1 Physics Level I
Math Review
Big
Ideas
A. Math Review
Concepts
1. Accuracy &
Precision
2. Quantitative
Measurement
3. Scientific Notation
4. Algebraic
Distributing &
Factoring
5. Systems of
Equations
6. Trigonometric
Relationships
7. Measurement Unit
Conversions
8. Quadratic
relationships
Competencies
1. Students will review their
basic math skills to achieve
the proficiency necessary
to do all physics problem
solving and graphing
throughout the year.
2. Use basic Algebra to solve
for unknown quantities,
convert units, use scientific
notation, use significant
figures, and quadratic
equations.
3. Use the sine, cosine, and
tangent ratios to resolve all
sides and angles in a right
triangle.
Essential Questions
How can mathematical and
algebraic principals and
relationships be utilized to
explain and quantify the
motion of matter?
Page 1 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.A.1.3.1
S11.A.2.2.1
S11.A.3.3.3
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 1
1 Week
1 Physics Level I
Straight-Line Kinematics
Big
Ideas
B. Straight-Line
Kinematics
1. Objects that
move in
translational motion
are described in
terms of position,
velocity, and
acceleration.
Concepts
Competencies
Essential Questions
1. Position, velocity
and acceleration are
examples of
vectors, quantities
relying on both
direction and
magnitude that
combine with other
velocity and
acceleration vectors
according to specific
mathematical rules
2. The position,
velocity, and
acceleration of an
object can be
measured and
quantified (in
magnitude and
direction), using
appropriate tools
and units, in a
reference frame..
1. Describe and evaluate the
motion of any object
moving in a straight line
and undergoing constant
acceleration. This includes
free-fall under gravity.
2. Define distance,
displacement, velocity,
acceleration and their units
of measurement.
3. Graph these quantities vs.
time and find these values
at any position or time.
4. Integrate and differentiate
known graphs in order to
produce related values at
any position or time.
5. Integrate and differentiate
known graphs in order to
derive other graphs.
6. Identify and define vector
and scalar quantities
related to motion.
7. Derive the five kinematic
equations algebraically.
8. Use the kinematic
equations to solve single
object motion, multiple
motions by one object or
related motions of two
objects, (e.g., a man trying
to catch a bus). This may
include quadratic
How can the one dimensional
motion of an object be
described in a measurable
and quantitative way?
Page 2 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.A.1.1.1,
S11.A.3.3.3,
S11.C.3.1.4,
S11.D.3.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
S11.A.2.1.3
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 2
4 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
equations.
Kinematics in Two Dimensions
Big
Ideas
C. Kinematics in
Two Dimensions
1. Objects that
move in
translational motion
are described in
terms of position,
velocity, and
acceleration.
Concepts
Competencies
Essential Questions
1. Position, velocity
and acceleration
are examples of
vectors, quantities
relying on both
direction and
magnitude that
combine with
other velocity and
acceleration
vectors according
to specific
mathematical
rules.
2. The motion of a
projectile can be
represented and
analyzed as two
different motions,
a vertical motion
with constant
acceleration and
a horizontal
motion with
constant speed.
3. The position,
velocity, and
acceleration of an
object can be
measured and
1. Diagram vector(s) in two
dimensions using directional
or mathematical axes.
2. Add, subtract, multiply, and
divide vectors both
graphically and
mathematically in order to
solve problems with objects
moving in two dimensions,
such as projectiles or objects
moving relative to one
another.
3. Define vectors and contrast
them to scalar values.
4. Label vectors as a resultant
at some direction or resolve it
into x and y components.
5. Calculate negative vectors by
reversing direction of x and y
components.
6. Add vectors by head-tail
graphical method or addition
of components.
7. Subtract vectors by graphical
or component method.
8. Multiply and divide
vector/scalar quantities.
9. Divide projectile motion into
constant horizontal motion
and resolve kinematically.
How can the two dimensional
motion of an object be
described in a measurable
and quantitative way?
Page 3 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.A.1.1.1,
S11.A.3.3.3,
S11.C.3.1.4,
S11.D.3.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
S11.A.2.1.3
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 3
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
quantified (in
magnitude and
direction), using
appropriate tools
and units, in a
reference frame.
10. Divide projectile motion into
vertical motion under free fall
and resolve kinematically.
11. Separate relative motion into
separate motion and
displacement diagrams;
relate them using direction,
resolve any motion problem,
kinematically using matching
components.
Page 4 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Big
Ideas
Concepts
Competencies
D. Newton’s Laws
of Motion
1. Inertial mass is a measure
of the resistance of an
object to changes in
translation motion
(Newton’s First Law of
Motion).v
2. The inertial mass and
charge of an object and
any forces acting on it can
be measured and
quantified using
appropriate tools, units,
frames of reference, and
techniques.
3. For objects in a constant
state of motion (including
those at rest) the net force
is zero.
4. Forces can be
mathematically combined
together as a vector sum
resulting in a single net
force that causes the
object to accelerate in the
direction of that net force.
5. While many forces can
act on an object, those
forces can be represented
and analyzed using a free
body diagram.
1. Define Newton's three
laws of motion and relate
them to any kind of object,
undergoing any kind of
motion in the universe,
from subatomic particles to
astronomical systems.
2. Qualitatively describe
Newton's "net force" as a
concept and quantitatively
resolve it as a vector
resultant.
3. Define Mechanical
Advantage as a "Force
Saving Device," and
evaluate the ratio of how
much this occurs in each
device or example.
4. Define friction as a force
and how it relates to
Newton's "Net Force"
concept; they must
quantify the only two
variables, which affect its
size.
5. Define and identify
examples of inertia and
inertial systems.
6. Define and identify actionreaction pairs.
7. Solve specific word
problems related to
Newton's Laws, friction,
1. All forces arise
from the
interactions
between different
objects.
2. All changes in
translational motion
are due to forces.
Page 5 of 20
Essential
Questions
What is a force?
What causes the motion
of an object to change?
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.A.1.1.1,
S11.A.3.3.3,
S11.C.3.1.4,
S11.D.3.1.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 4
S11.C.3.1.3
S11.A.1.3.1
S11.A.2.1.3
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
and vector force
resolution.
8. Apply these principles to
confirm Newton's Laws in
two laboratory exercises.
Page 6 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Circular Motion and Gravitation
Big
Ideas
E. Circular
Motion and
Gravitation
1. The rotational
motion of
objects is
described in
terms of
angular
position,
angular
velocity, and
angular
acceleration.
2. All changes in
rotational
motion are
due to
torques.
Concepts
Competencies
Essential
Questions
1. The angular position, angular
velocity, and angular
acceleration of an object are
vectors and can be and
quantified using appropriate
tools, frames of reference,
and units in reference to an
axis of rotation.
2. The angular position, angular
velocity, and angular
acceleration of an object are
vectors and can be and
quantified using appropriate
tools, frames of reference,
and units in reference to an
axis of rotation.
3. Angular position, angular
speed, and angular
acceleration are the rotational
analogues of translational
position, velocity, and
acceleration.
4. A rotating reference frame can
give the appearance of an
object constrained to travel in
a circular path which gives a
centripetal acceleration
directed from the object
toward the center of the
rotating reference frame.
5. These terms describe the
rotation of objects at different
scales from the motion very
1. Demonstrate a working
knowledge of the historical
development of the theories of the
universe and solar system.
2. Relate how these developments
and theories affected the
political/theological status of the
past (Renaissance) to the
present.
3. Define and derive the basic
equations to describe uniform and
non-uniform circular motion.
4. Define Newton's Law of Universal
Gravitation and use it to evaluate
and predict all kinds of orbital
motion.
5. Define Kepler's three laws of
Planetary Motion and use the
third law to evaluate and predict
all kinds of orbital motion.
6. Relate gravity as one of the five
universal "forces at a distance"
that govern our universe and all
the matter and energy in it.
7. Define “eccentricity“ both
quantitatively and qualitatively.
8. Explain "weightlessness" in orbit
and orbits as "free fall" around a
planet.
9. Differentiate gravity in space and
on the earth's surface using the
inverse square law to quantify
them.
How can
rotational motion
be described in
a measurable
and quantitative
way?
Page 7 of 20
What causes
changes in the
rotational motion
of an object?
Standards Textbook Duration
/ Eligible Chapters
Content
S11.D.3.1.3
S11.D.3.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 5
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
small particles to the
movement of entire galaxies.
10. Define centrifugation and explain
why centrifugal force does not
exist.
11. Solve related problems involving
gravitation, orbits, and planetary
motion
Page 8 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Work, Energy, Power
Big
Ideas
F. Work, Energy,
Power
1. All motion can
be explained
using the laws
of the
conservation
of energy, the
conservation
of momentum,
and/or the
conservation
of angular
momentum.
Concepts
Competencies
1. The position and
velocity of an object
or interacting
objects can be
represented and
quantified in terms
of its momentum,
angular momentum,
kinetic energy, and
potential energy.
2. The total amount of
energy in a closed
system is
conserved.
3. The rotational
inertia and angular
velocity of an object
can be represented
in terms of its
angular momentum
and kinetic energy.
4. In a closed system,
the total work
performed by
objects may be
calculated from the
final kinetic energy
minus the initial
kinetic energy.
5. The conservation
laws apply at all
scales from very
1. Define and relate work as a
scalar value and use it to
measure "what we
accomplish."
2. Quantify this value when
done by constant and
inconstant forces in
different directions to the
motion.
3. Define and relate energy
as the "ability to do work,"
and quantify it as kinetic,
potential, or both.
4. Define qualitatively and
quantitatively the principle
of the conservation of
mechanical energy.
5. Relate this concept and
develop it into other
"conservation" principles.
6. Define qualitatively and
quantitatively the concept
of power.
7. Solve related problems
involving work, energy,
power, or the principle of
conservation of energy.
8. Relate these problems to
any kind of physical system
from atoms to galaxies and
derive examples of their
own from experience.
9. Solve simple machine
Essential Questions
How do an object’s mass
distribution and interactions
with other objects and forces
at a distance influence the
object’s motion?
Page 9 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.C.2.1.3
S11.A.1.3.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 6
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
small particles to
the entire universe.
problems as (work in =
work out) and relate this to
mechanical advantage,
which is a ration of force
out/force in.
Page 10 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Linear Momentum
Big
Ideas
G. Linear
Momentum
1. All motion can
be explained
using the laws
of the
conservation
of energy, the
conservation
of momentum,
and/or the
conservation
of angular
momentum.
Concepts
Competencies
Essential Questions
1. The total amount of
energy in a closed
system is
conserved.
2. The total amount of
energy in a closed
system is
conserved.
3. The position and
velocity of an object
or interacting
objects can be
represented and
quantified in terms
of its momentum,
angular momentum,
kinetic energy, and
potential energy.
4. Position, velocity
and acceleration
are examples of
vectors, quantities
relying on both
direction and
magnitude that
combine with other
velocity and
acceleration vectors
according to
specific
mathematical rules.
1. Define momentum and
impulse and derive their
equations with proper units.
2. Relate them to the
conservation of momentum;
before, during and after
collisions.
3. Distinguish between elastic
and inelastic collisions, and
relate them to the conservation
of energy.
4. Use vector resolution to do all
of the above in two
dimensions.
5. Define center of mass, relate it
to momentum/impulse and be
able to use vector resolutions
to find it in two dimensions.
6. Solve problems involving
momentum and impulse, in
proper units, in one and two
dimensions.
7. Graph force vs. time, find
impulse as the integral of this
graph, and be able to find the
change in momentum as a
result of this graph.
8. Solve one and twodimensional problems
involving the center of mass
principle.
9. Use relative velocity = 0 to
resolve elastic collision
What causes the motion of
an object to change?
What is a momentum?
What is impulse?
Page 11 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.C.3.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
S11.A.3.3.3
S11.C.3.1.4
S11.D.3.1.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 7
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
problems where both objects
are in motion before the
collision.
Page 12 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Equilibrium
Big
Ideas
H. Equilibrium
(with Torque)
1. All changes in
rotational
motion are
due to
torques.
2. All simple
harmonic
motion can be
explained
using force
and/or torque.
3. All motion can
be explained
using the laws
of the
conservation
of energy, the
conservation
of momentum,
and/or the
conservation
of angular
momentum.
Concepts
Competencies
Essential Questions
1. The inertial mass
and return force or
torque of objects
interacting in a
system can be
measured and
quantified using
appropriate tools,
units, and
techniques.
2. The oscillatory
behavior results
from the interplay of
two properties that
have opposite
tendencies: a return
force or torque and
an inertial mass.
3. The return force or
torque tries to return
the inertial mass to
the resting position
while the internal
mass resists
changes in motion.
1. Define torque, derive its
equation, and quantify the
three variables that affect its
size: 1) force, 2) distance,
and 3) angle.
2. Demonstrate and define
equilibrium as the sum of all
forces is zero: F = 0.
3. Use vector resolution to show
and resolve that the
component forces also equal
zero: Fx = F-x Fy = F-y ,
etc.
4. Combine all these principles
to show that when the sum of
all torques, (
gw =
ccw),
AND the sum of ll forces
equals zero - equilibrium
exists as a system.
5. Solve problems involving
systems of forces using
vector resolution.
6. Solve problems involving
systems of torques.
7. Solve problems involving
complex systems of linear
forces and torques which
result in equilibrium.
8. Demonstrate, qualitatively
and quantitatively, the
conservation of angular
momentum using torque in a
laboratory exercise of their
What causes an object to
oscillate instead of moving
off in a straight line?
What is torque?
What is equilibrium?
Page 13 of 20
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.C.3.1.2
S11.C.3.1.5
S11.C.3.1.6
S11.A.1.3.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 8
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
design.
Vibration and Waves
Big
Ideas
I. Vibrations
and Waves
1. Objects that
move in
simple
harmonic
motion can
be described
in terms of
position,
velocity, and
acceleration
and can
result in the
production of
waves that
travel
through
space.
Concepts
Competencies
1. Objects that move in
simple harmonic motion
can be described in terms
of position, velocity, and
acceleration and can
result in the production of
waves that travel through
space.
2. The period, frequency,
amplitude, position,
velocity, and acceleration
of an object in simple
harmonic motion can be
measured and quantified
(in magnitude and
direction), using
appropriate tools and
units, in a reference
frame.
3. Traveling waves transfer
energy exerted as force
to distant objects that
absorb or reflect the
traveling waves.
4. The waves produced by
objects in simple
harmonic motion interact
with other waves and
matter and result in the
1. Define, relate and quantify simple
harmonic motion, the principles of SHM,
energy in a medium, and resonance ...
to period/frequency and wave motion.
2. Define and relate all of the above to the
three types of generated waves:
transverse, longitudinal, and torsional.
3. Describe qualitative and quantitatively
how the above types of waves are
described in terms of frequency, period,
wavelength, amplitude and velocity.
4. Define, describe, explain and quantify
how these waves move in one and two
dimensions as they interfere, reflect,
refract and diffract.
5. Relate and equate the general wave
dynamics above to specific examples of
sound waves and qualities such as:
intensity, loudness (decibels), hearing,
quality of sound, resonant beats, sonic
booms, shock waves, and Doppler
effect.
6. Solve simple and complex problems
related to general types of waves and
sounds as they travel through one or
several media.
7. Explain and relate the properties of
waves as they reflect, interfere, refract,
or diffract in one or different media.
8. Then quantify these effects and how
Page 14 of 20
Essential
Questions
How can the
periodic motion
of objects be
described?
How is an
object’s
frequency and
period of motion
related?
How do waves
travel and
interact with
each other?
Standards Textbook Duration
/ Eligible Chapters
Content
S11.C.2.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 11
& 12
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
phenomena of wave
superposition,
interference, reflection,
refraction, and
resonance.
5. These concepts are used
in the design and
evaluation of many
technologies.
they manifest these changes in specific
examples.
9. Relate all these effects into measurable
"humanistic" effects like sound, range of
hearing, music, instruments, thunder,
sonic booms, and Doppler Effect.
Page 15 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Light and Optics
Big
Ideas
J. Light and
Optics
1. Objects that
move in
simple
harmonic
motion can
be described
in terms of
position,
velocity, and
acceleration
and can
result in the
production of
waves that
travel through
space.
Concepts
Competencies
1. Objects that move in
simple harmonic motion
can be described in
terms of position,
velocity, and acceleration
and can result in the
production of waves that
travel through space.
2. The period, frequency,
amplitude, position,
velocity, and acceleration
of an object in simple
harmonic motion can be
measured and quantified
(in magnitude and
direction), using
appropriate tools and
units, in a reference
frame.
3. The waves produced by
objects in simple
harmonic motion interact
with other waves and
matter and result in the
phenomena of wave
superposition,
interference, reflection,
refraction, and
resonance.
4. Light from an object can
be reflected or refracted
to produce a real or
1. Define and describe
electromagnetic waves and relate
specific frequencies to general
wave phenomena like radio, TV,
microwaves, infrared, visible light,
ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma, and
cosmic waves.
2. Differentiate light phenomena as
being particle-like or wavelike; and
be familiar with the scientists and
theories that led to both.
3. Relate and quantify general wave
motion in one and two dimensions,
to specific aspects of light such as
"visible," frequency/color,
polarization, spectroscopy,
dispersion, blue skies, red
sunsets, rainbows, diffraction
patterns, etc.
4. Use the three general properties
of waves—reflection, refraction,
and diffraction—to explain and
quantify optics’ principles like
virtual and real images, index of
refraction/Snell's Law, internal
reflection, ray tracing, multiple lens
systems, and the lens makers'
equation.
5. Solve simple and complex
problems related to general wave
motion and the optics of lenses
and mirrors.
6. Use ray-tracing methods to
Page 16 of 20
Essential
Questions
What is reflection,
refraction, real and
virtual image?
What is optics?
What is focal
length?
How does your eye
work?
Standards Textbook Duration
/ Eligible Chapters
Content
S11.C.2.1.1
S11.A.1.3.1
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 23,
24, & 25
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
virtual image.
quantitatively find virtual, real, and
non-images; then quantitatively
find their image/object distances,
image/object heights, orientation,
and magnification.
7. Explain and relate any specific
optical phenomena to general
universal wave theories.
Page 17 of 20
1 Physics Level I
Electrical: Charges, Fields, Potential, and Energy
Big
Ideas
K. Electrical:
Charges, Fields,
Potential, and
Energy
1. Objects that
move in
simple
harmonic
motion can be
described in
terms of
position,
velocity, and
acceleration
and can result
in the
production of
waves that
travel through
space.
Concepts
1.
2.
3.
Mechanical and
electromagnetic
waves are described
in terms of
wavelength,
amplitude, velocity,
and frequency and
can be produced by
objects in simple
harmonic motion or
electrical circuits.
Forces may result
from contact or action
at a distance in the
case of gravitational,
electrostatic, or
magnetic fields
Coulomb’s Law
computes the force
between two
electrically charged
objects at a distance.
Competencies
1. Define and quantify an electric
charge, charge on an object,
and elementary charge; and
then relate this concept of
charge to its unit of
measurement and how it
affects an atom and its
subatomic parts.
2. Define and show how induction
can separate charges; and that
this separation creates forces
governed by Coulomb's Law,
and electric fields (measured
by their intensity and field
lines).
3. Define and quantitatively relate
how these forces and fields
create voltage, the concept of
how much energy each charge
has, (called electric potential or
electric difference).
4. Relate and quantify the use of
parallel plates to create uniform
electric fields between them,
storing large charges on either
plate, and separating them with
a dielectric. This is a capacitor.
5. Quantify a capacitor and
therefore show that it is the
basis for many electrical
devices, especially a battery,
because it contains electrical
potential energy.
Page 18 of 20
Essential
Questions
What is electromagnetic
force?
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.C.3.1.4
S11.A.1.3.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters (in days)
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 17
& 18
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
Electrical Currents and DC Circuits
Big
Ideas
L. Electrical
Currents and DC
Circuits
1. Objects that
move in
simple
harmonic
motion can be
described in
terms of
position,
velocity, and
acceleration
and can result
in the
production of
waves that
travel through
space.
Concepts
1.
Mechanical and
electromagnetic
waves are described
in terms of
wavelength,
amplitude, velocity,
and frequency and
can be produced by
objects in simple
harmonic motion or
electrical circuits.
2. These concepts are
used in the design
and evaluation of
many technologies
Competencies
1. Define and quantify the
concepts of Current, Resistance,
and Voltage; and relate these
three principles into Ohm's Law.
2. Define and relate these three
principles to devices: voltage to
batteries; resistance to resistors;
transistors; superconductors;
current to electrical; AC; DC;
and household circuits.
3. Build, measure, evaluate and
use DC electrical circuits.
These circuits will contain and
utilize parallel and series
resistors; parallel and series
EMF, (Electromotive Force);
EMF, terminal voltage; parallel
and series capacitors;
voltmeters; ammeters. Circuits
may contain any combination of
these.
4. Define and quantify (with units of
measurement) the concepts of
voltage, current, and resistance.
5. Solve simple and complex
current problems using resistors
with Kirchoff's and Ohm's Laws.
6. Solve simple and complex circuit
Page 19 of 20
Essential
Questions
What is an electrical
circuit and how does it
work?
What is amperes, ohms
and voltage?
Standards /
Eligible
Content
S11.C.2.1.4
S11.A.1.3.1
Textbook Duration
Chapters
Physics;
th
Giancoli 5
Edition
Chapter 19
3 Weeks
1 Physics Level I
problems using capacitors with
Kirchoff's and Ohm's Laws.
7. Solve simple and complex circuit
problems with combinations of
devices using Kirchoff's and
Ohm's Laws.
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