labs
We will complete at least 20 of the following labs. Each lab will conclude with a lab report that includes a Title, a
Purpose, a Data section, and a Conclusion. The reports are kept in a notebook in the classroom. New York
State board of education may ask to see this portfolio, so it is important that you work hard on your labs.
chapter
Lab Title
Brief Description
The circle lab
Determine the relationship between diameter and circumference of a
circle.
Estimation lab
Determine the thickness and the mass of a loose-leaf paper –
Explore the use of prefixes.
Discovery lab Motion
Observe objects moving at a constant speed and objects moving
with changing speed. Graph the relationships between distance and
time for moving objects. Interpret graphs relating distance and time
for moving objects.
Graph Matching
Predict, Sketch and test velocity-time graphs of a described motion.
Project 1:
Race car
construction
Construct a model car to meet assigned criteria. Use concepts in
physics to measure the performance of the car.
Quick Lab: Time
interval of freefall
Determine your reaction time using kinematics equations
Measuring time and
motion
Measuring motion in terms of the change in distance during a period
of the timer or motion detector.
Free fall (picket
fence)
Determine the acceleration of gravity using photo gates, picket
fences and the logger pro program.
Discovery lab Vector Treasure Hunt
Create a series of directions that lead to a specific object. Follow
directions to locate a specific object. Develop a standard notation for
writing direction symbols. Generate a scale map.
Quick Lab: Projectile
motion
Determine all projectiles has the same vertical acceleration
Math Prep
Motion in one
dimension
2-D motion
and
vectors
Velocity of a
projectile
Projectile
Projectile simulation
lab
Measure the velocity of projectiles in terms of the horizontal
displacement during free fall. Compare the velocity and acceleration
of projectiles accelerated down different inclined plane.
Develop a model that can be used to simulate a car driving off a cliff
on a movie set. Analyze the relationship between the horizontal
velocity and impact point of a projectile, using this model. Evaluate
the assumptions made by the model. • Predict the velocity required
for the car to land at the targeted spot on the beach.
Determine the initial speed and the angle of the projectile so that it
will hit the target using the PHeT simulation.
6
Regents Physics Syllabus
Discovering Newton’s
Laws
Quick Lab: Forced
and change in motion
Quick Lab: Inertia
Force and
Acceleration
Forces and
laws of
motion
Invention Lab:
Testing Material
Static and Kinetic
Friction
Air Resistance
Discovery Lab:
Circular motion
Circular
Motion and
The Law of
Gravity
Explore the factors that cause a change in motion of an object.
Identify the forces that caused change in motion
Determine the relationship between mass and inertia
Determine the relationship between force, mass and acceleration
using force sensors, logger pro program
Determine the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a variety of
surfaces. Classify materials according to coefficients of friction.
Compare the coefficients of static friction to the coefficients of kinetic
friction.
Develop a method for determining coefficients of static and kinetic
friction for shoes on roofing material. Measure forces of static and
kinetic friction using a force sensor. Determine if forces of friction or
coefficients of friction depend on weight. Recommend shoes that are
suitable for people working on roofs.
Develop a physical model that simulates an object falling with a
parachute. Analyze the relationship between mass and terminal
speed of a falling object using data from the model. Evaluate two
mathematical models relating air resistance to terminal speed using
data generated in the simulation. Calculate an air resistance factor
for the model. Predict the required air resistance factor for the
parachute and the maximum allowable load for the drop.
Distinguish between forces required to hold a variety of masses in a
horizontal circular path moving at several speeds. Compare the
circular motion of masses to the linear motion of masses. Discover
the relationship between mass, speed, and the force that maintains
circular motion.
Quick Lab: Radian
and Arc length
Verify Circumference = 2π (radian)
Centripetal
Acceleration
Develop a model to measure acceleration using a turntable.
Determine the relationship between centripetal acceleration, radius,
and angular velocity using the model. Calculate the radius and
angular velocity to be used in new amusement park rides based on
your data.
Circular Motion
Phet-gravity force lab
Project 2:
Egg Drop
Momentum
and Collision
Mrs. LaBarbera
Conservation of
Momentum
Quick Lab: Elastic
and Inelastic
collisions
Examine the relationship between the force that maintains circular
motion, the radius, and the tangential speed of a whirling object.
To determine the effect of separation distance, object mass and
planet mass upon the gravitational force of attraction between an
object and a planet.
Construct a contraption to satisfy assigned criteria
Measure the mass and velocity of two carts. Calculate momentum of
each cart. Verify the law of conservation of momentum.
To compare kinetic energy before and after collision for a brand new
tennis ball and an old tennis ball.
7
Regents Physics Syllabus
Loss of Mechanical
Energy
Work, Energy,
Power
Exploring Work and
Energy
Measure the change in the kinetic and potential energy as a ball
moves up and down in free fall. Graph potential energy, kinetic
energy, and total energy. Analyze the graph to determine how
much kinetic energy is lost. Reach conclusions regarding the
amount of energy possessed by the volleyball as it fell in the
neighbor’s driveway.
Measure the force required to move a mass over a certain
distance using different methods. Compare the force required to
move different masses over different time intervals.
Quick Lab: Mechanical
energy
To conclude that energy can be transferred, but energy is
conserved.
Conservation of
mechanical energy
Determine spring constant of a spring. Calculate elastic potential
energy. Calculate gravitational potential energy. Determine
whether mechanical energy is conserved in an oscillating spring.
Discovery lab:
Charges and
Electrostatics
Stations lab
Static Electricity
Mrs. LaBarbera
Project 3:
Levitating Toys
Electric Field
Simulation
Coulomb's Law Lab
Electric Field Lines
Lab
Discovery lab:
Resistors and Current
Investigating
Resistance
Discovery Lab:
Exploring Circuit
Elements
Current
Electricity
Quick Lab: Simple
Circuits
Quick Lab: Series and
Parallel Circuits
Resistors in Series and
in parallel
Discover the electrical properties of metallic and nonmetallic
objects. Construct an electroscope and investigate how it works.
Observe forces between charged and uncharged objects.
To charge a variety of materials by rubbing them together and to
examine their interactions with a positive, negative and neutral
object in order to rank the materials according to their relative
affinity for electrons.
Use appropriate lab safety procedures. Design and implement
procedure. Manipulate electrostatic field forces to cause objects
to levitate.
To identify the variables which do and do not affect the strength
of the electric field intensity at a given location surrounding a
source of charge?
To use Coulomb's law and vector principles to determine the
number of electrons which are transferred to a balloon as the
result of 10 average-strength rubs on animal fur.
To describe the nature of the electric field line pattern in the
space surrounding a positive charge, a negative charge and a
configuration of two or more charges.
To determine the mathematical relationship (i.e., equation)
relating the voltage, current and resistance in a simple circuit
Determine the resistance of conductors using the definition of
resistance. Explore the relationship between length, diameter,
material, and the resistance of a conductor.
Construct circuits using different combinations of bulbs,
batteries, and wires. Observe the effects of an electric current.
Compare your observations from different trials to discover how
relationships are affected by changing one or more variables.
Classify and analyze your observations.
Explain exactly which parts of the bulb, battery, and wire must be
connected for the light bulb to produce light.
Construct series and parallel circuit with drinking straws
Measure current in the potential difference across resistors in
series and in parallel. Find unknown resistance of two resistors.
Calculate equivalent resistance. Analyze the relationship
between potential difference, current, and resistance in a circuit.
8
Regents Physics Syllabus
Discovery Lab:
Pendulum and spring
waves.
Determine the factors that influence the time interval required for
a pendulum to complete one full swing. Investigate the nature of
pendulum and wave motion.
Quick Lab: Energy of a
Pendulum.
Observe how kinetic energy of a pendulum changes as its
displacement changes.
The pendulum and
simple harmonic
motion
Speed of sound
Construct simple pendulums, and find their periods. Calculate
the value for g, the free fall acceleration. Example relationships
between length, mass, and period for different pendulums.
Test a spring to find the elongation of the spring due to applied
masses. Test a rubber band to find the elongation of the band
due to applied masses. Plot a force-versus-elongation curve for
both the spring and for the rubber band. Find the spring constant
of the spring from the slope of the spring graph.
Design experiments to determine the factors that may affect the
period of a pendulum. Test the relationship between length,
mass, amplitude, and the period of a pendulum. • Recommend
the specific characteristics of a clock pendulum using your data.
Determine speed of sound in air
Quick Lab: Resonance
Explain pumping swing using resonance.
Quick Lab: A Pipe
Closed at One End
Determine how the pitch produced by blowing into a straw
change with the length of the straw.
Develop a setup that allows you to analyze sound waves for
frequency and amplitude. Analyze the waveforms of a tuning fork
and a musical instrument. Model waveforms using a
mathematical expression derived from your data. Observe beat
frequencies when two waveforms are combined. Evaluate your
ability to tune by ear based on beat frequencies in the combined
waveform.
Apply physics principles to the design of a musical instrument.
Describe the instrument using the concepts of frequency, pitch,
and resonance.
Invention Lab: Tensile
Strength and Hooke’s
law
Mechanical
waves and
sound
Pendulum Periods
Sound Waves and
Beats
Project 4: Building a
Musical Instrument
Brightness of Light
Quick Lab:
Polarization of Light
Electromagnetic
waves,
reflection and
refraction
Modern physics
Mrs. LaBarbera
Find the relationship between the intensity of the light emitted by
a light source and the distance from the source.
Compare light intensity between different orientations of a
polarizer
Discovery Lab: Light
and Mirrors
Determine the width of a hair sample using the concepts of
diffraction and interference.
Form images using mirrors. Locate images using different
methods.
Refraction
To determine the index of refraction of the unknown materials.
Quick Lab: Periscope
Construct a periscope with prisms using concept of total internal
reflection.
A Critical Angle Lab
To determine the critical angle for the water-air boundary and for
the Lucite-air boundary.
Nuclear Fission
PhET lab – How to use fission to produce nuclear energy
What is inside an atom
PhET lab – investigate structure of hydrogen atom
Diffraction
9