IB SL Physics B 2014-15
Physics as a science deals with matter and its interactions at the most fundamental level. Physicists explore the basic
forces that make up the universe. For this reason, a solid understanding of physics translates to better understanding in
other areas of science, and most engineering disciplines rely heavily on this foundation. This course is designed for
students who have a firm mathematical background and who will require some competence in physics for their future
careers. It is a rigorous course which uses mathematics to derive and solve equations whenever appropriate.
Teaching Methods Employed in this Course:
Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, experiments,
video presentations, computer simulations, research projects
Texts: Physics Course Companion, 2014 edition, by Homer/BowenJones, Oxford University Press.
Physics, Algebra/Trig, by Hecht. 2003
Required Materials:
Textbook
Ruler and Protractor
Scientific Calculator
Laboratory notebook/folder/portfolio
Labs:
We will be doing laboratory work as it pertains to the material we cover in class. All
lab work will be recorded in a lab book (or folder/portfolio) This lab-work will be
turned in for assessment regularly throughout the year. In addition, 2-3 labs each
quarter will be typed up in a formal report for IB assessment purposes, and submitted
in duplicate.
Assessment:
Your grade is based mostly on tests, quizzes, labs, and homework. Tests/quizzes will make up 65% of the score and labs,
problem sets, and other assignments will make up the other 35%. Assignments and tests will be assigned points and there
will be no weighting.
Grading Procedures:
The grading scale is as follows: 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D Below 50% N
Testing:
This is an International Baccalaureate (IB) class and the content will be
directed toward taking the IB/SL Exams in May. Count on high expectations
and a lot of work but also a solid preparation in this most fascinating field.
EVERY STUDENT will take a graded/comprehensive culminating exam in
Quarter 4.
Expectations:
 Attendance: be in class every day. Missed work is not easy to make up
 Make-ups: tests require an admit excusing your absence. You will have
two days after return to class to make up missed tests/quizzes
 Math Skills: If you are not comfortable with algebra/trigonometry you
should reconsider your enrollment in this course.
 Late work: Any work submitted after the due date is docked 1/3rd points.
No work is accepted more than one week after the due date.
 Extra Help: Sooner or later everyone needs help in Physics. I am available
most days after school for questions; make sure you let me know and
please, don’t be afraid to ask!
Texts: Physics Course Companion, 2014 edition, by Homer/Bowen-Jones, Oxford University Press.
Physics, Algebra/Trig, by Hecht, 2003
Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Topic
Kinematics: Motion in one dimension
Intro to two dimensional motion
Forces: Newton’s Laws
IB Topic #
2
Rough Time Frame
Sept
2
Sept - Oct
Energy: Work, Power & Conservation of Energy
Momentum and Impulse; Collisions
Circular Motion: Centripetal Force
Gravitation
Oscillations: Hooke’s Law
Simple Harmonic Motion
Waves: Traveling and Standing Waves
2
Oct
2,6
Nov
2,4
Nov - Dec
4
Dec
Temperature and Heat: Heat Transfer, Kinetic
Theory, Gas Laws & intro to Thermodynamics
3
Jan
SEMESTER 1 FINAL EXAM- During the week of January 20-22
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s Law
Charge/Field/Potential
Current Electricity and Circuits: Ohm’s Law,
Current/voltage/resistance
Magnetism: Magnetostatics
Forces/Fields from a moving charge(s) and current
Intro to electromagnetic induction
GROUP IV GROUP PROJECT
6
Modern Physics: Atomic structure/history, the
Nucleus, Photoelectric Effect, Radioactivity
7, Option B
IB INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
ALL LAB WORK DUE BY MARCH 16
4, Option G
April
14
Optics and Light: Nature of Light, Lenses/Optical
Instruments. Physical Optics
Energy, Power and Climate Change
8
April
15
Relativity
Option H
May
16
Pinhole Photography project
Option G
June
8
9
10
11
12
13
IB Exams :
Jan/Feb
5
6
Feb/March
IB Material
Friday May 8, 2015 (morning, Papers 1 & 2)
Monday May 11, 2015, (afternoon, Paper 3)
Late Jan – first
week of March
March
IB SL Physics
AP Physics 1