Physics 12 Outline

Welcome to Physics 12. You have survived the rigour of physics 11, now for the next challenge. Physics 12 is a course that explores our understanding of classical mechanics and newtonian physics. This course will cover a lot of topics in a fairly short time, which means it is vital that you stay on top of the material. Assignments will be assigned regularly, quizzes will happen every 2nd or 3rd day and tests will be common place occurrences. I will be available for lunch time help every day. Most of the due dates will be flexible (on assignments, quizzes and tests) but you will quickly find that an extension may not be a good thing because the course will still move forward (even if you are still stuck in the past). The bottom line is, if you are struggling, talk to me at lunch and we can work through it together.

Prerequisites: Physics 11 and Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum of a C+ in both subjects is STRONGLY recommended.

Assessment: This course will be assessed largely on Labs and Tests. Assignments (the practice worksheets) will not be assessed for marks but I will give out quizzes regularly made from assignment questions. These quizzes will be the formative assessment tool (assessment as you progress through the course).

Quizzes, and Labs / 30%
Tests / 45%
Final Exam/ Science Fair / 25%

Note: There will be plenty of opportunity for students to update their test scores at the end of each term. There will be a term exam in each term that will cover the topics of the term only. This exam will not be worth and percentage of the course but it will replace the lowest test score (if it is higher). These term exams are mandatory for all students in the class.

Missed work and Absences:All quizzes are to be done in class. If you miss a quiz, you will be responsible to make up the quiz with me at lunch time. If you miss a lab and the equipment is still set up, you may do the lab at lunch time. If the equipment is already dismantled, you must obtain data from another student in the class but you are still responsible for your own write-up. If you miss a test, you will e responsible for writing the make-up test at lunch time on the first available day.

Content: The following eight topics will be covered in 2-3 week intervals during Physics 12.

1. Vectors and Static Equilibrium / 5. Electrostatics
2. Projectile Motion and Forces / 6. Electromagnetic Forces
3. Momentum and Energy / 7. Electromagnetic Induction
4. Circular Motion and Gravitation

Message to parents: This is a difficult course but it has great return value in the process of furthering your child’s education. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated. This course will probably consume 5-7 hours a week in homework and study time. If you need more help please e-mail me at or call me at (250) 338-9262 before 8:45 am or after 3:15 pm. I am also posting notes and assignments under my name in the district website. (click on the My Site link on the top right side of the site.