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Welcome to the Wasse Abin High School physics website!
Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation (SPH4U)
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students
will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and
magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter.They will further develop inquiry
skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development
of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications
of physics.
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation, SPH3U
Throughout this course, students will:
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demonstrate an understanding of
safety practices by selecting, operating, and storing equipment appropriately, and by acting in accordance with the Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) legislation in selecting and applying appropriate techniques for handling,
storing, and disposing of laboratory materials (e.g.,wear appropriate protective clothing when handling radioactive substances);
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select appropriate instruments and use
them effectively and accurately in collecting observations and data (e.g., select appropriate instruments, such as stopwatches,
photogates, and/or data loggers, when preparing an investigation concerning the law of conservation of energy);
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demonstrate the skills required to design
and carry out experiments related to the topics under study, controlling major variables and adapting or extending procedures
where required (e.g., design an experiment to determine the relationship
between the force applied to a spring and the extension produced);
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locate, select, analyse, and integrate
information on topics under study,working independently and as part of a team, and using appropriate library and electronic
research tools, including Internet sites;
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compile, organize, and interpret data,
using appropriate formats and treatments, including tables, flow charts, graphs, and diagrams (e.g., analyse the forces acting
on an object, using free-body diagrams);
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use appropriate scientific models (theories,
laws, explanatory devices) to explain and predict the behaviour of natural phenomena;
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analyse and synthesize information for
the purpose of identifying problems for inquiry, and solve the problems using a variety of problem-solving skills;
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select and use appropriate SI units,
and apply unit analysis techniques when solving problems;
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select and use appropriate numeric,
symbolic, graphical, and linguistic modes of representation (e.g., algebraic equations, vector diagrams, ray diagrams, graphs,
graphing programs, spreadsheets) to communicate scientific ideas, plans, and experimental results;
communicate the procedures and results
of investigations and research for specific purposes using data tables, laboratory reports, and research papers, and account
for discrepancies between theoretical and experimental values with reference to experimental uncertainty;
express the result of any calculation
involving experimental data to the appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures;
identify and describe science- and technology-based
careers related to the subject area under study (e.g., mechanical engineer, civil engineer, medical doctor, astronomer, air-traffic
controller, nuclear physicist).
(reference:
The Ontario Science Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Ministry of Education
© 2000) pg. 101
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