Grade 12 SL Physics
SPH4UJ
Assumption College Catholic High School
1100 Huron Church Road, Windsor Ontario, N9C 2K7
519 256 7801
Instructor: Mr. Mills
Prerequisites: Grade
11 Physics Academic
Textbook:
Physics: Concepts and Connections
Igor Nowikow and Brian Heimbecker
Online Text: Tsokos – IB Physics
Hewitt – Conceptual Physics
Course Code: SPH4UJ
Credit Value: 1
Time Frame:
1 semester
Course Description: Grade 12 Physics IB
The course is offered at the Standard Level and the objectives of IB Physics are based on the
International Baccalaureate Physics Prospectus. To meet these objectives specific material is covered
over the period of two semesters.
IB Physics topics
Options (two to be selected and covered in
grade 12)
1. Physics and Physical Measurement (11)
A. Sight and Wave Phenomenon (12)
2. Mechanics (11/12)
B. Quantum and Nuclear Physics (12)
3. Thermal Physics (11)
C. Digital Technology
4. Oscillations and Waves (11)
D. Relativity and Particle Physics
5. Electric Currents (11)
E. Astrophysics
6. Fields and Forces (12)
F. Communications
7. Atomic and Nuclear Physics (12)
G. Electromagnetic Waves
8. Energy, Power and Climate Change (11)
The course has an experimental aspect, and stresses qualitative modeling and quantitative analysis. A
collaborative Group 4 project is a compulsory part of Physics SL. This project emphasizes
interdisciplinary cooperation and the processes involved in scientific investigation, rather than the
products of such investigation. IB Physics is a rigorous university preparation course for highly
motivated students. Students are expected to write the international IB Physics exam at the end of
their studies. In covering the IB objectives, the Ontario curriculum is also covered in depth and
students earn Physics credits towards Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
An in depth exploration of these documents and strategies can be found in the Main Office and on the
Board’s website.
Evaluation of Student Achievement
OSSDR
All students will be assessed frequently and given multiple opportunities to practice and demonstrate their level
of achievement of the course expectations.
Learning Skills
Term Work – 70% of Final Grade

Teachers will support students in finding connections between the
Achievement Categories
Weight
Learning Skills and Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Knowledge/Understanding
35%

Teachers will provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate
Thinking
30%
their learning skills in the following categories:
o
Works Independently
Application
20%
o
Teamwork
Communication
15%
o
Organization
Weights Assigned to Term Tasks (Out of )
o
Work Habits
o
Initiative
Major tests
5

The learning skills will be evaluated using the four-point scale:
Lab reports
5
o
E – Excellent
Major assignments
4 or 5
o
G – Good
o
S – Satisfactory
Quizzes
3 or 2
o
N - Needs Improvement
Daily work/homework
1
Final Evaluation – 30% Written Exam
IB
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Lab Reports and IB Internal Assessment (IA).
All IB students must submit a portfolio of lab reports as part of the assessment for their final IB
physics grade. The IA, worth 24% of the final assessment consists of an interdisciplinary project, a
mixture of short- and long-term investigations. Thus, it is very important that the portfolio is up to
date and well organized. It will be kept in school at all times. Student work is internally assessed by
the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO. The performance in IA at SL is marked against
assessment criteria, with each criterion having a maximum mark of 6.
Practical (Internal) Assessment for 2015 exams
This is assessed by means of a practical course consisting of a series of experiments which the
students carry out and write reports on in a separate laboratory exercise book. The reports are assessed
according to eight criteria.
These are:
Design
Data collection and processing
Conclusions and Evaluations
Manipulative Skills
Personal Skills
IB External Examination Format (First examinations 2009)
Component Overall Duration Format and syllabus coverage
weighting (hours)
(%)
Paper 1
20
0.75
30 Multiple Choice questions based on the core.
Paper 2
32
1.25
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)
Paper 3
24
1
Several short-answer questions in each of the two
options studied (all compulsory)
Calculators are not permitted in paper 1 but are required in papers 2 and 3.
A clean copy of the Physics data booklet is required for papers 2 and 3.
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Key Policies
Absence Policy:
(School Policy)
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is important for success. Excessive absenteeism may make high level performance
difficult and will probably impact your final grade.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WORK MISSED
If you are absent, your study buddy is the first person you should call to find out what went on in class
during your absence. Your study buddy will collect any handouts and other information for you while
you are absent.
Submission of Late Assignments:

Assignments are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated.

If a student submits assignments late, the teacher:
(Board Policy)
o
Must document or track late submissions. Teachers may use the Missed or Late Assignment
Student Contract.
o
Must consult with the student and determine a plan of action to correct this behavior. Teachers
may use a variety of methods for dealing with late and missed assignments.
o
May contact the student’s parent/guardian.
o
May need to inform Administration or school success team.

Teachers will use their professional judgment when extenuating circumstances arise.

If a student fails to submit a major assignment on time, the student will be given a new due date at
the teacher’s discretion. The teacher may use the same assignment or modify the original one.
Failure to submit the original/alternate assignment on the second due date may result in a mark of
zero.
Plagiarism:
If it is determined that a student has plagiarized, the following will happen:






(Board Policy)
The plagiarism will be reported to the school administration,
The student will receive a mark of zero (0),
The student will be provided an opportunity to resubmit the assignment,
The first assignment will be recorded in Markbook© as a zero (0),
The second assignment will also be recorded in Markbook© with the same weight,
The parent/guardian will be notified and other consequences, including suspension, may be
assigned.
HOMEWORK POLICY:
 You are expected to review current class work on a regular basis. This will make studying
much easier.
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

Homework will be checked periodically. If homework is incomplete be prepared to phone
your parent and explain the reason to them.
A surprise quiz on current work can be given at any time.
TESTING POLICY:
 All tests are compulsory.
 In general make up tests will not be used for a summative evaluation.
 Administrative exemptions due to test conflicts will be dealt with on an individual basis.
 If there is a conflict with a test date, it is the responsibility of the student to make
arrangements with the teacher prior to the test date.
 If insufficient summative evidence is available for proper evaluation of progress, the results of
the relevant portions of the final evaluation may be substituted for missing items.
MAKE UP WORK
 In general work missed due to absence must be made up on the day of return or at the
discretion of the teacher. Tests or other summative items missed while on school suspension
are not eligible for makeup. Late items will be treated as formative and will not be considered
for summative evaluation.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
 You are expected to maintain a well organized note book to assist you with your studies.
 You are expected to maintain your class file of activities.
 You are expected to bring all necessary materials (pens, pencils, paper etc.) to class everyday.
 You are expected to take care of and bring your textbook with you each day.
 You are expected to obey the safety rules and other classroom rules at all times.
PARENT/STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT:
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________
Date
__________________________________
Student’s Signature
____________________
Date
Textbook # _______
Other Resources Assigned:
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