Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Course Information Sheet
Course Title:
Physics
Course Code:
SPH4U
Prerequisite:
Grade 11 University Physics
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 relating to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of
technological applications of physics ol society and the environment.
CONNECTION TO OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
This course will help students address the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation that they become reflective and creative
thinkers who examine, evaluate and apply knowledge of interdependent systems for the development of a just and compassionate
society.
Strands
SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION SKILLS
AND CAREER
PLANNING
Overall Expectations



DYNAMICS


ENERGY AND
MOMENTUM



GRAVITATIONAL,
ELECTRIC AND
MAGNETIC FIELDS



THE WAVE NATURE OF
LIGHT



REVOLUTIONS IN
MODERN PHYSICS:
QUANTUM MECHANICS
AND SPECIAL
RELATIVITY



Demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the four
areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and
interpreting, and communicating);
Identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under study, and describe the
contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Units and Timelines
Unit Title
Approximate Time
Dynamics
27 lessons
Energy and Momentum
17 lessons
Gravitational, Electrical and Magnetic Fields
13 lessons
The Wave Nature of Light
12 lessons
Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
15 lessons
Instructional strategies: modeled, shared and guided instruction, cooperative group learning, accountable talk, independent
application and consolidation, experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, robust thinking (critical analysis and reflection).
Assessment and Evaluation Breakdown
CATEGORY WEIGHTS
Knowledge/Understanding
25%
TERM 70%
FINAL 30%
Thinking
20%
EXAM
Communication
10%
Application
15%
Assessment and Evaluation Strategies: classroom presentations, conferences, essays, response journals, demonstrations,
interviews, learning logs, quizzes, tests, and exams, observations, performance tasks, portfolios, question and answers,
self-assessment. Assessment and Evaluation Tools: Checklists, exemplars, rating scales, rubrics, metacognition,
self and peer assessment, anecdotal notes.
Focus on Learning Skills
Responsibility
Organization
 Fulfils
responsibilities
and commitments
within the
learning
environment.
 Completes and
submits class
work, homework,
and assignments
according to
agreed-upon
timelines.
 Takes
responsibility for
and manages own
behaviour.
 Devises and
follows a plan
and process for
completing
work and tasks.
 Establishes
priorities and
manages time
to complete
tasks and
achieve goals.
 Identifies,
gathers,
evaluates, and
uses
information,
technology,
and resources
to complete
tasks.
Independent Work
 Independently
monitors, assesses, and
revises plans to
complete tasks and
meet goals.
 Uses class time
appropriately to
complete tasks.
 Follows instructions
with minimal
supervision.
Collaboration
Initiative
 Accepts various roles
 Looks for and
and an equitable share of
acts on new ideas
work in a group
and opportunities
 Responds positively to
for learning.
the ideas, opinions,
 Demonstrates
values, and traditions of
the capacity for
others.
innovation and a
 Builds healthy peerwillingness to
to-peer relationships
take risks.
through personal and
 Demonstrates
media-assisted
curiosity and
interactions.
interest in
 Works with others to
learning.
resolve conflicts and
 Approaches
build consensus to
new tasks with a
achieve group goals.
positive attitude.
 Shares information,
 Recognizes
resources, and expertise,
and advocates
and promotes critical
appropriately for
thinking to solve problems andthe
make
rights of self
decisions.
and
others
Self-Regulation
 Sets own individual
goals and monitors
progress towards
achieving them.
 Seeks clarification
or assistance when
needed.
 Assesses and
reflects critically on
own strengths, needs,
and interests.
 Identifies learning
opportunities,
choices, and
strategies to meet
personal needs and
achieve goals.
 Perseveres and
makes an effort when
responding to
challenges.
N.B. Additional Information Found in Student’s School Agenda/Board Policy:
Lates, Absences and Missed Assignments follow the YCDSB Assessment & Evaluation Guidelines, in compliance with the Ministry of
Education Policy on Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting.
Student Fees: In accordance with Board Policy 601, there are no course fees for basic course materials (e.g. textbooks, workbooks, handouts).
Some courses may offer enhancements (e.g. field trips, musical instruments, activities) for which there maybe a fee. Board Policy 601 is
available on the board website at www.ycdsb.ca.
Title of Textbook: Nelson Physics 12
Replacement Cost: $120
Name of Teacher:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Student Signature
Parent/Guardian Signature