Grade 11 – Physics (Standard)
Course Overview
This full-year course introduces students to fundamental concepts of physics, including motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism. It emphasizes problem-solving, conceptual understanding, and practical application through laboratory experiences and real-world scenarios. The course aligns with Florida science standards and prepares students for further study in physics or related sciences.
Students develop skills in scientific inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning. The course fosters curiosity and confidence in approaching physical problems while integrating cross-disciplinary thinking from mathematics and engineering.
Learning Outcomes by Quarter
- Quarter 1: Understand Newton’s laws of motion, kinematics, and dynamics through lab experiments and simulations.
- Quarter 2: Explore work, energy, momentum, and the principles of conservation through guided problem sets and inquiry labs.
- Quarter 3: Investigate wave behavior, sound, and light, including reflection, refraction, and interference patterns.
- Quarter 4: Examine electricity, circuits, magnetism, and introductory electromagnetism, culminating in applied design projects.
Instructional Methods
Instruction incorporates lectures, demonstrations, collaborative lab investigations, peer discussions, and the use of digital tools for modeling and simulation. Emphasis is placed on problem-based learning, with students applying physics principles to analyze situations and design solutions.
Assessment and Grading
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Unit Tests & Labs | 40% |
| Quizzes & Problem Sets | 25% |
| Projects & Presentations | 15% |
| Homework & Practice | 10% |
| Participation & Lab Safety | 10% |
Anchor Topics Justification
- Newtonian Mechanics: Core to classical physics and engineering; enables analysis of forces and motion.
- Energy & Momentum: Vital for understanding system behavior and conservation laws in closed systems.
- Waves & Light: Explains phenomena in sound, optics, and modern communications.
- Electricity & Magnetism: Forms the basis of modern electrical systems and electromagnetics.
Standards Alignment
| Topic | Florida Benchmark | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematics | SC.912.P.12.1 | Use equations to solve motion problems |
| Energy | SC.912.P.10.1 | Apply conservation of energy to physical systems |
| Waves | SC.912.P.10.20 | Model behavior of light and sound |
| Electricity | SC.912.P.10.13 | Analyze electrical circuits and charge flow |
Academic Vocabulary Matrix
| Category | Key Terms | Contextual Application |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Velocity, Acceleration, Inertia | Describing motion and force interactions |
| Energy | Kinetic, Potential, Conservation | Exploring energy transfer and mechanical systems |
| Waves | Frequency, Amplitude, Refraction | Applied to sound, optics, and signal analysis |
| Electricity | Voltage, Current, Resistance | Used in circuit design and analysis tasks |