Lesson Plan

Period #1 The Disciplines of Physics

Materials : Textbook : Physics - Principles and Problems, Course Outline / Evaluation, "Careers In Physics" / The Straw Tower Lab

Review : Science 10 - Electricity & Magnetism, Science 9 - Work, Energy, Power

Objectives : students should be able to :

  1. describe the major branches of physics that comprise the discipline
  2. compare and contrast physics with other disciplines
  3. identify the unique characteristics of physics
  4. give examples of the continuing development and refining of physics concepts
  5. demonstrate knowledge of physics-related careers in local, regional, and global workplaces
  6. describe some of the tools and activities of physicists, in particular a reliance on mathematics and experimental design
    1. Scientific Method / Experimental Design
    2. Accuracy & Precision
    3. Significant Digits & Exact Numbers




Part I - Introduction To Physics - Introduction Power Point Presentation and Notes :

Physics is the study of the physical world.

Show Power Point Presentation and have students take notes on "INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS", describe what physics is and how it has lead to many different technologies.

Guided Practice :

Brainstorm what careers a Physisist could do.

Introduce and discuss overhead of "Disciplines of Physics"

Exercise - In pairs, study the Circle of Physics, and discuss what a physicist would do in various careers listed and discuss which ones appeal to you and why, report ideas to class.

Exercise :

Due in Two Periods - Present to the Class and hand in a paragraph on a current research project in physics. Use the newspaper, TV, or Internet.

Evaluation :

Unit One Test





Part II - Scientific Method / Experimental Design - Introduction and Notes

Give notes starting "SCIENTIFIC METHOD / EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN", on page 1-2, explain the method that physicists use to gather and interpret data.

Guided Practice :

Discuss Pocket Lab - Falling - Page 6 - Relate to Scientific Method

Exercise :

If time (at the end of class) Lab Competition - The Straw Tower

Evaluation :

Unit One Test





Part III . Accuracy Precision - Introduction and Notes :

Give ppt presentation on, "ACCURACY AND PRECISION", define and explain the differences between the two terms. Use the dart board analogy.

Demonstrate the % difference formula and do example.

Guided Study :

Certainty and Precision Worksheet Question #5 (only available in class).





Part IV . Significant Figures and Exact Numbers - Introduction and Notes :

Give notes starting "Significant Figures" on page 1-4, explain which digits are significant and compare measured data to exact numbers.

Guided Practice :

Show and Discuss overhead transparencies on uncertainty and significant digits.

Identify the number of significant figures:

1) 3.0800

2) 0.00418

3) 7.09 x 10¯5

4) 91,600

5) 0.003005

6) 3.200 x 109

7) 250

8) 780,000,000

9) 0.0101

10) 0.00800

 

Exercise :

Do Questions 12 -13 page 24 Practice Problems

Certainty and Precision Worksheet # 1 -3

Evaluation :

Certainty and Precision / Significant Digits Worksheet

Unit One Test