Name: _________________________________
Period: _____
Unit 1: Introduction to Physics and the Physics Toolkit
The Big Idea(s):
The ability to properly measure and represent measurements is a
critical life-long skill necessary for the study of physics.
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The language of physics is mathematics and is used to analyze
data, construct models, make concise statements about nature,
explain how concepts are related to each other, and discover new
relationships among physical quantities.
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Plan
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Essential Questions:
How do we properly measure and represent measurements
of time and length?
How do I apply my knowledge of mathematics and
common metric prefixes to perform arithmetic
operations and properly represent the answer?
How can I apply my knowledge of measurement and
mathematics to define and calculate the average speed
of a moving object?
Check off the study skills you PLAN to use this unit in the first column below
Check off the study skills you USED to move from ? or ! to  in the second column.
Use the blank spaces to create your own study skills.
Used
Plan
Review labs, notes, packet and activities. Use
the calendar to make sure you review
everything.
Have a family member or friend quiz me
orally.
Meet with my teacher in the morning for extra
help.
Complete and review (by reworking problems)
all problem sets, check-ups, practice tests, and
quizzes.
Use the Objective Checklist throughout unit to
assess understanding.
Used
Re-read or review all assigned readings (textbook,
handouts, online).
Find a study buddy from Physics who understands
the material and I can work well with.
Use the Objective checklist as a Study Guide for end
of unit test/quiz.
Start studying early! (Not just the night before the
test.)
Ask and answer questions during class.
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Use the learning target checklist as your personal guide to assess your level of readiness for quizzes and the unit test.
Circle the descriptor that best describes how you feel about your mastery of each objective.
NOTE: IF IT IS NOT A , YOU PROBABLY ARE NOT READY FOR THE QUIZ / TEST!!!!!
Vocabulary
I can define and explain the following terms:
After
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Lesson(s)
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Physics
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Scientific Method
Common metric prefixes (centi, milli, kilo)
% Difference (% Error)
Accuracy vs. Precision
Distance
Time
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Average Speed
! = I need to get help
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Studying
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I understand the nature of physics and its importance. This means I can:
a. Explain physics in my own words.
b. Explain why physics is important in my own words.
I understand the scientific method and best practices in conducting a scientific
investigation. This means I can:
a. List the general steps of the scientific method and the importance of
understanding the scientific method.
b. Demonstrate my ability to make scientific observations.
c. Create reasonable predictions and hypotheses based on previous
knowledge or observations.
d. Conduct a scientific investigation by carefully following lab
procedures and instructions or creating a detailed lab procedure.
e. Formulate scientific conclusions based on interpreting my
experimental data and those of my classmates or teacher.
I understand how to properly measure distances and time. This means I can:
a. Select an appropriate instrument for measuring distances and time.
b. Properly read a metric ruler, meter stick, or metric tape measure and
record to the proper number of significant digits with appropriate
units.
c. Explain the difference between accuracy and precision in scientific
measurements.
d. Calculate % error and/or % difference for measured data.
e. Estimate distances in metric units and time.
I understand SI base units and prefixes. This means I can:
a. List the SI base quantities, their units, and symbols for distance and
time.
b. Use common metric prefixes when representing quantitative data and
in performing calculations.
I understand mathematical skills required for physics. This means I can:
a. Convert expanded notation (i.e. 2500) to scientific notation
(i.e. 2.5 x 103) or convert scientific notation to expanded notation.
b. Identify the number of significant digits in a measurement.
c. Perform calculations and report an answer with an appropriate
amount of significant digits and proper units.
d. Rearrange a scientific equation algebraically to solve for a given
variable.
e. Use the factor-label method (GTA method) to solve problems,
including metric conversions.
6.
I understand the concept of average speed. This means I can calculate average
speed, distance, and time for a moving object.
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I understand Graphing Relationships. This means I can:
a. Express what a direct, indirect, and quadratic relationship between
two variables would visually through a graph
b. Express what a direct, indirect, quadratic relationship between two
variables using equations
c. Identify dependant and independent variables from a graph.
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