02/19/10 IB Physics (SL)

 

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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

 

Group 4 Project Information:

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Introductory Packet--make sure you have printed this off before you come to the initial planning meeting at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, 2/3/10, in the theater

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Extra Credit opportunity...click here

 

"Superposition of Waves"
winner of an Honorable Mention award in the 2009 AAPT High School Photo Contest
Taken by:  A. Norton, Massachusetts
 

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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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Physics and Physical Measurement

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Mechanics

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Thermal Physics

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Oscillations and Waves

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Electric Currents

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Fields and Forces

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Atomic and Nuclear Physics

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Energy, Power, and Climate Change

 

Topic outlines
FAQ's
IB test info
HL Physics info
White text online
Diagnoser.com
Syll. Statement Info

Class Expectations

 

 Important Course Documents:
bulletCourse Expectations
bullet District Lab Safety Rules
bullet Photo Posting Permission Form
bullet Equations and Data Booklet
bullet Internal Assessment Guide (lab expectations and guidelines)
bulletIB Command Terms (these are the actions you'll need to understand in order to appropriately complete your syllabus statements...more later)

Follow this link to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lab expectations, rounding, and other important details!

 

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Unit Topic Outlines: print out for reference at the beginning of each unit--The current topic outline will be found on the current unit's page

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

 

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. 

bulletPaper 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)
bulletPaper 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.
bulletPaper 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!)

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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.

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This site was last updated 02/19/10