Physics 30 Course Outline
Physics is a process-oriented science that relies on the development of models to explain the world around us – from the very small to the very large. To excel in this physics class, you must develop a strong conceptual understanding of these models and be able to apply this understanding to new and novel situations.
General Outcomes (Units of Study)
Momentum and Impulse (11 days)
Explain how momentum is conserved when objects interact in an isolated system / 15%Forces and Fields (23 days)
PART A: Electric Forces and Fields
Explain the behavior of electric charges, using the laws that govern electrical interactionsDescribe electrical phenomena, using electric field theory
PART B: Magnetic Forces and Fields
Explain how the properties of electric and magnetic fields are applied in numerous devices / 30%
Electromagnetic Radiation (22 days)
PART A: The Wave Model of Light
Explain the nature and behavior of electromagnetic radiation, using the wave modelPART B: The Quantum Model of Light
Explain the photoelectric effect, using the quantum model / 30%
Atomic Physics (15 days)
Describe the electrical nature of the atomDescribe the quantization of energy in atoms and nuclei
Describe nuclear fission and fusion as powerful energy sources in nature
Describe the ongoing development of models of the structure of matter / 25%
Student Expectations:
Assessment and Evaluation:
Class Mark General Outcome(s): / 70%Lab Skills – 15%
In each unit, you will take part in a least one lab or project, some of which may require you to complete a report. Lab/project reports will not be returned until all group members’ reports have been submitted.
Unit Assignment – 15%
At the end of each unit, you will be given one 90-minute class period to complete an assignment with a variety of questions for each outcome covered in the unit. This assignment will be due at the beginning of the next class. Late Unit Assignments will not be accepted.
Quiz/Pre-test – 10%
At the end of each unit, you will write a quiz that contains a variety of questions for each outcome covered in the unit. You are encouraged to use this quiz as a ‘pretest’ as if you perform better on the exam, the quiz mark will be omitted.
Unit Exam – 60%
A unit exam will be written at the end of each unit, following the Unit Assignment and Quiz. Unit exams will contain numerical response and written response questions.
Diploma Exam:
The diploma exam, consisting of 36 multiple choice questions and 14 numerical response questions, will be written on Monday, January 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. / 30%
Absences:
Exams–you will have one week to complete the missed exam, at lunch or after school
Quizes – you may choose to:
-omit the missed quiz and write the exam on schedule
-write the missed quiz during the exam period and write the exam the following day
Unit Assignments – you will be given an alternate assignment to complete by a time TBD
Labs/Projects – you will be given an alternate lab assignment to complete by a time TBD
Rewrites: There will be two scheduled rewrites during the semester, at dates to be announced later.
Forces and Fields Exam – for students wishing to rewrite Electric Forces and Fields and/or
Magnetic Forces and Fields Exams
Electromagnetic Radiation Exam – for students wishing to rewrite The Wave Model of
Light and/or The Quantum Model of Light Exams
****This is an intensive course that assumes a high level of participation from each of you, both in class and at home. It is YOUR responsibility to stay on top of the workload.****
Contact Information
Teacher / Mrs. Tina Olson, Room 164Email /
Website /
CCHS Home Page → About → Staff Sites
Google Classroom / t4da45
Remind101 / Browser: rmd.at/olsonp30 Text: @olsonp30 to (819) 803-0522