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COURSE INFORMATION SHEET
DEPARTMENT: SCIENCE
DATE: SPRING 2015
SECONDARY SCHOOL: ST. MICHAEL’S CHOIR
DEPARTMENT HEAD: A. PEACOCK
TEACHER: Lindsay Bertolo
CURRICULUM POLICY DOCUMENT
The Ontario Curriculum Grade 11 and 12: Science 2009
COURSE TITLE
Physics
PRE-REQUISITE
Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
FULL YEAR /
SEMESTER
COURSE CODE
SPH 4U
GRADE & TYPE
12, University
CREDIT VALUE
1
COURSE DESCRIPTION (AS SPECIFIED IN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION POLICY DOCUMENT)
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will
continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate
electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave
nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation
skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics
concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society
and the environment.
LISTED IN ORDER OF INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY
Scientific
Investigation
Skills and Career
Exploration
Dynamics
Energy and
Momentum
HOURS
INTEGRATED
THROUGHOUT
STRAND / UNIT TITLES
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS / UNIT DESCRIPTION
A1. demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and
research) in the four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and
recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating);
A2. identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under
study, and describe the contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to
those fields.
B1. analyse technological devices that apply the principles of the dynamics
of motion, and assess the technologies’ social and environmental impact;
B2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, forces involved in
uniform circular motion and motion in a plane, and solve related problems;
B3. demonstrate an understanding of the forces involved in uniform
circular motion and motion in a plane.
C1. analyse, and propose ways to improve, technologies or procedures that
apply principles related to energy and momentum, and assess the social
and environmental impact of these technologies or procedures;
C2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, through laboratory
inquiry or computer simulation, the relationship between the laws of
conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, and solve related
problems;
C3. demonstrate an understanding of work, energy, momentum, and the
laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, in one and
two dimensions
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D1. analyse the operation of technologies that use gravitational, electric, or
magnetic fields, and assess the technologies’ social and environmental
impact;
D2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, gravitational, electric,
and magnetic fields, and solve related problems;
D3. demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, properties, principles,
and laws related to gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and their
interactions with matter.
E1. analyse technologies that use the wave nature of light, and assess their
impact on society and the environment;
E2. investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the properties of
waves and light, and solve related problems;
E3. demonstrate an understanding of the properties of waves and light in
relation to diffraction, refraction, interference, and polarization.
F1. analyse, with reference to quantum mechanics and relativity, how the
introduction of new conceptual models and theories can influence and/or
change scientific thought and lead to the development of new
technologies;
F2. investigate special relativity and quantum mechanics, and solve related
problems;
F3. demonstrate an understanding of the evidence that supports the basic
concepts of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
Gravitational,
Electric, and
Magnetic Fields
The Wave Nature
of Light
Revolutions in
Modern Physics:
Quantum
Mechanics and
Special Relativity
STUDENT EVALUATION CRITERIA
TERM – 70%
10 ≤
RELATIVE EMPHASIS / WEIGHTING ≤
KNOWLEDGE/UNDERSTANDING
INQUIRY/THINKING
COMMUNICATION
APPLICATION
TERM TOTAL
WRITTEN
Multiple Choice
Short Answer
Extended Response
40
30
10
10
10
70
RELATIVE EMPHASIS / WEIGHTING
TERM TOTAL + FINAL TOTAL
= REPORT CARD MARK
FINAL TOTAL
30
ASSESSMENT FORMAT USED (EXAMPLES PROVIDED)
PERFORMANCE
OTHER
Manipulative Skills
Teacher Observation
Laboratory Performance
Extended Investigations
Projects
Concept Mapping
RESOURCES (EXAMPLES PROVIDED)
TEXTBOOK
STUDENT MATERIALS
FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE
CALCULATION – 100%
FINAL – 30%
12 U Physics Nelson Textbook
12 U Physics Study Guide
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EXCURSIONS
COMPUTER USE
St. Michael’s Hospital ( 1 group per month on Thursdays)
COURSE RELATED WEBSITES
http://smcsscienceclass.weebly.com
PLAGIARISM
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
MISSED WORK
INQUIRY IN A COLLABORATIVE
GROUP
HOMEWORK
TESTS
TEACHER CONTACTS
EXTRA HELP
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Refer to Administration Policies
Take initiative to catch up when you are absent. All missed work earns
a mark of zero!
If you miss in class group work or lessons it is your responsibility to
catch up on missed material.
Inquiry based collaborative group work will be done one - three times a
week. This will be done with a predetermined team created by your
teacher. All exercises will be based off the day’s topic in the hopes of
helping you achieve a better understanding of the material. You will
have the same team for half the term and another team for the second
half of the term. Group roles will consist of a recorder, manager and
speaker and will rotate. You may be called to hand this work in at any
time. A group mark will be assigned. These tasks will emphasize
quality work as opposed to quantity. Research shows that understanding
in physics increases with this approach to learning.
This course is demanding and requires daily homework. You should
expect about 45-60 minutes of homework a night. It is also
recommended to read ahead so you come prepared for the next class
Tests are a priority. Please arrange to be present for them. If you miss a
test you must write the test immediately after you return to school.
If you have an issue with a marked question on your test you are asked
to use a sticky note and make note of what you would like looked over
again. Hand your test back to your teacher. The test will be returned to
you the following day with necessary corrections.
Note: You will be allowed to have a one page cheat sheet on each test.
You are encouraged to use the GRASS method!
lindsay.bertolo@tcdsb.org
Office hours: Mondays & Wednesday 3:30-4:30 or by request.
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LEARNING SKILLS CRITERIA
IN EACH REPORTING PERIOD, REPORT ON THE QUALITY OF THE LEARNING SKILLS DEMONSTRATED BY THE
STUDENT IN EACH OF THE CATEGORIES IDENTIFIED ON THE REPORT CARD USING THE FOLLOWING LETTER
SYMBOLS.
E–EXCELLENT
G–GOOD
S–SATISFACTORY
N–NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
SKILL: WORKS INDEPENDENTLY
INDICATORS:
• accomplishes tasks independently
• accepts responsibility for completing tasks
• follows instructions
• regularly completes assignments on time and with care
• demonstrates self-direction in learning
• independently selects, evaluates, and uses appropriate
learning materials, resources, and activities
• demonstrates persistence in bringing tasks to completion
• uses time effectively
• uses prior knowledge and experience to solve problems and
make decisions
• reflects on learning experiences
SKILL: ORGANIZATION
INDICATORS:
• organizes work when faced with a number of tasks
• devises and follows a coherent plan to complete a task
• follows specific steps to reach goals or to make
improvements
• revises steps and strategies when necessary to achieve a goal
• manages and uses time effectively and creatively
• demonstrates ability to organize and manage information
• follows an effective process for inquiry and research
• uses appropriate information technologies to organize
information and tasks
SKILL: INITIATIVE
INDICATORS:
• seeks out new opportunities for learning
• responds to challenges and takes risks
• demonstrates interest and curiosity about concepts, objects,
events, and resources
• seeks necessary and additional information in print,
electronic, and media resources
• identifies problems to solve, conducts investigations, and
generates questions for further inquiry
• requires little prompting to complete a task, displaying selfmotivation and self-direction
• approaches new learning situations with confidence and a
positive attitude
• develops original ideas and devises innovative procedures
• attempts a variety of learning activities
• seeks assistance when needed
• uses information technologies in creative ways to improve
learning for self or others
SKILL: TEAMWORK
INDICATORS:
• works willingly and cooperatively with others
• shares resources, materials, and equipment with others
• responds and is sensitive to the needs and welfare of others
• solves problems collaboratively
• accepts various roles, including leadership roles
• takes responsibility for his or her own share of the work to be
done
• works to help achieve the goals of the group or the class
• helps to motivate others, encouraging them to participate
• contributes information and ideas to solve problems and
make decisions
• questions the ideas of the group to seek clarification, test
thinking, or reach agreement
• shows respect for the ideas and opinions of others in the
group or class
• listens attentively, without interrupting
• in discussions, paraphrases points of view and asks questions
to clarify meaning and promote understanding
• recognizes the contribution of group members by means of
encouragement, support, or praise
• seeks consensus and negotiates agreement before making
decisions
SKILL: WORK HABITS/HOMEWORK
INDICATORS:
• begins work promptly and uses time effectively
• completes homework on time and with care
• perseveres with complex projects that require sustained effort
• puts forth consistent effort
• applies effective study practices
• follows directions
• shows attention to detail
• uses materials and equipment effectively
NOTE: The above chart is a reformatting of the skills identified in the Ministry of Education’s Guide to the
Provincial Report Card, Grades 9 – 12 : Appendix C: pages 27 to 29 .