Unit Plan Overview
COURSE: Grade 11 Physics, University Preparation Level
COURSE CODE: SPH3U
Curriculum: What will students learn?
Unit of Study: Kinematics
Summary:
Overall Expectations:
The study of Kinematics prepares the theoretical
groundwork for physics. In this unit students demonstrate
an understanding of speed, velocity, distance,
displacements, acceleration, relationship between gravity
and the acceleration of an object. Students examine the
factors that affect linear motion in the one and two
dimensions and. Students investigate the effect of
gravitational force by analysing linear motion in the vertical
direction. In both cases students use graphs and vector
diagrams to aid in their quantitative analysis. Students
demonstrates and understanding of uniform motion,
equations for average velocity, and projectile motion.
B1. Analyse technologies that apply concepts related to
kinematics, and assess the technologies’ social
and environmental impact;
B2. Investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, uniform
and non-uniform linear motion, and solve
related problems;
B3. Demonstrate an understanding of uniform and nonuniform linear motion, in one and two dimensions.
Note: A Day is one 75 minute period.
Key Questions:
- What is meant by the term Kinematics?
- What is the difference between instantaneous and average
velocity?
- How does gravity, among other factors, affect the motion of
a projectile?
Unit Plan Overview
Learning Skills (LS) Key:
R = Responsibility, O = Organization, IW = Individual Work, C = Collaboration, I = Initiative, SR = Self-Regulation
Cluster/Topic
Definition and
Overview of
Kinematics
Day
1
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Students will be introduced to Kinematics, the
“how” of motion.
Teaching & Learning Strategies
1. Lecture: Review of breakdown
of marks, and topic to be learnt in
this unit.
Defining the following terms:
Kinematics, Speed, and Velocity.
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
(A) Diagnostic
Graphing Assignment
B1.1
B2.1
B2.2
2. Video: Kinematics (See
reference below under Speed and
Velocity in One and Two
Directions)
Speed and
Velocity in One
and Two
Directions
2
By the end of the lesson, students will be able
to, use position-time graph to analyse motion,
and find equations of velocity and speed from a
position-time graph.
1. Lecture: Introduction of
fundamental concepts of motion,
simple problem solving examples.
LS
IW - graphing assignment
B1.1
B2.1
B2.2
3
Derivation of equations for average velocity and
displacement
1. Lecture: Review of yesterday’s
lessons and going through
additional problem solving
examples.
Assignment follows
LS
C – discussion about key
points through out the
lesson
B2.3
B3.1
By the end of the lesson, students will be able
to construct velocity-time graph using position
–time graph, and develop equations for uniform
acceleration from velocity-time graphs.
Cluster/Topic
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
2. Checkpoints: Checking for
understanding.
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
Unit Plan Overview
Uniform
Acceleration
4
By the end this lesson, students will learn the
concept of acceleration and uniform
acceleration, the comparison of uniform motion
and uniformly accelerated motion and the
terminology related to the concept of uniform
acceleration.
1. Formal Assessment: Asking
oral questions regarding velocity,
average velocity.
(A) Formal assessment of
prior knowledge,
Draw the graph of the
given data (Observation
2. Demonstration: Using constant table will be provided
velocity car and pullback car, use each of the students)
of graphs of velocity vs time for
uniform and non uniform motion.
B2.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.7
5
By the end of this lesson, students will learn to
solve the problems involving uniform
acceleration, velocity, and time.
1. Video: (10 minutes) Review
video to start the lesson.
(A) Home work:
End of the section
problems
B2.1
B2.3
B2.6
B2.7
B3.1
B3.3
(A) Homework:
Students will be given a
handout with 5 problems
B2.2
B2.3
B2.6
B3.2
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
2. Lecture/Discussion: Teacher
solve the problem with step by
step by explanation, students will
be given identical problem and
problems with variation.
Acceleration
and VelocityTime Graphs
6
By the end of this lesson students will be able to
analyse and the graph and use the velocity-time
graph to find acceleration
1. Lecture: Analyze the graph,
slope of the linear motion,
2. Demonstration: Calculating
acceleration by finding the slope
of velocity-time graph.
3. Independent Problem Solving:
Students will solve one identical
problem and one with variation.
Cluster/Topic
Acceleration
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Teaching & Learning Strategies
7
By the end of this lesson students will be able to
1. Review: to review the velocity-
(A) Homework:
B2.2
Unit Plan Overview
and VelocityTime Graphs
analyse and the graph and use the position-time
graph to find acceleration, understand the
terminology like instantaneous velocity and
plotting the velocity-time graph to find
acceleration
time graph, verifying the answers
of the homework problems.
Students will be given a
handout with 5 problems
B2.3
B2.6
B3.2
B2.7
(E) Quiz: Uniform
acceleration (K, C, A)
B1.2
B2.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.5
B2.7
2. Demonstration: Calculating
acceleration by finding the slope
of tangent line and plotting the
graph of velocity-time
3. Independent Problem Solving:
Students will solve one identical
problem and one with variation.
Acceleration
Due to Gravity
8
Introduction of the concept of acceleration near
earth’s surface, gravity, and acceleration due to
gravity
1. Demonstration: free falling
object using meter ruler.
2. Lecture: (Acceleration due to
gravity concepts.
9
Cluster/Topic
Day
Application of the acceleration, real life
examples
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
1. Laboratory: Use of Gizmos free (A) Class Activity:
fall laboratory (See references
Students will follow the
below for link)
instructions provided and
complete the activity A,
B, and C
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
B1.2
B2.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.5
B2.7
Expectations
Addressed
Unit Plan Overview
Mid-Unit
Review
10
Review all major concepts presented so far in
Unit including Speed, Velocity, Acceleration in
One and Two Directions, and Acceleration Due
to Gravity.
By the end of this lesson, distinguish between
average and instantaneous velocity, distinguish
how gravity impacts the acceleration of an
object, and understand the significance of the
sign in terms of the velocity of a body.
1. Lecture reviewing all major
concepts and formulas.
2. Short Video: (5 minutes)
“NBC Learn: Kinematics”
Video overview on the science
behind some of the fastest
skaters in the NHL.
(A) Homework:
Kinematics Mid Unit
Review Problem Set. Due
Date following day (Day
11). Assign at end of
period.
B1.2
B2.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.5
B2.7
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
3. Short Video: (5 minutes)
“Could That Actually Happen?
The bus jump from Speed”
Entertaining and informative
video introducing projectile
motion and reviewing
acceleration due to gravity.
4. Discussion / Question and
Answer Period on videos and any
further questions on material
presented so far in the unit.
Cluster/Topic
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Unit Plan Overview
Quiz and
Kinematics
Game Review
11
By the end of this lesson,
Students will be knowledgeable of all major
concepts presented until this point in the unit
including Speed, Velocity, Acceleration in One
and Two Directions, and Acceleration Due to
Gravity.
1. Classroom Discussion: Take up
homework questions from
previous period.
(A) Homework
Completion checklist
from previous period
2. Formal Assessment: Assign
Quiz for completion.
(E) Kinematics Part 1 Quiz
3. Class Activity: “Family Feud”
Powerpoint / LCD Projector
Interactive Class Activity on
Kinematics definitions and
concepts.
Cluster/Topic
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Teaching & Learning Strategies
B2.1
B2.2
B2.7
LS: Collaboration,
Teamwork, and
Organization during
“Family Feud” Class
Activity
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
Unit Plan Overview
Projectile
Motion
12
By the end of this lesson,
Understand how to apply the equations for
single dimensional motion to both the y and x
directions separately in order to derive
standard formulae for the range and height of a
projectile.
Understand both two cases of projectile
motion: when an object is dropped and when
an object is thrown.
1. Discussion Period: Review of the
motion of objects when objects in
free-wall near the Earth’s surfaces.
Re-emphasis on importance of
incorporating direction when
discussing gravity either in this form
g = 9.8 m/s2 [down] or -9.8 m/s2.
2. Group Problem Solving Activities:
Handout sheet with 3 problem
solving questions. Students to be
divided into groups of 4 and attempt
questions.
(A) Homework: Projectile
Motion Problem Set #1
with 5 Questions. Due
Date following day (Day
13)
LS: Problem Solving,
Teamwork, Discussion,
Inquiry learning skills
(during Problem Solving
Activity)
A1.1
A1.8
B2.2
B2.3
B2.4
B2.8
B2.9
B3.3
3. Short Video: “Parabolic motion
and uniformly accelerated linear
motion.”
Comparison between parabolic
motion of a projectile (at right)
and uniformly accelerated linear
motion (at left).
4. Lecture: Introduction.
5. Homework: Assign Homework
Projectile Motion Problem Set #1
Cluster/Topic
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
Unit Plan Overview
Projectile
Motion
13
Determine the vertical and horizontal
components of the initial velocity.
Break down thrown object projectile problems
into two separate problems: vertical and
horizontal motion.
Assign positive and negative signs correctly.
Recognize that at peak height, vertical velocity =
0.
Recognize that at acceleration due to gravity
only impacts the vertical direction.
1. Problem Solving Group
Activities (Students divided into
Groups of 4). Each group to be
assigned one Real Life Projectile
Motion Word Problem involving
Long Jumpers, Tennis Balls, and
Rocket Launchers. After
completion, one representative
from each group to present their
question and group’s respective
solution.
(A) Homework
Completion checklist
from previous period
LS: Inquiry, Problem
Solving, Brainstorming,
Discussion, and Student
Presentation learning
skills (during Problem
Solving Group Activities
and Presentation).
A1.1
B2.2
B2.3
B2.8
B2.9
B3.3
Homework: Projectile
Motion Problem Set #2
with 4 Questions. Due
Date following day.
Frames of
Reference and
Relative
Velocity
14
Definition of frame of reference and relative
velocity
By the end of thi lesson, students will be able
find relative velocities using different frame of
reference.
1. Discussion: Lesson starting
with the conversation of why
some people get car sick?
LS
C- Discussion of Examples
B2.6
B3.1
Assessment (A) and
Evaluation (E); LS
Assessment
Expectations
Addressed
2. Video: Relative Velocity (see
reference below)
3. Lecture: Definition, examples
and discussions.
Cluster/Topic
Day
Concept/Subtopic with Learning Goals for Each
Lesson
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Unit Plan Overview
Frames of
Reference and
Relative
Velocity
15
By the end of this lesson, students will be able
to calculate relative velocities
1. Work Period: Working on
examples to solidify their
understanding of calculating
relative velocity
Assignment (A)
LS
R, IW – Completion of
assignment.
Culminating
Classroom
Activity / Flex
Time
16,
17
Summative; no new learning goals.
1. Video / Group Discussions:
Class to be divided in Groups of 4.
Class to watch a video and each
group to answer a discussion
question and present to class.
2. Activity: “Juggling in Space”
Discussion Questions:
Q1. What determines how many
objects a person can juggle?
Q2. As you throw a ball higher,
why is it harder to have it come
back down in the same place?
Q3. Does the spinning of the
juggler’s pin affect how long it’s
in the air?
How does air resistance change
things?
Q4. Would juggling be the same
on the Moon? How about
Jupiter?
LS: Inquiry, Problem
Solving, Brainstorming,
Discussion (as part of
Video / Group Discussion
class Activity)
Unit Test
18
Summative; no new learning goals.
1. Formal Assessment: Unit Test
(E) Unit Test
Accommodations for Special Needs and ELL:
B2.6
B3.1
Unit Plan Overview
ELL students will be given extra time to complete the tasks and assignments. Special needs students will be accommodated based
on their IEP.
Annotated References:
Print Resources Used:
Nowikow (2001). Physics - Concepts and Connections. Irwin Publishing: Toronto/Vancouver.
Physics – Concepts and Connections serves as the main textbook for the course. The majority of homework assigned from
textbooks will be derived from this one.
Hirsch, Alan J. et al (2001). Physics 11. Nelson Canada: Toronto.
Physics 11 is the source of most questions from the problem sets assigned. The solution’s may be found at the back of this
book
Electronic Resources Used:
Gizmos. Free Fall Laboratory [URL: http://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cResource.dspDetail&ResourceID=387]
Serves as the classroom activity during Acceleration Due to Gravity portion of the unit.
PBS Circus. Activity Guide: Projectile Motion [URL: http://www.pbs.org/opb/circus/classroom/circus-physics/activity-guideprojectile-motion/]
Projectile Motion classroom activity about juggling to be used as part of culminating activity at end of unit.
Online Streaming Videos
NHL Learn: Kinematics [URL: http://www.nbclearn.com/nhl/cuecard/56612]
Unit Plan Overview
Excellent 5 minute video shows connection between sports and physics. Video details the role of physics and kinematics in
allowing ice hockey players reach speeds of up to 20 miles (32km) per hour and short bursts of up to 30 miles (48 km) per
hour.
Could That Actually Happen? The bus jump from Speed [URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tEAMLOupKs ]
Excellent video reviewing the Speed scene where a speeding bus jumps over a highway as a projectile and if it is actually
possible in real life. Looks at the physics behind a flying bus.
Parabolic motion and uniformly accelerated linear motion [URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z24_ihikEqQ]
Short Video showing an object’s path of parabolic motion and uniformly accelerated linear motion. To be used in Class 12
during Projectile Motion Lesson.
Frames of Reference and Relative Velocity [URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSmz2XAjl1E]
Speed and Velocity in One and Two Directions [URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UefWw5k4G0U]