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High School Physics Course Description

Structured on the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy (2001)

Course Overview

This year-long physics course develops students' scientific literacy through systematic progression from foundational knowledge to creative application. Students master physics concepts by sequentially building cognitive skills—from recalling fundamental principles to designing original experiments and novel solutions to real-world problems. This is a hands-on course using equipment in our physics lab as well as the use of extensive online interactive simulations (MicroSims) that keep students engaged.

Why This Course

Picture this: you’re not just learning about the universe—you’re learning to speak its language. In this physics class, you’ll trade textbooks for trebuchets, memorization for machine-building, and passive note-taking for active world-bending. One day you’re calculating the perfect angle to sink a basketball shot; the next, you’re designing a Rube Goldberg machine that takes three minutes to flick a switch, then defending your design like a TED speaker. You’ll decode the physics behind your favorite video games, demolish movie scenes with real science, and turn lab day into a friendly competition to launch projectiles with laser precision. It’s a place where failure is just data, “Eureka!” moments happen weekly, and you’ll walk out seeing hidden mechanics in everything—from your phone’s touchscreen to the way light dances on water. Challenging? Absolutely. But between the collaborative chaos of creation, the thrill of cracking a problem that stumped you yesterday, and the sheer joy of making something move exactly as you predicted, you’ll realize the secret: physics isn’t just the foundation of engineering and technology—it’s one of the most genuinely fun rides high school has to offer.

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Geometry
Credit: 1.0 Lab Science
Level: Grades 10-12

Concepts Covered

Foundation

  1. Physics Introduction
  2. Scientific Method
  3. Measurement
  4. SI Units
  5. Unit Conversion
  6. Significant Figures
  7. Dimensional Analysis
  8. Error Analysis
  9. Precision vs Accuracy
  10. Scalars
  11. Vectors
  12. Vector Addition
  13. Vector Subtraction
  14. Vector Components
  15. Dot Product
  16. Cross Product
  17. Graphical Analysis
  18. Scientific Notation
  19. Trigonometry for Physics
  20. Proportional Reasoning

Kinematics

  1. Displacement
  2. Distance
  3. Speed
  4. Velocity
  5. Acceleration
  6. Linear Motion
  7. Uniform Motion
  8. Uniformly Accelerated Motion
  9. Position-Time Graphs
  10. Velocity-Time Graphs
  11. Acceleration-Time Graphs
  12. Kinematic Equations
  13. Free Fall
  14. Projectile Motion
  15. Horizontal Projection
  16. Angled Projection
  17. Relative Velocity

Dynamics

  1. Force
  2. Net Force
  3. Newton's First Law
  4. Inertia
  5. Newton's Second Law
  6. Newton's Third Law
  7. Action-Reaction
  8. Equilibrium
  9. Static Equilibrium
  10. Dynamic Equilibrium
  11. Friction
  12. Static Friction
  13. Kinetic Friction
  14. Coefficient of Friction
  15. Weight
  16. Mass vs Weight
  17. Normal Force
  18. Tension
  19. Inclined Plane
  20. Atwood Machine
  21. Pulley Systems
  22. Centripetal Force
  23. Banked Curves

Energy

  1. Work
  2. Work by Constant Force
  3. Work by Variable Force
  4. Work-Energy Theorem
  5. Kinetic Energy
  6. Potential Energy
  7. Gravitational Potential Energy
  8. Elastic Potential Energy
  9. Conservative Forces
  10. Non-conservative Forces
  11. Conservation of Mechanical Energy
  12. Energy Diagrams
  13. Power
  14. Efficiency
  15. Simple Machines
  16. Mechanical Advantage
  17. Lever
  18. Pulley
  19. Inclined Plane as Machine
  20. Energy in Collisions

Momentum

  1. Linear Momentum
  2. Impulse
  3. Impulse-Momentum Theorem
  4. Conservation of Momentum
  5. Elastic Collisions
  6. Inelastic Collisions
  7. Perfectly Inelastic Collisions
  8. 2D Collisions
  9. Center of Mass
  10. Rocket Propulsion

Rotation

  1. Angular Displacement
  2. Angular Velocity
  3. Angular Acceleration
  4. Rotational Kinematics
  5. Torque
  6. Rotational Inertia
  7. Rotational Kinetic Energy
  8. Angular Momentum
  9. Conservation of Angular Momentum
  10. Rolling Motion

Oscillations

  1. Simple Harmonic Motion
  2. Restoring Force
  3. Amplitude
  4. Period
  5. Frequency
  6. Angular Frequency
  7. Hooke's Law
  8. Spring Constant
  9. Simple Pendulum
  10. Physical Pendulum
  11. Damped Harmonic Motion
  12. Forced Oscillations
  13. Resonance

Waves

  1. Mechanical Waves
  2. Transverse Waves
  3. Longitudinal Waves
  4. Wave Properties
  5. Wavelength
  6. Frequency
  7. Period
  8. Wave Speed
  9. Wave Interference
  10. Constructive Interference
  11. Destructive Interference
  12. Superposition Principle
  13. Standing Waves
  14. Nodes and Antinodes
  15. Wave Reflection
  16. Wave Refraction
  17. Wave Diffraction
  18. Doppler Effect
  19. Shock Waves

Sound

  1. Sound Waves
  2. Speed of Sound
  3. Intensity
  4. Decibel Scale
  5. Pitch
  6. Loudness
  7. Ultrasound
  8. Infrasound
  9. Beats
  10. Harmonics
  11. Acoustic Resonance

Light

  1. Light Waves
  2. Electromagnetic Spectrum
  3. Visible Spectrum
  4. Speed of Light
  5. Luminous Intensity

Optics

  1. Reflection
  2. Law of Reflection
  3. Mirrors
  4. Plane Mirrors
  5. Spherical Mirrors
  6. Concave Mirrors
  7. Convex Mirrors
  8. Mirror Equation
  9. Magnification
  10. Refraction
  11. Snell's Law
  12. Index of Refraction
  13. Total Internal Reflection
  14. Critical Angle
  15. Lenses
  16. Convex Lenses
  17. Concave Lenses
  18. Lens Equation
  19. Thin Lens Formula
  20. Ray Diagrams
  21. Focal Length
  22. Real Images
  23. Virtual Images
  24. Dispersion
  25. Prism
  26. Color Addition
  27. Color Subtraction
  28. Diffraction
  29. Young's Double Slit
  30. Single Slit Diffraction
  31. Diffraction Grating
  32. Polarization

Electricity

  1. Electric Charge
  2. Positive Charge
  3. Negative Charge
  4. Conservation of Charge
  5. Conductors
  6. Insulators
  7. Semiconductors
  8. Superconductors
  9. Charging by Friction
  10. Charging by Contact
  11. Charging by Induction
  12. Grounding
  13. Coulomb's Law
  14. Electric Force
  15. Electric Field
  16. Electric Field Lines
  17. Field Strength
  18. Electric Potential Energy
  19. Electric Potential
  20. Voltage

Concepts Not Covered

  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Atomic Physics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Digital Electronics
  • Circuits

I. REMEMBERING: Foundational Knowledge

Learning Objectives: - Identify and define fundamental physics quantities (displacement, velocity, force, energy, charge, current) - Recall Newton's Laws of Motion, conservation laws, and fundamental equations - Name units of measurement and conversion factors within SI system - Recognize laboratory equipment and state their basic functions - List safety protocols for physics laboratory environments

Content Domains: - Metric system and dimensional analysis - Vocabulary: 200+ essential physics terms - Historical scientists and their contributions (Newton, Einstein, Faraday, etc.) - Fundamental constants (g, G, k, c) - Basic schematic symbols and graph types

Assessment Examples: - Weekly vocabulary quizzes - Equipment identification practical exam - "Physics Constants Speed-Dating" matching activity

II. UNDERSTANDING: Conceptual Comprehension

Learning Objectives: - Explain physical phenomena using correct scientific terminology - Classify types of forces, energy, and motion with distinguishing characteristics - Summarize relationships between variables in word and graphical form - Interpret motion graphs, force diagrams, and circuit schematics - Paraphrase physics principles in everyday language

Content Domains: - Distinguishing scalar vs. vector quantities - Interpreting position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs - Explaining energy transformations in mechanical systems - Describing electric and magnetic field concepts - Summarizing wave properties and behaviors

Instructional Strategies: - Concept mapping sessions linking related principles - "Explain it to a 5th grader" peer teaching exercises - Gallery walk of student-generated analogies for abstract concepts

III. APPLYING: Problem-Solving & Procedure Execution

Learning Objectives: - Execute multi-step calculations using appropriate equations - Apply physics principles to novel scenarios (e.g., calculate projectile motion for different sports) - Conduct standardized laboratory procedures to collect valid data - Implement problem-solving frameworks (GUPSP: Given-Unknown-Principle-Solve-Check) - Use technology (graphing calculators, simulation software) to model physical systems

Content Domains: - Kinematic equations for 1D and 2D motion - Newton's Second Law applications (inclined planes, pulleys, circular motion) - Work-energy theorem and conservation of momentum calculations - Ohm's Law and series/parallel circuit analysis - Snell's Law and lens/mirror equation applications

Assessment Examples: - Tiered problem sets (scaffolded → independent) - Laboratory practical: "Determine unknown mass using dynamics" - Simulation challenges (PhET, Tracker Video Analysis)

IV. ANALYZING: Pattern Recognition & Relationship Deconstruction

Learning Objectives: - Differentiate between valid and invalid experimental data - Organize complex problems into sub-components - Attribute physical effects to multiple contributing factors - Compare and contrast physics models (wave vs. particle, series vs. parallel) - Examine proportional relationships through dimensional analysis

Content Domains: - Force analysis with free-body diagrams (deconstructing net force) - Energy bar charts: tracking energy storage and transfer - Circuit analysis using Kirchhoff's Laws - Error analysis: distinguishing systematic vs. random errors - Wave interference pattern analysis

Instructional Strategies: - "What's Wrong?" error-identification worksheets - Fishbone diagram creation for multi-cause phenomena - Comparative lab reports analyzing two experimental methods

V. EVALUATING: Critical Assessment & Judgment

Learning Objectives: - Critique experimental designs for validity and reliability - Justify selection of specific physics models for given situations - Assess the reasonableness of numerical answers (order-of-magnitude checks) - Defend conclusions using evidence from multiple sources (lab data, theory, simulations) - Rate the efficiency of different problem-solving approaches

Content Domains: - Experimental design evaluation: controls, variables, sample size - Assumptions in idealized models (frictionless surfaces, massless strings) - Real-world applications: evaluating physics claims in media/technology - Limitations of classical physics at relativistic and quantum scales - Safety and ethical considerations in physics applications

Assessment Examples: - Peer review of lab reports using rubrics - "Physics in the News" critical analysis presentations - Decision matrix: selecting optimal renewable energy source for community

VI. CREATING: Original Design & Synthesis

Learning Objectives: - Design novel experiments to test student-generated hypotheses - Propose innovative solutions to engineering challenges (e.g., egg drop, mousetrap car) - Synthesize connections across physics domains (e.g., how electromagnetism explains motor function) - Construct original models to represent complex systems - Develop educational demonstrations to teach physics concepts to others

Content Domains: - Independent research project on emerging physics application - Engineering design challenges with constraint optimization - Creation of video explanations using physics analysis of movie scenes - Development of interactive simulations using coding platforms - Design of sustainable energy system for school campus

Capstone Projects: - Semester 1: Rube Goldberg machine demonstrating 10+ physics principles with detailed analysis notebook - Semester 2: "Physics TED Talk"—original presentation analyzing physics in a personal passion area (sports, music, art, gaming)

Assessment and Grading Framework

Bloom Level Weight Assessment Types
Remembering 10% Quizzes, concept checks
Understanding 15% Concept maps, exit tickets
Applying 30% Problem sets, lab procedures
Analyzing 20% Lab analysis, data evaluation
Evaluating 15% Peer review, critique essays
Creating 10% Projects, design challenges

Instructional Technology Integration

  • Remembering: Quizlet Live, Anki flashcards
  • Understanding: PhET simulations, Desmos graphing
  • Applying: Tracker Video Analysis, Vernier data collection
  • Analyzing: Python/R data analysis, spreadsheet modeling
  • Evaluating: PeerGrade platform, digital portfolios
  • Creating: Tinkercad/OnShape CAD, Arduino projects, video editing

Differentiation & Accessibility

  • Scaffolding: Provide equation sheets and formula triangles at Remembering/Applying levels; gradually remove supports at higher levels
  • Extensions: Tiered "Physics Olympiad" problems for Evaluating/Creating levels
  • Language Support: Multilingual glossary and visual symbol library for Remembering level
  • SPED Modifications: Concrete manipulatives for Understanding; structured lab templates for Applying

This taxonomy-aligned structure ensures students develop both the content mastery and cognitive flexibility required for AP Physics, engineering pathways, and scientific literacy in civic life.