Course descriptions

Physics: 1. Assess the role of science, and in particular, physics, in helping us to better understand the complex, technological society of which we are a part. Trace the history of physics and the evolution of scientific thought from ancient to modern times. Define and analyze the concepts of velocity, acceleration, force, inertia, mass, work, energy (kinetic, potential, etc.) momentum (linear and angular), gravity, tides, power, pressure, density, temperature, thermal expansion, heat, specific heat capacity, waves, sound, electric charge, current, magnetism, electromagnetic waves (including light), photons, and radioactivity. Discuss the various types of motion, Newton's Laws (including his Universal Law of Gravitation), the conservation laws of physics, the laws of electricity (e.g. Coulomb's and Ohm's Laws) and magnetism. The properties of waves (viz. sound and electromagnetic, including light) and the basic principles of atomic and nuclear physics, relativity and quantum theory; Solve a variety of basic problems in particle kinematics (uniform motion and accelerated motion including "free fall"), dynamics using Newton's Laws of Motion and the conservation laws of energy and momentum (e.g. collisions), fluid mechanics (including Archimedes' and Bernoulli's Principles), thermodynamics, wave motion, basic electricity (Coulomb's and Ohm's Laws), and radioactive decay;

Chemistry: In Chemistry, students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.