DANFORTH COLLEGIATE AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

TORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Course Title: Grade 12UniversityPhysics

Course Code: SPH4U

Prerequisite: SPH3U

Course Instructor(s): TevlinCurriculum Leader: Weight

Description:

This course builds on the content and skills developed in grade 11 physics. It will prepare students for further studies at the college and university levels, such as engineering, health sciences, physical sciences, kinesiology and architecture. It is also a course for general interest. It is built around the two incredible revolutions in physics that occurred over the last century: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. These two revolutions have resulted in technological advances in medical imaging, nuclear technology and the information age. They have also revolutionized our understanding of the origins of the universe while forcing us to re-evaluate our fundamental notions of space, time and causality.

Unit / Classes / Chapters / Month
1) Wave Model of Light / 9 / 9 + 10 / Sept.
2) Quantum Physics / 9 / 12 / Oct.
3) Fields and Energy / 9 / 6 + 7 / Nov.
4) Fields and Orbits / 9 / 3 + 8 / Dec.
5) Relativity and (Momentum) / 9 / 11 + (5) / Jan.
6) Science Fair Project / 12 / NA / Feb.
7) Mathematical Physics / 11 / 1-5 / March
8) Quarks to Cosmos (Welcome to University) / 13 / 1 - 13 / April/May

Overall Expectations:

By the end of this course, students will have a better understanding of:

Dynamics

  • Forces affect motion in predictable and quantifiable ways from the subatomic scale to cosmological.
  • Understanding these forces allows the development of tools from electron microscopes to the GPS.

Energy and Momentum

  • Energy and momentum all always conserved in all interactions
  • Conservation laws have led to the discovery of new particles, forces and models of nature.

Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic Fields

  • Forces act at a distance through their fields.
  • Understanding of fields has to space exploration, electrical energy and medical imaging

Wave Nature of Light

  • Light has characteristics that are similar to mechanical waves and can be described mathematically.
  • The wave model of light has led to 3-D videos, anti-reflective films, radar and telescopes.

Revolutions in Modern Physics

  • These revolutions have challenged our fundamental notions of time, space and reality
  • Quantum Physics and Relativity have led to the computer revolution, nuclear power, MRI and PET.

Resource Summary:

Textbook: Nelson Physics 12, Hirsh, Martindale, Stewart & Barry, Nelson 2003

Website: The course outline, worksheets, answers, links and a textbook guide is available online at

Instructional Strategies:

The teacher will act as a guide and facilitator to provide opportunities for genuine inquiry to solve problems by applying scientific concepts and processes. Students will be given opportunities to develop skills of investigation and communication.

Assessment and Evaluation:

A variety of assessment and evaluation tools will be used including: white board work, concept questions, hands-on investigations, guided inquiry worksheets, lab reports, independent study and a cumulative exam. Assessment and evaluation practices in SPH 4U will reflect a balance of opportunities to demonstrate subject and skills proficiency relative to performance standards outlined in the Provincial Achievement Chart: (Knowledge &Understanding (K/U), Communication (C), Thinking/Inquiry (T/I), and Application (A)

A student’s mark will be calculated based on the following categories:

Category / Percentage
Tests (K/U, T/I,A, C) / 30% (6 x 5% each)
Quizzes (K/U, C) / 18% (6 x 3%)
Assignments (T/I, A, C) / 12% (6 x 2%)
Science Fair Project (T/I, A, C) / 10%
Term Work / 70%
Culminating Exam (K/U, T/I, C, A) / 30%
Total / 100%

Late and Missed Work Policy:

Regular timely completion of all class work is essential for your success in this course. Please refer to your student agenda for the late and missed work policy.

Missed Tests:

Students must present a valid excuse for missing a test. Alternative arrangements will be made for the student to write a make-up test. If a student does not present a written excuse, a note of zero will be assigned.

Communication:

Extra help is available at lunch and after-school. Students will receive a monthly update on their mark. The teacher will contact the parents by phone or email regarding poor grades, behaviour and/or attendance. Parents and students are encouraged to communicate with the teacher by email

Student Expectations

Students are expected to…

  • Arrive to class on time.
  • Arrive to class with the necessary materials (i.e. pen/pencil etc…).
  • Complete all assignments
  • Treat fellow classmates and all teachers with respect.