Edmonton Catholic Schools
EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PHYSICS 20 COURSE OUTLINE

Program Overview

Energy is the science theme common to all units in Physics 20, with change, diversity, equilibrium, matter and systems also playing a role. Energy in its many forms causes change and determines the kind of change matter and systems undergo. The major concepts allow connections to be drawn among the four units of the course and among all eight units in the two courses in the program.

Physics 20 consists of four units of study:

  • Unit 1: Kinematics and Dynamics - An examination of motion, the causes of motion and their relationship to energy changes in systems emphasizes the science theme of change.
  • Unit 2: Circular Motion and Gravitation - In this unit, the principles of change in and conservation of energy motion are extended to circular motion, and lead into an investigation of gravitation and equilibrium in planetary systems.
  • Unit 3: Mechanical Waves - The student considers the transfer of energy through matter by means of mechanical waves, and the characteristics of waves are studied in the context of sound.
  • Unit 4: Light - This unit focuses on the nature of light, a visible form of energy and one of the diverse forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of "Orientation to Online Learning"
  • 50% or greater in Science 10.

Required Resources

  • "Fundamentals of Physics: Combined Edition" by Martindale, Heath, & Eastman © 1992 - Provided
  • Calculator (TI-83)

General Expectations

  • Students must complete their course with in the time limits specified by their instructor.
  • Instructors will provide completion dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams on the calendar within each course. Since these dates reflect the time needed to complete each section of the course, it is critical that meet all deadlines. Students are required to contact their instructor regarding any changes to these deadlines. Assignments that are not submitted by the deadline will be assessed a mark of 0 (zero).
  • Students that fail to meet their course deadlines, even for a short period, may be required to meet with the administration to discuss their progress.
  • Students must maintain regular contact with their instructor via the communication tools provided in their course. A minimum of two contacts per week is expected.
  • Revelation Online is a "virtual" school. Students are expected to participate in chat and discussion sessions designated by the instructor. Chat sessions will be posted on the course calendar.
  • Technical issues will occur and are not an excuse for late or missing assignments. Students are expected to manage their time so that minor delays due to technical problems do not result in missing deadlines. Students are expected to contact Technical Support if they experience technical problems.

Technical Skills and Equipment Requirements

  • Students must have internet access. A high speed connection, either ADSL or cable, is necessary in some courses.
  • Skill in using a web browser to navigate the web to locate educational resources and download files.
  • File management skills necessary to create directories, save files, and retrieve files.
  • Ability to use email to send messages and attachments.
  • A Java enabled browser, either Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Communicator 6.0 or higher.
  • Word processor such as Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.

Face-to-Face Requirements

  • Students are required to write two exams (mid-term and final) at the testing centre located at the Revelation Online Centre.
  • Students may be required to attend appointments with the school councilor if their progress becomes a problem.

Evaluation

  • 30% for Unit Work (quizzes, assignments, online tests)
  • 30% Midterm
  • 40% Final
 
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