ANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OUTLINE
Department: Science
Teacher Name: Mr. Taylor
Phone Number: (905)-648-4468 ext. 562
E-mail: dtaylor@hwdsb.on.ca
Website: www.ibancasterphysics.weebly.com
Course Description:
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very
smallest particles—quarks (perhaps 10–17 m in size), which may be truly fundamental—to the vast distances between
galaxies (1024 m). At the school level both theory and experiments should be undertaken by all students. They should
complement one another naturally, as they do in the wider scientific community. The Diploma Programme physics
course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and to increase facility in the use of
mathematics, which is the language of physics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills, and information
and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important lifeenhancing, transferable skills in their own right.
Course Title:
IB Physics Standard Level
Grade:
11 and 12
Course Type:
IB/University
Ministry Code:
SPH3U/SPH4U
Credit Value:
2
Prerequisite:
SNC2D-Enriched or Academic
ReferenceTextbook:
Giancoli – 7th Edition
Required Materials:
Pencils, paper, Scientific calculator, graphing calculators are okay; but memories are
cleared
IB SL Requirement
Hours
Core Theory
95
Option Theory
15
Practical Activities (IB Required Labs and others)
20
Individual Investigation (IA)
10
Group 4 Project
10
Core Topics (Grade 11 and 12)
Hours
Topic 1: Physics and physical measurement
5
Topic 2: Mechanics
22
Topic 3: Thermal physics
11
Topic 4: Waves
15
Topic 5: Electricity and Magnetism
15
Topic 6: Circular Motion and Gravitation
5
Topic 7: Atomic and nuclear and particle physics
14
Topic 8: Energy Production
8
Option Topic (Grade 12)
Option D: Astrophysics
15
External Assessment = 80%
3 IB Test Papers in May 2012
Paper 1 (Core)
Paper 2 (Core)
Paper 3 (Options)
20%
40%
20%
Internal Assessment= 20%
Practicals, Labs, Data Logging, etc
Student Lab books
IA
Group 4 Project
20 Hours
10 Hours
10 Hours
Achievement Policy
A final grade is recorded for every course, and a credit is granted and recorded for every course in which the student’s
grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for each course in Grades 9-12 will be determined as follows (OSSD mark). The IB
marks are figured out using last year’s mark bands and the OSSD/IB Conversion Chart gives their equivalent OSSD mark.
Ministry Policy (OSSD)
“Seventy percent of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course. The portion of the grade
should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special consideration
should be given to more recent evidence of achievement.
Thirty percent of the grade will be based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination, performance, essay, and/or
other method of evaluation suitable to the course content and administered towards the end of the course. ”(Ontario
Secondary Schools Grade 9 to 12 – Program Planning and Assessment p. 15)
Considerations relating to achievement of the curriculum expectations:
1. The evaluations of the expectations should reflect the student’s most consistent levels of achievement for the
particular sections. Although, special consideration should be given to more recent evidence of the achievement at
the end of the semester.
2. Thirty percent of the grade will be based on final evaluations over the last four to six weeks of the course, which may
consist of a combination of performance, essay, and/or other methods of evaluation suitable to the expectations.
3. “Individual Education Plan (IEP) for exceptional students identifies the student’s learning expectations: outlines how
the school will help the student achieve the expectations through appropriate special education programs and
services; and identifies the methods by which the student’s progress will be reviewed.” (The Ontario Curriculum
Grades 9 to 12 Program Planning and Assessment p. 8)
4. Evaluations indicating how the student is moving towards achieving expectations should occur periodically
throughout the semester.
5. A student who is ill on the day of an evaluation, must immediately upon his/her return, arrange with the teacher for
a make-up evaluation. A doctor’s note is required for a make-up evaluation for a final exam or final culminating
activity.
6. To ensure that further instruction time is not missed, make-up evaluations may take place outside of class time,
either before school or on a negotiated make-up test day.
Plagiarism
 Students are reminded to become familiar with the HWDSB’s policy concerning plagiarism. (www.hwdsb.on.ca)
 Any work submitted for one course may not be submitted for another course without the permission of the teachers
of both courses.
 The creation of original work is a celebration of your intellectual curiosity.
Student Responsibility
1. Attend class regularly: be punctual and come ready to learn.
2. Bring the tools of learning: pencils, erasers, scientific calculator, ruler, textbook, and notepaper will be required.
3. Inform the teacher beforehand of any known future absence(s) (i.e. field trips, sports, etc.).
4. Write any tests or quizzes on the day of your return to school, after a valid absence. Be prepared for this, please.
5. Be informed of and complete any work or evaluations missed during an absence (pick up missed assignments from
Mr. T beforehand, or have a friend or parent retrieve them from the office (arrangements made at office) or check
Mr. T’s web site. Note: Any evaluations that are missed due to an absence, without a valid reason, may have a mark
of ZERO assigned. Discuss extenuating circumstances with the teacher.
6. Seek out the teacher for extra help whenever needed (See Mr. T for availability; after school or lunch is best. Make
arrangements with me in class preferably!). Ask questions and understand the concepts!
7. Behave in a manner which demonstrates respect for our classroom and others – this ensures a safe and enjoyable
learning environment.
8. Refrain from eating or drinking in class (due to science room health concerns). Water bottles are acceptable.
9. Leave all cell phone ringers turned off in the classroom. Use of the cellphone in an educational direction is encouraged.
Misuse of the phone will follow:
Step 1: Warning Step 2: Confiscated for day Step 3: VP involvement
10. Ask the teacher to leave the room prior to leaving; one boy and one girl at a time. Please sign out.
11. Be aware of safety stations in the room and the location of fire exit routes and their procedures.