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Explore basics principles of physics from fields such as classical mechanics, thermal physics, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillation, resonance and waves, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics
Assessment Strategies
completing homework assignments
completing a written exam
participating in guided small group discussions
answering iClicker questions in class
Criteria
describe the basic principles in everyday English
use a vocabulary of physics terms and concepts in answering questions in classroom discussion and written assignments
distinguish between everyday English language usage and scientific usage of terms. Example: The word work has several meanings in English: getting something done, drudgery, employment, etc. In physics it refers to energy transfer involving forces and motion.
identify relationships between physics concepts. Example: Kinetic energy is energy of motion. It depends on how fast something moves and how massive it is
identify the units associated with physics concepts
give an example of an everyday object or process which uses the physics concept
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Apply physics concepts to everyday situations to solve problems
Assessment Strategies
completing homework assignments
completing a written exam
participating in classroom discussion
answering iClicker questions in class
writing a journal regarding applications of course material
contributing to a wiki applying course material
Criteria
analyze everyday problems and identify the physics principles present
explain the application of physics principles to a problem. Example: I'm trying to change a flat tire and one of the bolts is stuck. I need to increase the amount of torque provided to the bolt
explain the parameters involved with the problem, and how they can be adjusted to solve the problem. Example: Torque depends on force and distance from the center of rotation. In order to increase the torque I could push harder on the wrench. If I can t push hard enough, I could put I pipe over the end of the wrench, making the wrench longer, and push on the end of the pipe.
estimate relevant physical quantities in the problem
perform simple, rough calculations to solve problems
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Identify how common devices and processes work using applicable physics principles
Assessment Strategies
completing homework assignments
completing a written exam
participating in classroom discussion
answering iClicker questions in class
writing a journal regarding applications of course material
contributing to a wiki applying course material
Criteria
analyze everyday devices and processes and identifies the physics principles present
explain how physics principles make the object or process work
explain the parameters involved with the object or process and how adjusting them affects performance. Example: A 100 watt incandescent light bulb purchased in Madison is designed to operate on U.S. standard 120 V electricity. If the same light bulb is used in Europe where electricity is provided at 220 V, it will either glow brighter (putting out more than 100 W) or blow out.
discuss thoroughly the objects presented in the text and lectures in terms of the relevant physics in exams, written assignments and classroom discussion
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Use appropriate physics formulae to solve simple physics problems
Assessment Strategies
completing homework assignments
completing a written exam
participating in classroom discussion
answering iClicker questions in class
Criteria
identify relevant formulae related to the applicable physics principle
identify conditions or parameters given in a problem and relate them to terms in the formula
substitute given values into a formula and solve for the unknown
identify and use appropriate units in your solution
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Discuss the relationship between physics formulae and application to real world processes.
Assessment Strategies
participating in classroom discussion
completing a written exam
answering iClicker questions in class
answering comparative or ranking questions
Criteria
describe in words the meaning of a physics formula. Example Newton s 2nd law ( a= F/m) means big forces create large accelerations, but that big masses are difficult to accelerate
approximate a formula based on an understanding of a process. Example: The rate of heat transfer through a wall of a house via conduction gets smaller as you make the wall thicker. Therefore rate=something/thickness
apply the formula qualitatively to explain how changing a parameter affects an outcome. Example: My car engine only puts out so much force. Therefore, if I fill my trunk with a load of bricks (increasing the mass) the acceleration will get worse