S+Archambault+Michael

CP Physics

Office: Apt 10B Office Phone: 491-4993 Office Hours:** 2:00-4:00 MWF
 * Teacher: Mr. Archambault
 * E-mail:** Michael.Archambault@maine.edu


 * =Summary of Unit= ||
 * Physics has been infused into our daily lives since the beginning of time. There have been many great astronomers and physicists who have added pieces to the puzzle, but none are as evident as the ones Isaac Newton developed as the Laws of Motion. This unit is designed to introduce these laws, and explore what they actually mean. There are many branches off of the laws of motion, such as conservation and vectors. Students will dig deep into the heart of why things react the way they do to outside forces, and produce an end product that will incorporate these very important concepts. Students will gain an understanding of how acceleration affects motion and how the direction of that motion can have serious repercussions during a collision. ||

D4: Force and Motion Grade 9-Diploma Students will explore Newton's three laws of motion. a. Describe the contribution of Newton to our understanding of force and motion, and give examples of and apply Newtons three laws of motion and his theory of gravitation. ||
 * **Establish Goals:** **(G) Maine Learning Results: Science and Technology D. The physical setting**

//What understandings are desired?//
• The net force is the product of mass and acceleration. • Newton's laws of motion explain why things happen in everyday life. ||
 * //Students will understand that:// **(U)** ||
 * • Energy is never lost or made, only transformed.

//What essential questions will be considered?//
• Why does a person get injured in a car accident when the car is barely dented? • How do forces add with each other? ||
 * **Essential Questions:** **(Q)** ||
 * • How do Newton's laws of motion explain why energy is conserved?

//What key knowledge and skills will students acquire as a result of this unit?//
• Definitions: Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Gravity, slope, elastic, inelastic. • Key factual Information: Gravity is constant acceleration, constant velocity is not acceleration, energy is always conserved, momentum follows conservation laws. || • Describe the contribution of Newton to our understanding of force and motion, and give examples of and apply Newton's three laws of motion and his theory of gravitation. • Solve problems and explain resultant force vectors. • Use equations to solve acceleration and velocity problems. • Demonstrate the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions. • Understand the difference between acceleration and velocity using vector notation. • Define key terms, and have command of the physics language. ||
 * //Students will know:// **(K)** || //Students will be able to:// **(S)** ||
 * • Formulas: Kinematic equations, KE=1/2MV^2, F=MA, P=MV.


 * You are scientists in an independent science lab that survives by winning competitions sponsored by large corporations. You specialize in design, which is perfect for the next gravy train that is coming to town! Ford Motor Company has announced the need for a newer, safer design for the Ford Taurus. Contest participants must present an IMovie of their construction process of an egg car, and a 1-2 page essay explaining their material choices and the laws of physics that they are trying to counter. The car must roll freely down a ramp, crash, and have the egg remain intact. Ford Motor Company executives will watch your presentation and vote on who gets FREE Ford's for life! ||
 * You are scientists in an independent science lab that survives by winning competitions sponsored by large corporations. You specialize in design, which is perfect for the next gravy train that is coming to town! Ford Motor Company has announced the need for a newer, safer design for the Ford Taurus. Contest participants must present an IMovie of their construction process of an egg car, and a 1-2 page essay explaining their material choices and the laws of physics that they are trying to counter. The car must roll freely down a ramp, crash, and have the egg remain intact. Ford Motor Company executives will watch your presentation and vote on who gets FREE Ford's for life! ||


 * =Expectations= ||
 * I expect students to have fun in this class. The idea is to learn together through observation and analysis. Students will be expected to participate in discussions, turn in assessments, and contribute to your groups. Respect is a must. As we take strides into uncharted territory, it is not uncommon for people to disagree on hypothesis', but we must debate and use reason. ||
 * I expect students to show up to class prepared and on time. Class starts when the bell rings, and the faster we get rolling, the faster we can explore the world together! Absences are inevitable during the course of a year. Make-up assignments and alternative activities will be assigned and must be completed by the following class.

Plagiarism is not tolerated, and I will follow the school policies regarding that matter. ||


 * =Benchmarks= ||
 * **Below is the point value for each section of the unit. Your final grade for the unit will be based on the percentage of points earned for each benchmark out of 200 points total.**


 * Participation: 50 points**.

This is a heavy hitter because learning takes place by doing. I expect to see teamwork and equal contribution in each group. If I see a group or individual off task, I will correct them one time. Every time afterward in that class period, or if it is an everyday battle, I will deduct participation points accordingly. At the end of the unit, I will give you a written summary of your participation, and give specific examples of where you lost points, or what I really liked about your participation.


 * Products from each class: 10 points apiece, for a total of 60**

These are important to get immediate feedback to the class and myself. They are used as a gauge to see where more learning needs to take place. They represent understanding and show progression through the unit. None of the homework assignments in my class are designed to keep you busy. I will never assign any work that does not have a specific goal in mind. The products in this unit are specifically designed to give you the tools and experience necessary to make a superior final product, therefore increasing your final grade. They are there for you!


 * Final performance task: 90 points**

The IMovie you will make demonstrates the mastery of Newton's Laws. It consists of making a testable prototype, using technology to show off your prototype, and a 2 page write up explaining what you did and why you did it. Anyone who watches your IMovie will have an immediate interest in the subject of Newton's Laws, and upon reading your two page write up, understand what each piece of motion contributes to the overall scenario. You will explain your selection of material based on what you know of Newton's laws. ||


 * =Grading Scale= ||
 * The basis for the academic achievement mark is the teacher’s evaluation of the quality of the student’s performance in a subject. A student must achieve a rank of at least 60 (D-) in order to receive credit for that subject.

A+ (98-100) C+(77-79) A (95-97) C (74-76) A- (90-94) C- (70-73) B+ (87-89) D+ (67-69) B (84-86) D (64-66) B- (80-83) D- (60-63) F (59 and below) ||
 * Grade Scale:**