Course Syllabus

High School/Science/General Physics: 

Teacher:  Mr. Komp

Contact Information:  Phone 262-626-8427 x 4157, email ckomp@ksd.k12.wi.us

Waves and Vibrations

o       Differentiate wave types

o       Describe properties of waves

o       Model Simple Harmonic Motion

o       Examine and predict superposition, interference, reflection

Sound

o       Explain the Nature of Sound

o       Measure sound intensity and relate intensity to real world situations

o       Design, build, and explain resonating pipes.

Light

o       Describe and classify Electromagnetic waves

o       Develop and predict the inverse square law for light intensity

o       Examine and illustrate reflection (Convex, Concave mirror)

o       Explain color mixing and linear polarization

Properties of Light

o       Explain the nature of refraction

o       Model and illustrate lens systems (convex, concave)

o       Apply properties of light and lenses (eyesight, atmosphere)

o       Identify and describe interference and diffraction

Electrical Forces and Fields

o       Explain basic properties of electric charge

o       Apply Coulomb’s Law to calculate electric force

o       Illustrate and interpret electric field lines

Electrical Energy and Current

o       Distinguish between electrical potential energy and potential difference

o       Relate capacitance to the storage of electrical potential energy

o       Solve problems relating current, charge and time

o       Develop simple electrical schematic diagrams

o       Model and predict current and voltage in Series and Parallel Circuits

Magnetism

o       Investigate magnetic fields in permanent magnets

o       Investigate interactions between electricity and magnetism

o       Explore and map magnetic forces

o       Apply principles of induction to motors and generators

Two Dimensional Motion and Vectors

o       Model and predict projectile motion

o       Develop force diagrams, including resultant force in two dimensions

Circular Motion and Gravitation

o       Model circular motion and acceleration

o       Apply Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

o       Calculate and measure Torque

Major Assignments / Requirements:

Daily readings and assignments are to be recorded in a course notebook

Major labs require lab reports

Weekly Quizzes

Approximately Seven Unit Tests

Special Texts and Materials:

            Course Textbook:  Serway, and Faughn, Physics, Holt, Reinhart, Wilson, 2006

            Calculator – Students must provide a scientific calculator