- Grade 11
PREREQUISITE: Science, Grade 10, Academic
GRADE: 11 (University)
AVAILABILITY: Full-time – All Campuses, Part-time – All campuses, Private – All campuses, Blyth Academy Online
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM: Science
SPH3U Course Overview
SPH3U online 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 SPH3U online, students will also analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
UNIT ONE
Kinematics
Essential Question: How can we represent motion and predict the future trajectory of objects with equations?
In this unit, students will begin a detailed analysis of motion and will learn to apply models developed by physicists for understanding different types of motion. Students will also learn about adding vector quantities and position vs. time graphs. Students will examine speed and velocity, velocity vs. time graphs, acceleration and acceleration vs. time graphs. Students will also learn about the equations for uniform acceleration as well as acceleration due to gravity and projectile motion.
UNIT TWO
Forces
Essential Question: What causes motion?
In this unit, students will learn about the types of forces and Newton’s three laws. Students will explore the concepts of tension and friction.
UNIT THREE
Energy
Essential Question: Is there an energy crisis in the world today? How can we compare various forms of energy production?
In this unit, students will learn about energy and work and how their definitions in regards to physics are different than the common way they are used. Students will learn about the different types of energy, energy transformation and energy conservation. Students will examine power and efficiency and briefly learn about E=mc2
UNIT FOUR
Thermodynamics and Nuclear Energy
Essential Question: Media influences our perception of energy production, how can we become more informed citizens to exercise future voting rights in a more informed way?
In this unit, students will explore thermal energy and how it is related to temperature. Students will examine heat capacity and the laws of thermodynamics. Students will gain an understanding of changes of state as well as electricity generation. Students will examine different nuclear isotopes, the characteristics of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays, and be introduced to radioactive decay. Students will also examine Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion.
UNIT FIVE
Waves and Sound
Essential Question: Waves are a transfer of energy, how can we use our knowledge to design spaces, infrastructures and future technology which maximize the way waves interact in space?
In this unit, students will investigate the properties of mechanical waves and sound. Students will explore what affects these waves and what happens when they meet. Students will examine standing waves and how musical instruments apply wave theory. Students will also examine wave theory in nature.
UNIT SIX
Electricity and Magnetism
Essential Question: In the battle of DC vs. AC, how would the future be shaped with recent technological advances when it comes to electrical grid systems?
In this unit, students will analyze the efficiency and the environmental impact of ocean electrical energy production and propose ways to improve the sustainability of electrical energy production. Students will examine how electricity moves through a circuit, Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s law. Students will investigate the magnetic fields produced by an electrical current as well as the properties of magnetic fields in permanent magnets. Students will learn about electromagnets, electromagnetic induction and alternating current. Students will investigate Lenz’s law in relation to electricity and magnetism.
Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions Page or the Exam section within your course for more details on final exams and the exam fee. More information can also be found in our Student Handbook.
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- STEM