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WELCOME!! IB Physics is a physics overview course designed to prepare
students for the IB Standard Level exam taken in the spring (May).
Students can choose to take IB Physics as a second physics course, but
general physics is not a pre-requisite.
The
only pre-requisites are the following: junior or senior
standing; successful completion of 9th grade physical science or challenge
exam; Currently in, or have already completed, Algebra 2.
After completing IB Physics 1, students have the
opportunity to take IB Physics 2--a Higher Level IB course
Web Assign:
www.webassign.net
Every physics student will be expected to get a Web Assign
account (after you've been placed on the online class roster). For
your planning purposes: Your cost will be approximately $10.50
for the full year.
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Unit Pages:
Choose the unit we are currently studying, and follow its
link to a page of useful information and notes for that unit!
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Great Ball of Fire
From NASA:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd.html
On August 1, 2010, almost the entire Earth-facing side of the sun erupted
in a tumult of activity. This image from the Solar Dynamics Observatory of
the news-making solar event on August 1 shows the C3-class solar flare
(white area on upper left), a solar tsunami (wave-like structure, upper
right), multiple filaments of magnetism lifting off the stellar surface,
large-scale shaking of the solar corona, radio bursts, a coronal mass
ejection and more.
(photo and caption from:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd.html)
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Topic outlines
FAQ's
IB test info
HL Physics info
White text online
Diagnoser.com
Syll. Statement Info
Class Expectations |
Important Course Documents:
Follow this link to some
frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lab expectations, rounding,
and other important details! |
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So what do I actually have to DO with these? Good
question!! Click HERE for
more information!!
Other
Useful/Interesting Links:
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Online
Textbook--we have a website with some useful review tools that is
associated with the white textbook that we used last year. We will periodically
be using this site for some online homework (which you will submit for a
grade to my special e-mail address:
shsphysics@gmail.com)
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Diagnoser.com--this website
will be used in some units for some online assignments
(typically quick multiple choice assignments to check your understanding
of concepts!) You will each be given a unique login username and
password so you can access these assignments. Once you get that
number, DON'T LOSE IT! :) |
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"HyperPhysics"--Hyperphysics
is a great review website. Pretty much any topic in physics you want
to get a little more information on will be found on this site. Hyperphysics is based on a flow chart (concept map) of physics
topics--keep clicking until you find the specific info you're looking for! |
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Physics and
Astronomy Reference Pages--PhysLink.com has put together a page
with pretty much any conversion factor or constant value that you would
ever need for this class (and more!!) in this handy reference site |
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Useful conversion factors and
constants |
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Testing Information
In May, students
will have the opportunity to take the IB Physics (SL) exam. Taking the
exam does show colleges that you are dedicated to your studies, and,
depending on your score, some colleges will use your achievement to allow
you to skip entry-level courses or possibly earn credit. You will want
to check with the universities to which you are applying to see if this is
the case for that school.
Unless you are a diploma candidate, many schools will only accept HL exam
scores for credits or placement. If you are a junior, consider this as
you decide whether or not to take IB Physics 2 during your senior year!!
So what exactly does the test look
like? There are 3
"papers" (tests) that make up the IB Physics test (SL or HL). Paper 1
and 2 are both for the core material (no options)--topics 1-8.
| Paper 1 is
all multiple choice, and the questions will look very similar to the ones
you see on review assignments and exams throughout the year. No
calculators are allowed, but the data booklet will be provided (most
questions are conceptual, but there may be a few very simple calculations) |
| Paper 2 is
split into two parts, both of which are short answer, calculation
problems, or longer essay questions. Section A is typically a
data-based question, where you will be given a scenario and will be asked
to analyze the provided data--usually by creating/interpreting a graph or
doing some other calculations. Section B requires you to
answer one question from a choice of three; the "questions" are actually a
series of short answer/calculation questions that all relate to a similar
topic. Calculators are required, and data booklets/equations will be
provided. |
| Paper 3 is a
set of short answer/calculation type questions that are related to a
specific optional topic (I'll get you that list a little later). You
will be asked to answer all of the questions for 2 of the options.
Hopefully we will have covered at least one of the topics before you take
the test, but we may not have time by May--we'll set up a series of extra
review sessions to cover some material to help prepare you more for
the options. Otherwise I will provide you with as much information
and help as I can so you can study a bit on your own. I wish I could
guarantee that we'd have time to cover all the core topics AND both
options, but I can't guarantee that. |
If you are taking the test, the following books would be helpful in your
review purposes. If you are planning on taking HL Physics next year,
the books again would be helpful for review. (you are NOT
REQUIRED to have either of these books!!)
IB Study Guide: Physics for
the IB Diploma
(~$38 on Amazon.com)
Just make sure you
purchase the most recent edition--it's ORANGE!
If you can't afford it, but still want
it, talk to me--I'll see about getting one for you to borrow (but you
wouldn't be able to write in it!)
OR
Physics for the IB Diploma
by A. Tsokos
Also found on Amazon.com (~$49).
This
can
supplement our textbook, so especially if you are taking the exam you may
want to purchase this textbook (and again, make sure you get the most
recent edition!):
Again, if you want it, but you can't afford it, (and you don't mind not
being able to write in it), let me know :)
AP(B) Physics Test:
Topics covered in IB physics will also help students prepare for the AP
Physics (B) exam, but not completely. (Students would more than likely
be better prepared after a second year of IB Physics). This is the
non-calculus AP physics exam. Extra review sessions may be available
for students interested in taking this exam. Please
let me know if you want more information regarding the AP(B) test. |
