Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School
Course Overview
COURSE TITLE:
Grade 11 Physics – University
COURSE CODE:
SPH3U
CREDIT VALUE:
1.0
SCHOOL YEAR:
2016
TEACHER:
Ms. T. McKay
Semester 2
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore
kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties
of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation
skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and
technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
HOW THIS COURSE SUPPORTS THE ONTARIO CATHOLIC GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS:
Through the study of physics, students have the opportunity to “discover the laws which govern the universe, as
well as their interrelationship.” They (scientists, and therefore students) can “stand in wonderment and humility
before the created and feel drawn to the love of the Author of all things.”(address of Pope John Paul II to the
Jubilee of Scientists May 25, 2000) The study of any science helps students to learn to be reflective, critical, and
creative thinkers, as well as discerning believers, who can apply their knowledge to the world around them. They
can then make appropriate decisions in light of Gospel values and Church teachings. Through the study of the
techniques of science, particularly experimentation, students learn to be collaborative contributors to an
interdependent team, respecting the rights, responsibilities, and contributions of others. Overall, students
become aware of the spiritual, as well as the physical dimension of the world and of the need to respect the
environment and to use resources wisely in order to fulfill their roles as stewards of God’s creation. “By increasing
his knowledge of the universe ... man has a veiled perception ... of the presence of God....” (address of Pope
John Paul II). Please see the Course Calendar/Agenda Book for a listing of the Ontario Catholic Graduate
Expectations.
Ministry Web site
The overall course expectations can be found on the ministry website:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/science.html
Unit Titles and Time
Unit 1
Kinematics
Unit 2
Forces
Unit 3
Energy and Society
Unit 4
Waves and Sound
Unit 5
Electricity and Magnetism
22 hours
22 hours
22 hours
22 hours
22 hours
EVALUATION:
Evaluation is based on overall expectations of the course. These can be found at
http:www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/subjects.html
COURSE GRADE WEIGHTING:
CATEGORY WEIGHTING:
Knowledge and Understanding 20%
Term Work
70%
Application
40%
Final Assessment
30%
Inquiry
30%
Communication
10%
Students will be assessed using a variety of techniques including: unit tests, assignments, lab
investigations, culminating activities and a formal final exam.
Science Department Cell Phone Policy
No cell phones allowed in class.
Students found with cell phones during evaluations (i.e. tests/quizzes) will receive an automatic mark of zero.
Science Department Late Assignment Policy
All late assignments will be required to be submitted with a completed late submission form. Assignments that
do not have the form will not be accepted until the form is completed.
All late assignments will lose 5% (1/3 level) per day after the scheduled due date for up to 6 days (30% or 2
levels). After the sixth day, the assignment will not be accepted and a mark of zero (M) will be recorded.
Weekends will automatically be counted as two days.
Problem solving to avoid late penalties is encouraged: ie. e-mail your assignment, submit before the due date,
submit on time via a friend, sibling or parent…
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:
Please see information regarding this topic in the Student Handbook. Students have the responsibility to ensure
that all work submitted is their own or appropriately attributed to its source.
TEXT BOOK:
Nelson Physics 11 University Preparation has an approximate replacement value of $80.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:
· Learning skills will be evaluated throughout the course and include: regular attendance, working
independently, teamwork, organization, work habits, initiative, risk-taking, time-management, perseverance,
questioning, and curiosity.
· A scientific calculator is required for this course.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT
Email: Email has become an efficient means of communication between parents and teacher and is the best
way to contact me. My school email address is tmckay@wellingtoncdsb.ca and please feel free to send
me an email at anytime. If you would like me to contact you this way, please supply a parent/guardian
email address that is checked on a regular basis. Thank you.
Phone: I do not check my phone messages. Please send me an email or a paper note with your student.
COURSE WEBSITE: www.mckayphysics.com
Parent / Guardian name:_____________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________
Parent / Guardian email :__________________________________________________
Student Name:_____________________________ Student Signature: _____________________________
Signatures indicate that you have read and understood the course overview.
Other Information:
Use the space below to describe anything you think that the teacher should be aware of (i.e. health issues, team
involvement, work, vacations…).
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Why are you in this course? __________________________________________________________________
What is your goal for the course? ______________________________________________________________
Something about yourself: ___________________________________________________________________
Students: Please keep this sheet in your notebook.
Good luck in the course!