New Visions Engineering
College Physics
2013-2014
Syllabus
Mrs. Ashley
Contact Information: dashley@pnwboces.org
Phone: 914-248-2224 (school) 914.621.8337
Submit assignments on-line to: deborah.ashley27@gmail.com
Course Description:
New Visions Engineering Physics will provide students with the knowledge of scientific principles,
concepts, and methodologies required to understand the most basic of the sciences, physics. Science is
a body of knowledge that describes order within nature and the causes of that order; it is an on-going
human activity that represents the collective efforts, findings and wisdom about the natural world.
Students will learn about physics by learning the concepts of physics, practicing everyday applications
that apply to engineering and doing the processes of science such as designing experiments,
hypothesizing, observing natural phenomena, analyzing data and drawing conclusions. Students will
construct models and solve problems as part of the course. Emphasis is placed on providing students
with project based learning and experience working on real world issues through labs, applications, and
projects.
Physics is the most basic of science and is a description of reality. It deals with the behavior and
structure of matter. Physics is about the nature of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, matter,
fluids, heat sound , light, electricity and magnetism. It also includes modern physics which is relativity,
structure of atoms, nuclear physics, cosmology and astrophysics. We will begin our learning with
mechanical physics that can inform your work with the robotics.
Class Profile:
Class time will be from 8-9 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 8-10 on Fridays until missed class time
is made up when class time will be adjusted.. Class size is small to ensure individualized attention and
the ability for to all participate in hands on science and experiments. The structure of the class time
allows for ample time for labs, student research, field trips and project-based learning.
Methods
This course emphasizes student learning through doing science. The course consists of lecture,
investigations of the physical world, laboratory experiments, internet research, student-based projects,
case studies, students designing their own research studies, and student investigations of problems as
they relate to physical science. Students are expected to complete reading assignments, watch
PowerPoint lectures posted on the Schoolwires teacher webpage, and complete the required number of
assignments and problems of application for each unit. Lectures are given in class on more complex
topics and individual help is given throughout the course when needed. Students will be given several
options to choose from when learning each unit. They are expected to choose assignments to best
match their learning styles and needs as a learner. Students will be expected to apply the concepts we
are learning to real world situations.
On the teacher webpage that supplements the course additional resources are provided on each topic
to help in mastery of the concepts. Assignments and the resources for those assignments are posted on
the teacher webpage at: pnwboces.schoolwires.net (click teachers and administrators and then dashley
New Visions Engineering Physics). Students are expected to view the lectures provided on-line when
they find they need further understanding of concepts. Videos are also provided on-line to supplement
learning and to extend student learning of topics to current issues related to the topic
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Along with required assignments, there are optional assignments for those who need more
practice and advanced work for those that want to extend their learning. These optional
activities may be done individually, in small groups or as a class.
Students are regularly tested on the material we are covering in class to assess mastery of the
material.
Texts
The main textbook for the course is:
Giancoli, D.C. (2005). Physics (6th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
The supplemental textbooks for the course are:
Curran, G. (2012). Homework Helpers: Physics, Revised Ed. Career Press.
Cuttnel, J. D. ( ). Physics, Volume I.
Giambattista, A. (). College Physics.
Hewitt, P.G. (2009). Conceptual Physics (10th ed..) San Francisco, CA: Person Addison-Wesley.
Knight, R.D. (). College Physics a Strategic Approach.
Kuhn, K.F. (1996). Basic Physics A Self Teaching Guide. San Francisco, CA: Wiley
Students will be provided with the main text and can purchase or borrow from public library any of the
supplemental texts that they find helpful. The teacher webpage provides links to articles, videos, class
lectures and websites on each topic covered during the class.
Student Expectations and Learning
Students will be expected to gain a basic knowledge of the discipline of physics including concepts,
theories, techniques and general principles. Students will gain an ability to ask questions about the
physical world and gain answers using both qualitative and quantitative reasoning and by designing
experimental investigations. Curiosity, creativity and critical thinking is fostered and valued as part of
the discipline of physics. Students will be expected to use mathematics to address problems and
support understanding of physical concepts. Students will make connections to other disciplines and
apply knowledge gained to resolve current problems. Students are expected to design and perform
experiments, use mathematical reasoning, use models as part of the analysis, interpret results and
conclusions, assess experimental uncertainties, and communicate results including ways to improved
experiments. Students are expected to become proficient in problems soling and in applying the
principles learned.
Please be respectful of other students and the teacher as each person brings different strengths and
areas to work on. We will work as a team and each member of our team is important and will make a
unique contribution that is valued. You are expected to ask for help when needed, to challenge Mrs.
Ashley when needed, and devise solutions to problems that occur. You are expected to work hard, have
fun and learn and grow in knowledge and maturity as a result of participating in New Visions
Engineering Physics.
Specific expectations include the following:
1. Please bring the following to class each day: pen or pencil, physics notebook, lab notebook,
graphing calculator, external storage or backup thumb drive.
2. Actively participate in class through arriving on time, asking questions, being curious about
the lab or field work, and making a contribution.
3. You are to read the assigned readings and take notes according to the method Mrs. Ashley
instructs you. These notes will be graded and taking notes is a means for you to learn the
material so that information can be applied and thought about critically.
4. Read email from Mrs. Ashley to be notified of important information for the course
5. Turn in assignments on time. If you are absent, please go to the Schoolwires website to find
the assignment(s) you may have missed. Assignments will be posted on the Weekly
Activities, the Class Calendar and the Assignments Page
6. Visit the teacher webpage at: http://pnwboces.schoolwires.net to be up to date on
assignments, use of resources
7. Come prepared for class each day which includes completion of reading and homework, a
notebook and pen or pencil and a graphing calculator.
8. Discuss with teachers when you need help on an assignment. Please contact me by email
or phone when you need clarification on an assignment.
9. Ask for help when something is not clear for you, there is an issue to be resolved, or you
need more explanation
10. On group projects or labs, you are expected to be an equal participant
11. Clean your area and contribute to an organized, clean and neat classroom
12. Keep up with material and assignments. If you are confused, please contact Mrs. Ashley for
extra help during class. Mrs. Ashley is also available after school to provide extra help.
13. The class website is an integral part of the class, be sure to check it daily.
14. Homework will be given out in several ways: The whole unit will be gone over with all
assignments, you will receive a packet with all of the assignments for the unit, this will also
be posted online on Schoolwires. There is a calendar on Schoolwires that gives the due
dates as well. Record assignments on your device or in a planner.
15. Homework policy: Homework is due by the beginning of class. You are responsible for
putting the homework in the basket when you come in to class. Homework that is
submitted by midnight the same day looses 5 points so that if your grade is 90, you receive
an 85. Work turned in one day late receives a 10 point deduction, two days late a 20 point
deduction and three days late receives a 30 point deduction. More than three days late you
receive a maximum of 50 percent on that assignment. All work must be in one week before
the end of the marking period to not receive a zero and to receive at least 50 percent.
First marking period work is due by Friday, November 8
Second marking period work is due by Friday, January 24
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Third marking period work is due by Thursday, April 3 (no students on April 4)
Fourth marking period work is due by Tuesday, June 10.
Attendance- You are expected to make up all work when you are out for a legal absence.
Test should be made up within one week of your return to school. All assignments should
be turned in within two days of your absence (exceptions to this for extended absence).
I am a valuable resource but will not always give you the answer. I will lead you toward an
answer, research with you or help you find the resources for you to discover the answer.
You are expected to maintain an up to date portfolio.
Remember to follow all safety rules at all times.
You are expected to maintain a lab notebook which will contain a record of all labs and
challenges.
We will work together to learn, to challenge ourselves, to have fun and add to what is known
about environmental science.
Grading Policy:
Professionalism 30% (includes class participation, collaboration with others, please see
attached Professionalism rubric)
Tests and Projects 25% Tests will include frequent quizzes on problem sets and unit tests.
Lab and field work/science skills 30% Your lab notebook will be graded twice a marking period,
you will be also graded on your daily work on labs
Homework and out of class assignments 15%
New Visions Engineering College Physics
Mrs. Ashley
Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to College Physics Chapter 1 P 1-19
Topics: The Nature of Science, Scientific Methods
Measurement and Uncertainty
Significant Figures
Units and standards
Order of magnitude and estimating
Scientific Notation
Percent Error
Labs : Measuring with precision and accuracy
Graphical Analysis
Spaghetti Tower Challenge
Floating stick challenge
Unit 2: Kinematics in one dimension Chapter 2, chapter 2 P. 19-44
Kinematics in two Dimensions, Chapter 3, P 45-71
Topics: Speed,
Velocity
Acceleration and deceleration
Graphing of linear motion
Falling objects, free fall
Use of quadric formula
Vector quantity
Labs: Measurements-Acceleration of Gravity
Acceleration Lab
Unit 3: Dynamics-Newton's Laws of Motion Chapter 4 pp. 72-105
Work and Energy Chapter 6 pp. 136-166.
Topics: Force, Net Force, Mechanical Equilibrium
Gravitational Force
Newton's First Law of Motion: Inertia, static equilibrium
Mass and Weight
Newton's Second Law of Motion (Dynamics of a single particle)
Non Free-Fall
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Action and Reaction
Friction
Inclines
Static Friction and Sliding Friction
Force Vectors, Velocity Vectors
Normal Force, Upward Force
Free-body diagrams
Work done by constant force
Work done by varying force
Kinetic Energy
Work-Energy Principle
Potential Energy
Spring Equation/ Hooke's Law
Elastic Potential Energy
Conservative and Non-conservative Forces
Centripetal Force
Mechanical Energy
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Energy Transformations
Law of Conservation of Energy
Dissipative Forces
Power
Labs:
Horsepower
Efficiency and sources of energy
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Hooke's Law and Simple Harmonic Motion
Unit 4 Linear Momentum Chapter 7 pp. 167-193
Topics: Conservation of linear momentum
Collisions
Law of Conservation of momentum
Collisions and Impulse
Elastic Collision
Inelastic collisions
Elastic Collisions in one dimension
Labs: One Dimensional Collisions
Unit 5 Circular Motions; Gravitation Chapter 5 pp 106-135.
Topics: Centripetal acceleration
Radial acceleration
Frequency
Period
Dynamics of uniform circular motion
Angular speed and rotational speed
Highway curves, banked and unbanked
Non uniform circular motion
Centrifugation; centrifugal force
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Force of Gravity
Law of Universal Gravitation
Weightlessness and satellites
Geosynchronous satellite
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Inverse Square Law
Escape speed
Universal Gravitational Constant
Perturbations
Labs: Measurement of Angular Acceleration
Centripetal Force and Whirly Gigs
Unit 6: Rotational Motion: Chapter 8 pp 194-225
Topics: Radian
Axis of rotation
Angular velocity
Instantaneous angular acceleration
Constant angular acceleration
Rolling motion
Torque
Lever arm or moment arm
Compound wheel
Rotational dynamics
Rotational inertia
Labs:
Rotational Kinetic energy
Angular momentum and its conservation
Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum
Vector nature of angular quantities
The Right Hand Rule
Center of mass
Center of gravity
Einstein's' theory of Gravitation
Black Holes
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Torque
Unit 7: Static Equilibrium: Elasticity and Fracture Chapter 9 pp 227-254
Topics: Equilibrium
Cantilever
Application to muscles and joints
Stability and balance
Stable equilibrium
Unstable equilibrium
neutral equilibrium
Elasticity and Hooke's Law
Elastic limit
Ultimate strength
Tension and compression
Young's modulus
Stress and strain
Tensile stress
Compressive stress
Shear modulus
Bulk modulus
Fracture
Arches and domes
Labs: Tensile strength and elasticity experiment
Unit 8: Fluids Chapter 10 p255-285
Topics: Density and specific gravity
Pressure in fluids
Atmospheric pressure
Boyles' Laws
Pascal's Principle
Torr
Barometer
Buoyancy; buoyant force
Archimedes Principle
Principle of floatation
Surface tension
Capillarity
Flow rate
Turbulent flow
Streamline
Labs:
Viscosity
Bernoulli Principle
Torricelli's Theorem
Dynamic lift
Venturi tube
Poiseuille's Equation and blood flow
Vacuum pump
Force pump
Plasma
Archimedes Principle and Density Lab
Unit 9: Temperature and Kinetic Theory Chapter 12 pp 352-383
Topics: Atomic theory of matter
Brownian motion
Temperature
Thermal equilibrium and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
Thermal expansion
Volume expansion
Water below 4 degrees C
Thermal stresses
Gas Laws
The Ideal Gas Law
Avogadro's number
Kinetic Theory
Distribution of molecular speeds
Real gases and change of phase
Vapor pressure and humidity
Diffusion
Labs: Diffusion Lab
Unit 10 Heat chapter 14 pp 384-407 and Laws of Thermodynamics chapter 15 pp 408-437
Topics: Heat as energy transfer
Calorie
Internal energy
Specific heat
Closed and open systems
Latent heat
Heat of fusion, heat of vaporization
Evaporation
Conduction
Conductors
R-values
Convection
Radiation
Emissivity
Thermograph
First law of Thermodynamics
Isothermal process
Heat reservoir
Adiabatic process
Labs:
Isobaric process
Isovolumetric process
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Heat engines
Carnot engine
Refrigerators, Air conditioners and heat pumps
Entropy
Thermal pollution and climate change
Heat lab
The Mechanical Equivalent of Heat
Unit 11: Vibrations and Waves: Chapter 11 pp 286-321
Topics: Vibrations
Waves, Wave speed
Equilibrium position
Displacement, amplitude, frequency, period
Spring calculations
Simple harmonic oscillator
Sinusoidal motion
Transverse waves
Longitudinal waves
Interference patterns
Simple pendulum
Damped harmonic motion
Natural frequency
Underdamped, overdamped, critical damping
Forced vibration
Resonance, resonance frequency
Wave motion
Pulse, continuous periodic wave
Amplitude
Wavelength frequency
Wave velocity
Transverse wave, longitudinal wave
Compressions and expansions
Speed of longitudinal waves
Intensity of waves
Energy transported on waves
Reflection and transmission of waves
Principle of superposition
Interference
Standing waves
Resonance
Harmonics
Refraction
Diffraction
Bow waves
Lab:
Music to my ears
Unit 12 Sound Chapter 12 pp 322-351
Topics: Characteristics of sound
Resonance
Intensity of sound: decibels
Intensity and amplitude
Ear's response to sound
Sources of sound
Reflection and refraction of sound
String instruments
Wind instruments
Noise
Interference of sound
Beats
Doppler Effect
Shock waves
Sonar, ultrasound
Project: Research on applications of use of sound
Unit 13 Electricity and Magnetism Reading Hand out
Topics: Electrical forces
Electrical charges
Conservation of charge
Conductors and insulators
Coulomb's Law
Charging
Charge polarization
Electric field
Electric potential
Electric storage
Electric current
Ohm's Law
Electric resistance
Direct and alternating current
Electric power
Speed of electrons
Electric circuits, series and parallel
Safety fuses
Magnetic poles
Magnetic fields
Electromagnets
Magnetic force
Electric motors
Faraday's Law
Lenz's Law
Maxwell's equations
Lab:
Coulombs Law
Unit 14: The Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity Handout for Reading
Topics: Models of the atom
Electron waves
Quantum Mechanics
Radioactivity
Half-life
Transmutation of elements
Radioactive isotopes
Nuclear fission and fusion
Mass-energy equivalence
Lab:
Field trip
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam for the course. Please keep all notes and handouts to
help in preparation for these exams.
Student signature __________________________________________ Date: ___________
Parent signature ___________________________________________ Date: ___________
Additional questions or comments from students and parents: