Honors Physics Objectives
0 Scientific Thinking
 I can identify and classify experimental variables as independent,
dependent, or controlled.
 I can make qualitative (non-mathematical) predictions about the
relationship between variables.
 I can record and represent data in a meaningful way.
 I can represent data graphically and determine the equation that
models the data.
 I can include appropriate constants and units in an equation derived
from a linear graph.
 I can use Logger Pro software to perform graphical analysis.
 I can propose interpretations for the physical significance of the slope
and y-intercept of a linear graph.
 I can describe the meaning of the slope of a linear graph.
 I can use proportional reasoning in problem solving for direct and
inverse relationships.
1 Constant Velocity Particle Model
 I can distinguish between distance and displacement.
 I can distinguish between speed and velocity.
 I can determine the average velocity of an object using two different
methods.
 I can determine the displacement of an object using two different
methods.
 I can use multiple representations to describe motion
 motion maps
 x vs. t graphs
 v vs. t graphs
 I can write mathematical representations of motion from graphical
representations.
2 Balanced Force Particle Model
 I can describe and give examples of Newton’s First Law.
 Given a diagram or a written description of the forces acting on an
object, I can
 draw a system schema
 draw a force diagram (free body diagram) for the object
 draw a vector addition diagram for the object
 state whether the velocity of the object is constant or
changing
 I can describe the difference between mass and weight and calculate
one from the other.
 I can describe the differences and similarities between static friction
and kinetic friction.
 I can use the coefficient of friction to calculate the frictional force
acting on an object.
 Given a diagram or description of an object in equilibrium, including
the forces acting on the object, I can, determine the magnitude and
direction of a “missing’ force required to keep the object from
changing its motion
 I can identify and compare Newton’s Third Law pairs of forces acting
on objects.
3 Uniformly Accelerated Particle Model
 I can determine the instantaneous velocity of an object using 3
different methods
 I can determine the displacement of an object using 3 different
methods
 I can determine the acceleration of an object using 5 different
methods
 Given a position vs. time graph, I can
o Describe the motion of the object
o Draw the corresponding velocity vs. time and acceleration vs.
time graphs
o Draw a motion map for the object
 Given a velocity vs. time graph, I can
o Describe the motion of the object
o Draw the corresponding position vs. time and acceleration vs.
time graphs
o Draw a motion map for the object
o Write a mathematical representation of the motion of the object
 I can solve a variety of accelerated motion problems using graphical or
algebraic methods
4 Unbalanced Force Particle Model
 I can use Newton’s 2nd Law to qualitatively describe the relationship
between mass, acceleration, and net force.
 Given a velocity vs. time graph, I can draw the corresponding
acceleration vs. time and force vs. time graphs.
 I can determine the net force acting on an object using three different
methods.
 I can solve quantitative problems involving forces, mass and
acceleration using Newton's 2nd Law.
 I can continue to use the kinematical models from previous units to
determine the velocity, time elapsed, or displacement of an object,
once I have determined the acceleration from the net force acting on
the object.
5 Two Dimensional Motion Particle Model
 I can I can use multiple representations to describe the motion of an
object in “free –fall”.
 I can use video analysis techniques to produce position-time and
velocity-time graphs which represent the behavior of an object moving
in two dimensions.
 I can determine which models are appropriate to describe the
horizontal and vertical motion of an object moving in two dimensions.
 I can draw a motion map for an object undergoing parabolic motion,
with velocity and acceleration vectors for both dimensions.
 I can draw a force diagram for an object undergoing parabolic motion.
 I can solve problems involving projectile motion to determine
 the initial velocity
 the time of flight
 the height
 the point where the projectile lands
 speed at impact
 I can explain what effect the mass of a projectile has on its time of
flight.
6 Energy Storage and Transfer Model
 I can make distinctions between energy storage and energy transfer
 I am able to recognize and identify energy storage mechanisms:

Gravitational

Kinetic

Elastic

internal
 I can recognize the universal, fundamental nature of energy as
opposed to different “forms” of energy
 I can use Hooke’s Law to analyze elastic energy systems
 I can recognize and identify models of energy transfer:

Working

Heating

radiating
 I can use representational tools to analyze a system in terms of
energy storage and transfer

pie charts

bar graphs

energy flow diagrams

system schema diagrams
 I can analyze a system of energy interactions appropriately according
to the system designation
 I can explain friction as a mechanism for dissipating energy
 I can determine the quantity of energy transferred between various
accounts (kinetic, elastic, gravitational, and internal energy) during an
interaction
 I can explain “working” as energy transfer to/from system via an
external force and calculate the amount of work done on a system
 I can define and calculate power involved with energy transfer
7 Momentum Transfer Model
 I can use velocity – mass bar graphs to illustrate conservation of
momentum
 I can define momentum and distinguish between momentum and
velocity.
 I can distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions.
 I can use conservation principles to solve problems involving elastic
and inelastic collisions for
o initial velocity
o final velocity
o mass
 I can define impulse and distinguish between impulse and force.
 I can determine the impulse acting on an object given
o a force vs. time graph
o the change in momentum
 I can determine the force acting on an object, given its change in
momentum.