Orangeville District Secondary School

Course Title: Grade 11 University Physics

Course Code: SPH 3U1
Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic Science

Course Description
This course develops students understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore
kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the
properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific
investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyze the interrelationships between
physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the
environment.

Big Ideas
Kinematics
Motion involves a change in the position of an object over time.
Motion can be described using mathematical relationships.
Many technologies that apply concepts related to kinematics have societal and
environmental implications.
Forces/Dynamics
Forces can change the motion of an object.
Applications of Newtons laws of motion have led to technological developments that affect
society and the environment.
Energy and Society
Energy can be transformed from one type to another.
Energy transformation systems often involve thermal energy losses and are never 100%
efficient.
Although technological applications that involve energy transformations can affect society
and the environment in positive ways, they can also have negative effects, and therefore
must be used responsibly.
Waves and Sound
Mechanical waves have specific characteristics and predictable properties.
Sound is a mechanical wave.
Mechanical waves can affect structures, society, and the environment in positive and
negative ways.
Geometric Optics
Light has characteristics and properties that can be manipulated with mirrors and lenses for
a range of uses.
Society has benefited from the development of a range of optical devices and technologies.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students will complete the following assessment tasks for this course:
1. Unit Quizzes (5%) Students will complete a number of formative quizzes in each unit.
Students who do not achieve a mark of 70% will be required to attend a remedial
session and complete a re-write as directed by the teacher. Anyone wishing to upgrade
their mark may also re-write the quiz.
2. Unit Assignments (15%) Students will complete a number of written assignments over
the semester.
3. Unit Tests (40%) Students will complete a unit test for each unit covered. There will be
no re-writes for these summative tests.
4. Lab book (10%) Students will maintain a lab book for the duration of the course. The
book will be collected and assessed throughout the semester.
5. Final Written Exam (30%)
Student work will be evaluated using the four categories outlined in the Ontario Curriculum:
Knowledge and Understanding: Subject-specific content acquired in each course (knowledge),
and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding).
Thinking and Investigation: The use of critical and creative thinking skills and inquiry,
research, and problem-solving skills and/or processes.
Communication: The conveying of meaning through various forms.
Application: The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between
various contexts.
All work to be evaluated and assessed should be submitted on time. Up to 10% will be deducted for
late assignments. Assignments will not be accepted 2 days after the due date. It is the students
responsibility to arrange for make-up assignments for missed/past-due assignments. If students
do not complete all mandatory assessments they will not achieve a credit in this course.
If students are absent during a summative test or assessment, they must prearrange with their
teacher to write on an alternate day. If absent due to sudden illness, the classroom teacher must be
contacted by voicemail the morning of the summative assessment, and a note brought in to excuse
the absence. Failure to do the above will result in a 5% deduction on the assessment.

To achieve success in science it is important that students attend class regularly and keep up to
date will all the reading and homework questions assigned. If you are away for any reason, it is
your responsibility to keep up, and to seek assistance when it is needed. Extra help is available;
just make an appointment with your science teacher.
Materials Required
1. Binder and paper
2. Pen and Pencil
3. Calculator

4. Lab Book (100 page spiral notebook for labs only)