Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation SPH4U Course Outline
Course Details
The Ontario Curriculum: Science2008 (modified)
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, TDSB
Science Assistant Curriculum Leader: Ms. Reichling
Revised Fall 2011,
SPH4U1, full credit
Prerequisites: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation
Resources: Text: Physics, published by Irwin Replacement Cost: $125
Curriculum Expectations
Dynamics: By the end of this course, students will:

analyse technological devices that apply the principles of the dynamics of motion, and assess the technologies’ social and environmental
impact;

investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, forces involved in uniform circular motion and motion in a plane, and solve related
problems;

demonstrate an understanding of the forces involved in uniform circular motion and motion in a plane.
Energy and Momentum: By the end of this course, students will:

analyse, and propose ways to improve, technologies or procedures that apply principles related to energy and momentum, and assess the
social and environmental impact of these technologies or procedures;

investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, through laboratory inquiry or computer simulation, the relationship between the laws of
conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, and solve related problems;

demonstrate an understanding of work, energy, momentum, and the laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, in one
and two dimensions.
Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields: By the end of this course, students will:

analyse the operation of technologies that use gravitational, electric, or magnetic fields, and assess the technologies’ social and
environmental impact;

investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and solve related problems;

demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, properties, principles, and laws related to gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and
their interactions with matter.
The Wave Nature of Light: By the end of this course, students will:

analyse technologies that use the wave nature of light, and assess their impact on society and the environment;

investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the properties of waves and light, and solve related problems;

demonstrate an understanding of the properties of waves and light in relation to diffraction, refraction, interference, and polarization.
Revolutions in Modern Physics: By the end of this course, students will:

analyse, with reference to quantum mechanics and relativity, how the introduction of new conceptual models and theories can influence
and/or change scientific thought and lead to the development of new technologies;

investigate special relativity and quantum mechanics, and solve related problems;

demonstrate an understanding of the evidence that supports the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special
relativity.
Course Description:
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the
forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of
light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and
quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and
the environment.
Course Content:
Dynamics
Energy and Momentum
Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
The Wave Nature of Light
Revolutions in modern physics
25 hours
23 hours
20 hours
22 hours
20 hours
The order of instruction of the above units may vary
Learning Skills
Students will be assessed on the following Six Learning Skills with the use of a checklist;
Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative, Self-Regulation
Teaching/Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
A range of instructional strategies will be used to address student needs. Some of these strategies include direct instruction, interactive instruction, experiential learning
and independent study. Students are given opportunities to learn and be assessed before evaluations. Summative evaluation for this course is based on a final written
exam.
Achievement Chart
Knowledge and Understanding –K&U – (35%)
Evaluation may include quizzes, homework checks, tests, problem sets, assignments, facts, terms, concepts, applications, etc.
Communication – C – (20%)
Evaluation may be based on laboratory reports, written reports, essays, oral presentations, in-class questions and answers, terminology, studentteacher conferences, etc.
Thinking and Inquiry – T/I – (25%)
Evaluation may include application of scientific inquiry, applications of technical skills, use of tools and equipment, open ended test questions,
concept maps, formulating questions, etc.
Applications – A – (20%)
Evaluation may include research papers, projects, debates, interviews, analyzing issues, assessing impacts and proposing courses of action,
understanding connections among Science, Technology, Society and the Environment, etc.
70% Grade on Course Work**
Dynamics
Task
Kinematics Assessment #1
Dynamics Assessment
Circular Motion Lab
Dynamics Assessment #2
Dynamics Activity
Unit Test
Energy and Momentum
K&U
x
x
Achievement Chart Focus
T/I
C
x
x
A
Time of Assessment
x
x
x
Task
Momentum Assessment
Momentum lab/Assignment
Energy Assessment
Energy lab/Assignment
Unit Test
Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
Task
Fields Assessment #1
Millikan’s Oil Drop lab/Assignment
Fields Assessment #2
Unit Test
The Wave Nature of Light
Task
Light Assessment #1
Interference lab/Assignment
Light Assessment #2
Unit Test
Revolutions in Modern Physics
Task
Relativity Assessment
Quantum Assessment
Modern Physics Quiz
M9dern Physics lab/Assignment
xx Above tasks subject to minor changes.
K&U
x
x
x
x
x
Achievement Chart Focus
T/I
C
x
x
x
x
x
x
A
x
Time of Assessment
x
x
K&U
x
x
x
x
K&U
x
x
x
K&U
x
x
x
Achievement Chart Focus
T/I
C
x
A
Time of Assessment
x
x
x
Achievement Chart Focus
T/I
C
x
x
x
x
Achievement Chart Focus
T/I
C
x
x
x
x
x
A
x
Time of Assessment
x
A
Time of Assessment
x
30% Grade Based on Final Exam
All students will a final exam at the end of the course.
The Research Process:
For every research-based assignment, students will be expected to use the TDSB student research guide, Research @ Your Library with the 4 stage model of
the research process incorporated into these assignments either in part or in whole. Students will receive instruction and be assessed/ evaluated on various
aspects of the research process by either their teacher or one of the teacher-librarians. These lessons may include, but are not limited to the development of
research questions, note-taking, adherence to a specific documentation style, facility with a variety of resources, etc.
Accommodations
Accommodations refer to the teaching strategies, supports, and/or services that are required in order for a student to access the curriculum and demonstrate
learning. Students who have an IEP are entitled to the accommodations specified in their plans.
Term Grades for Provincial Reports throughout the Year
The grade for each term/reporting period is based on the evaluations that have been conducted to that point in the course, and will be preliminary and
tentative. They will be based on the most consistent level of achievement to that time, but some of the overall expectations, strands, end units, will not have
been addressed. The students’ grades may change when all work has been evaluated at the end of the course.
Midterm reports will be sent home with the students approximately half way through the semester.
Communication
First of all … KNOW that we want you to succeed.
The science office is in room 221. You are encouraged to make an appointment with your teacher if you would like extra help, or if you wish to see/discuss
your marks. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Parents/guardians may contact the teacher at any time with comments and/or concerns at
416 – 395 – 3310 ext. 20095. Parents/guardians may also schedule an interview during Parent/Teacher interview time.
The teacher will contact parents/guardians as necessary.