IB Physics SL 12th grade
Course Guidelines 2012-2013
Instructor:
Bojana Trninic-Radja
e-mail: bradja@uplifteducation.org
cell: 214-675-4715
Tutorial Times:
Tuesday 7:45-8:15, Thursday 3:45-4:15
any time by appointment
Course Description:
This is the second year of the two year IB Physics Standard Level course, and will cover following topics:
Core SL
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Thermal Physics
Electric Currents
Fields and Forces (Electric, Magnetic and Gravitational)
Energy, Power, and Climate Change
Options SL
H Astrophysics
G Electromagnetic Waves
Assessment:
In all IB courses students will be assessed using tests (multiple choice, data based questions, essay and
short answer), quizzes, laboratory assignments, presentations and projects. Students can expect tests to be
of same level as the IB examination.
Grading:
Homework Quizzes:
20 %
Labs:
20 %
Major Quizzes:
20 %
Exams:
40 %
Homework
The homework grade: you’ll have quiz on the homework. That will be student’s homework grade.
Labs
Practical investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. Students are required to research a scientific
problem, develop hypothesis, design an experiment, conduct investigations and draw conclusions. Special
emphasis is given to manipulative skills required to carryout scientific investigations.
Major Quizzes and Exams:
Major assessments will most commonly consist of IB-style assessments. Major assessments will receive
both a North Hills grade on a 100 point scale and an IB grade on a 7 point scale. The 100-point scale grade is
calculated as part of the quarterly course average and will be posted on Powerschool.. The IB 7 point scale
grade is not calculated into the course average, but is included as a predictor as to how students are likely
to perform on the IB Physics exam in May.
In accordance with NHP’s assessment policy, if a student fails his/her exam they may schedule a re-test to earn up to a
70%. If a student retakes an exam, their second score will stand (up to a 70% max), even if the score is lower than the
first exam score. Student must request a re-test on the same day their receive the score for their first test.
IB External Assessment: (conducted externally by IBO)
▪ Paper 1 (SL ) 20% of the IB grade. 30 multiple- choice questions on the core
Time: 45 minutes
▪ Paper 2 (SL) 32% of the IB grade.
Section A: one data- based question and several short - answer questions on the core ( all
compulsory)
Section B: one extended response question on the core ( from a choice of three)
Time: 75 minutes
Internal Assessment: 24% of the IB grade.
Time: approx. 40hours of which 10- 15 hours will be Group IV project
It consists of an interdisciplinary project, a mixture of short and long - term investigations.
Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
The performance is judged against assessment criteria each consisting of achievement
levels 0 - 3.
Tutorials:
Students are strongly encouraged to seek tutorial help the moment they realize they are not
mastering key knowledge and skills.
Unit Syllabi:
Unit syllabi covering class activities, exams, projects, readings and other homework for each unit
are available online on the IB PHYSICS SL web page. In addition, the syllabus for the first unit is attached to
these course guidelines.
Course Web Page:
The course web page is located at www.northhillsprep.org. Simply click on the “Faculty” tab, then
“Radja, Bojana”. In addition to syllabi, class notes, markschemes (rubrics), guidance on the IB Physics
Internal Assessment, and a variety of other resources are available on the course web page.