School District of Springfield Township
Springfield Township High School
Course Overview
Course Name: Physics (Honors)
Course Description
Physics (Honors) is a rigorous, laboratory-oriented program consisting of in-depth study of
major physics principles such as motion of an object, Newton’s Laws, planetary mechanics,
momentum, and energy. Emphasis is on application of material, critical thinking, conceptual
understanding, and an in-depth mathematical analysis using effective problem solving methods.
Basic laboratory skills and data analysis techniques are also developed throughout the course.
Course Prerequisites
A minimum final grade of “B” in Algebra II (Honors), a minimum final grade of “B” in Biology
(Honors) and teacher recommendation OR a final grade of “A” in Algebra I (Academic), a final
grade of “A” in Geometry (Academic), a final grade of “A” in Algebra II (Academic), a final
grade of “A” in Biology (Academic), and teacher recommendation.
Unit Titles
Unit 1: Scientific Thinking
Unit 2: Constant Velocity
Unit 3: Constant Acceleration
Unit 4: Inertia/Balanced Forces
Unit 5: Unbalanced Forces
Unit 6: 2D Motion
Unit 7: Energy
Unit 8: Uniform Circular Motion
Unit 9: Momentum
Essential Questions
1. How can we use mathematical tools to analyze motion?
2. How do forces contribute to the types of motion we see around us?
3. Why do conservation laws exist and how do they benefit our understanding of the natural
world?
Big Ideas/Enduring Understandings
Unit 1: Scientific Thinking
• Scientific terms and processes used for experimentation
• Rules for significant figures
• Metric conversions using dimensional analysis
• Various relationships between variables
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Sections of a lab report – qualitative vs. quantitative analysis, etc.
Position-time graphs, velocity-time graphs and motion maps illustrating constant velocity
Unit 2: Constant Velocity
• Compare and contrast distance verse displacement and speed verse velocity
• Distance and displacement formulas and problem solving
• Speed and velocity formulas and problem solving
• Define slope of position-time graph
• Define area under a velocity-time graph
• Contrast graphs of objects undergoing constant velocity and constant acceleration
• Define instantaneous velocity (slope of tangent to curve in x vs t graph)
• Distinguish between instantaneous and average velocity
Unit 3: Constant Acceleration
• Define acceleration, including its vector nature
• Motion maps - now include acceleration vectors
• Multiple representations of constant velocity and constant acceleration (graphical, algebraic,
diagrammatic)
• Introduce stack of kinematic curves
o position vs. time (slope of tangent = instantaneous velocity)
o velocity vs. time (slope = acceleration, area under curve = change in position)
o acceleration vs. time (area under curve = change in velocity)
• Derive kinematic equations to use in constant acceleration problem solving
• Free-fall acceleration and problem solving
Unit 4: Inertia/Balanced Forces
• Newton's 1st law (Galileo's thought experiment)
o Develop notion that a force is required to change velocity, not to produce motion
o Constant velocity does not require an explanation.
• Define force as an interaction between two objects
• Choose system to include objects
• Force diagrams
• Mass verse weight
• Correctly represent forces as vectors originating on object (point particle)
• Vector addition and decomposition of vectors into components
• Use the superposition principle to show that the net force is the vector sum of the forces
• Static problems
• Express Newton's 3rd law in terms of paired forces
Unit 5: Unbalanced Forces
• Newton's 2nd law
• Develop mathematical models from graphs of acceleration versus force and acceleration
versus mass and define their relationships
• Force diagrams and motion maps for object that experience a constant force
• Relate the directions of the acceleration and net force vectors
• Elevator problems
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Define friction
Develop frictional force law – relationship between normal force and friction
Unit 6: 2D motion
• Revisit free-fall – force diagram, motion maps, problem solving, etc.
• Projectile Motion
o extend 1-D math models of accelerated motion to 2-D projectile motion
o decompose projectile motion vectors into x and y components
o describe projectile motion as the simultaneous occurrence of two 1-D motions
(horizontal and vertical)
o extend force diagrams and motion maps to motions in 2-D
Unit 7: Energy
• Define and compare spring constants
• Hooke’s Law
• Define and develop equations for elastic force and elastic potential energy
• Define and develop formulas for kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, elastic
potential energy, internal energy and work
• Study energy transfers for a variety of situations using energy bars and energy flow
diagrams
• Use work-energy theorem and Law of Conservation of Energy to study and calculate
energy transfers
• Define and calculate power
Unit 8: Uniform Circular Motion
• Uniform Circular Motion – relationship between velocity and centripetal force, velocity
and radius, and velocity and mass of the object
• Define period and frequency
• Distinguish between centripetal and centrifugal force.
• Force diagrams for an object undergoing uniform circular motion
• Circular motion problems – solve for centripetal force, radius, velocity, centripetal
acceleration, etc. using force diagrams for a variety of situations
• Law of Universal Gravitation
Unit 9: Momentum
• Define momentum, change in momentum, impulse, and Law of Conservation of
Momentum
• Distinguish between velocity and momentum, and impulse and force
• Determine the impulse acting on an object via an F versus t graph or given the change in
momentum (Impulse-Momentum Theorem)
• Study the relationship between change in momentum and impulse of each object involved
in different collisions
• Law of Conservation of Momentum
• Distinguish between elastic collisions, inelastic collisions and explosions
Key Competencies/Skills/Procedures
Unit 1: Scientific Reasoning
• Identify dependent and independent variables.
• Take and convert measurements with correct significant figures using a variety of
devices.
• Count the number of significant figures in a given measurement.
• Perform calculations with the correct number of significant digits.
• Perform metric conversions using dimensional analysis
• Graphing and analyzing lab data for relationships between variables.
• When given a graph, state relationship and mathematical expressions between variables.
• Review lab report outline and write up a lab report.
Unit 2: Constant Velocity
• Discuss, describe and demonstrate the relationship between position and displacement of
an object moving with constant velocity relative to an origin
• Discuss, describe and demonstrate the relationship between position and time for an
object moving with constant velocity
• Use a position-time graph, velocity-time graph and a motion map to model the motion of
an object
• Compare and contrast the motion of two objects by using a given model
• Calculate and describe the velocity of an object using a position-time graph
• Create a velocity-time graph using a position-time graph
• Calculate and describe the displacement of an object using a velocity-time graph
• Apply the derived formula for distance, displacement, speed and velocity to set-up and
complete word problems
Unit 3: Constant Acceleration
• By studying a variety of models (x-t graphs, v-t graphs, a-t graphs and motion maps)
describe and compare the motion of different objects
• Define and qualitatively and quantitatively illustrate instantaneous and average velocities
of an object using the x-t graph
• Define and calculate the acceleration of an object using a v-t graph
• Illustrate the motion of an object by sketching a x-t graph, v-t graph, a-t graph or a
motion map if given one of these models; or describe one of the object’s motion
• Complete computer tutorial: Graphs and Tracks II, Graphs and Tracks I. Set track to meet
the given x-t, v-t and a-t graphs
• Algebraically represent and state relationships between position and time and velocity
and time for an object with constant acceleration
• Predict and discover the acceleration of an object in free-fall
• Use acceleration formula and kinematic equations to complete word problems
Unit 4: Inertia/Balanced Forces
• Determine if there are balanced or unbalanced forces on an object by describing its
motion and by drawing a force diagram
• Name the two objects that are interacting to produce each force in a force diagram
• Draw force diagrams for objects at rest or moving with constant velocity; with and
without friction and with and without an applied force
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Draw force diagrams for objects at rest or moving with constant velocity while being
pushed or pulled with a force at an angle; with and without friction and with and without
an applied force
Draw force diagrams for objects at rest or moving with constant velocity while on an
incline plane; with and without friction and with or without an applied force
Draw force diagrams for static problems
Calculate any unknown or net force in the situations described above
Calculate resultant and component vectors
Describe the difference between mass and weight and calculate each if given the other
Unit 5: Unbalanced Forces
• Discover and explain how mass, acceleration and unbalanced force on an object are
related
• Predict what would happen to acceleration if mass of an object was changed, but
unbalanced force was constant; or if unbalanced force was changed and mass was
constant, etc
• Predict and discover how normal force, velocity and surface area is related to frictional
force on an object
• Distinguish between static and kinetic friction and calculate each
• Use friction formulas, Newton’s 2nd law and force diagrams to complete word problems
(including elevator problems)
• Sketch force diagrams, motion maps and motion graphs for a variety of situations when
an object experiences a constant unbalanced force
Unit 6: 2D motion
• Compare and contrast free-fall and projectile motion
• Complete force diagrams and motion maps for horizontal projectiles, objects projected at
an angle that land at the same height and objects projected at an angle that land at a
different height
• Complete word problems for horizontal projectiles, objects projected at an angle that land
at the same height and objects projected at an angle that land at a different height
• Take lab measurements to calculate the velocity that a ball is launched with. Use this, to
predict where a ball will land when projected at an angle. Test your prediction.
Unit 7: Energy
• Calculate spring constant and elastic potential energy of a spring using a elastic force
versus displacement graph
• Draw energy bars and energy flow diagrams to show energy transfer for a variety of
situations with and without work and internal energy
• Write and solve energy equations to represent energy transfer for a variety of situations –
including work and internal energy
• Calculate power
Unit 8: Uniform Circular Motion
• Uniform Circular Motion Lab: Determine the relationship between velocity and force,
velocity and radius, and velocity and mass for an object experiencing uniform circular
motion.
• Draw and analyze force diagrams for objects undergoing uniform circular motion
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Calculate period, frequency, centripetal force, velocity, radius, centripetal acceleration,
etc.
Use inertia to describe the difference between centripetal force and centrifugal force.
Give examples of each.
Apply the Law of Universal Gravitation to complete word problems
Unit 9: Momentum
• Discuss and prove how changing mass and velocity of an object will change the
momentum of that object
• Compare instantaneous momentum to change in momentum
• Prove impulse-momentum theorem
• Discuss and prove the relationship between force and time for a constant change in
momentum. Give real-life examples of how this principle is applied.
• Calculate momentum, change in momentum, impulse, force and time
• Use Newton’s 3rd Law to discuss the impulse and force on each object involved in a
collision
• Classify a collision as elastic, inelastic or an explosion
• Use Law of Conservation of Momentum to calculate the mass or velocities of an object
involved in a collision
Core Vocabulary
Unit 1: Scientific Reasoning
significant digit, relationship, dependent variables, independent variables, scientific notation,
standard form, period and frequency of a pendulum
Unit 2: Constant Velocity
distance, displacement, speed, velocity
Unit 3: Constant Acceleration
acceleration, free fall
Unit 4: Inertia/Balanced Forces
force, equilibrium, inertia, friction
Unit 5: Unbalanced Forces
Unit 6: 2D Motion
projectile
Unit 7: Energy
elastic energy, gravitational energy, kinetic energy, power, work
Unit 8: Uniform Circular Motion
centripetal
Unit 9: Momentum
momentum, impulse
Core Resources
Physicsclassroom.com
Modeling Physics
Pennsylvania State Standards
Standards applicable to Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9:
S11.A.1.3.1--Use appropriate quantitative data to describe or interpret change in systems (e.g.,
biological indices, electrical circuit data, automobile diagnostic systems data).
S11.A.2.1.1--Critique the elements of an experimental design (e.g., raising questions,
formulating hypotheses, developing procedures, identifying variables, manipulating variables,
interpreting data, and drawing conclusions) applicable to a specific experimental design.
S11.A.2.1.2--Critique the elements of the design process (e.g. identify the problem, understand
criteria, create solutions, select solution, test/evaluate, communicate results) applicable to a
specific technological design.
S11.A.2.1.3--Use data to make inferences and predictions, or to draw conclusions, demonstrating
understanding of experimental limits.
S11.A.2.1.4--Critique the results and conclusions of scientific inquiry for consistency and logic.
S11.A.2.1.5--Communicate results of investigations using multiple representations.
S11.A.2.2.1--Evaluate appropriate methods, instruments, and scale for precise quantitative and
qualitative observations (e.g., to compare properties of materials, water quality).
S11.A.3.1.2--Analyze and predict the effect of making a change in one part of a system on the
system as a whole.
S11.A.3.1.3--Use appropriate quantitative data to describe or interpret a system (e.g., biological
indices, electrical circuit data, automobile diagnostic systems data).
S11.A.3.2.1--Compare the accuracy of predictions represented in a model to actual observations
and behavior.
S11.A.3.3.3--Analyze physical patterns of motion to make predictions or draw conclusions (e.g.,
solar system, tectonic plates, weather systems, atomic motion, waves).
S11.C.3.1.3--Describe the motion of an object using variables (i.e., acceleration, velocity,
displacement).
Additional Standard, Unit 4: Inertia/Balanced Forces
S11.C.3.1.2--Design or evaluate simple technological or natural systems that incorporate the
principles of force and motion (e.g., simple machines, compound machines).
Additional Standard, Unit 7: Energy
S11.C.2.1.3--Apply the knowledge of conservation of energy to explain common systems.
Additional Standard, Unit 9: Momentum
S11.C.3.1.1--Explain common phenomena using conservation of momentum.
Prepared October 2010—DA
Approved--chr