LABORATORY REQUIREMENT: Students who take this course spend a minimum of 30% of their time engaged in laboratory exercises. All DoDEA science courses have this minimum 30% time period for laboratory exercises.

Major Concepts/Content: Physics presents basic concepts of physics in relation to world experiences.  Information is presented in an integrated approach, linking physics with technology, social perspectives, and the history and nature of science.

Physics is designed to provide an understanding of the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. Fundamental laws of mechanics are introduced, along with measurement and problem-solving techniques.  Other topics included are wave theory, heat, sound, light, magnetism, electricity, atomic structure, nuclear reactions, and high energy physics.

Major Instructional Activities: Based on the philosophy that scientific knowledge is best acquired through inquiry, the course uses a variety of techniques to introduce and stimulate, explore, and reinforce major scientific concepts, theories, principles, and skills.

CD-ROM, laser discs, and videotapes are used to enhance teaching.  Instructional activities  include laboratory experiences that reinforce  concepts acquired during lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and problem-solving sessions.  Special attention is given to the mathematical treatment.  Computers are used to collect and analyze data, along with integrated software programs, to prepare project and laboratory reports.

Major Evaluation Techniques: All aspects (e.g., ability to inquire, scientific understanding of the natural world, and understanding of the nature and utility of science) of progress in science are measured using multiple methods such as individual and group performances, projects, interviews, reports, lab reports, student-generated works, and/or conventional testing.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of Physics, students should be able to:

• Engage in full and partial scientific inquiries to design, conduct, and communicate scientific investigations to explore ideas about the natural world.
• Use scientific inquiry to design and conduct scientific investigations to meet a human need, make a decision, solve a human problem, or develop a product.
• Recognize and describe the interrelationship between science and technology.
• Apply the tools of technology (e.g., computers) in scientific endeavors.
• Identify qualities inherent in scientific behavior (e.g., reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity).
• Discuss contributions of men and women of various social and ethnic backgrounds to science and technology.
• Apply science concepts to make decisions (weighing risks and benefits) about students' personal health and well-being.
• Understand the principles of motion and force.
• Apply principles of conservation of energy and describe the associated increase in disorder.
• Relate the interactions between matter and energy.

Last Revised: April 17, 2007