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Investigate measurement
Assessment Strategies
Problem sets, lab, exam
Criteria
Identify the accuracy of measurement instruments
Measurements are expressed with significant figures which match the accuracy of the
measurement instrument
Measurements of the same quantity with different instruments are the same within the
accuracy of the instruments
Converted measurements are correct
Perform metric conversions by moving the decimal point and/or adding zeros
Select correct conversion factor(s)
Show conversion ratios when converting units
Show units at all stages in solution, including final answer
Converted measurements have same number of significant digits as original measurement
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Solve basic algebra problems
Assessment Strategies
Problem sets, exam
Criteria
Represent quantities with variables
Substitute given numbers for variables into formulas
Rearrange formulas to solve for an indicated variable
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Create graphs of data
Assessment Strategies
Graphing problem set, graphs of laboratory data
Criteria
Graph axes are labeled with quantities and units
Determine a scale for the graph that uses even increments (e.g. 1, 2, 5, or 10) and uses most of the graph paper
Graph is titled
Data points are easily readable
Sketch a line of best fit with a ruler
Determine the slope of the line of best fit
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Use scientific problem solving method
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Identify known and unknown quantities with variables for a problem
Select an appropriate formula to solve the problem
Identify unknown quantities and rearrange the formula to solve for the unknown
Substitute known quantities for variables in formula
Show units when substituting
Perform any necessary unit conversions
Your final answer includes units
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Investigate vectors and scalars
Assessment Strategies
Lab, exam
Criteria
Distinguish between a vector and a scalar
Use the force table to determine equilibrants
Draw a free body diagram of the vectors acting on an object
Select and apply a scale to convert physical quantities into graphical vectors
Draw vectors using a ruler and a protractor
Add vectors by connecting them head-to-tail
Break vectors into components using sines and cosines
Add the components of vectors
Combine the components of a vector into a magnitude and direction using Pythagoras's theorem and tangents
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Investigate linear motion
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Solve speed problems using v=s/t and the scientific problem solving method
Distinguish speed and velocity
Solve acceleration problems using a=delta v/t and the scientific problem solving method
Express acceleration in terms of the acceleration due to gravity
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Apply Newton's laws
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, exam
Criteria
Solve thought problems using Newton's first law
Solve problems using Newton's second law and the scientific problem solving method
Solve thought problems using Newton's third law
Distinguish force, mass and weight
Relate mass and weight using Newton's second law and the acceleration due to gravity
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Investigate work, energy and power
Assessment Strategies
Problem sets, lab, exam
Criteria
Solve problems using W = Fd and the scientific problem solving method
Solve problems using conservation of energy and the scientific problem solving method
Identify the effect of changing speed and mass on kinetic energy
Solve power problems using the scientific problem solving method
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Apply concepts of torque and equilibrium
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Solve torque problems using the scientific problem solving method
Identify the torque arm when a force is applied at an angle
Solve translational equilibrium problems using the scientific problem solving method
Solve rotational equilibrium problems using the scientific problem solving method
Use translational and rotational equilibrium in conjunction to solve problems, as specified by the instructor
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Investigate simple machines
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Solve problems using AMA, IMA and efficiency and the scientific problem solving method
Identify the IMA formula for the six types of simple machines
Apply simple machines concepts to explain a tool or machine used in your technical area
Set up examples of different types of simple machines
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Investigate pressure, buoyancy, and Archimedes’ Principle
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Solve problems using the pressure relationships
Solve problems using Pascal's principle
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Use Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin and Rankine temperature scales
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, exam
Criteria
Express temperatures in Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin and Rankine
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Investigate thermal expansion, specific heat, and heat transfer
Assessment Strategies
Problem set, lab, exam
Criteria
Identify the dependencies for thermal expansion
Solve thermal expansion problems using the scientific problem solving method
Apply thermal expansion concepts to physical situations
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Investigate simple circuits and electric power
Assessment Strategies
Problem sets, lab, exam
Criteria
Identify the parts of a simple circuit, including conductors, current sources, resistors and other loads, and switches
Examine the functioning of a chemical battery
Construct and read simple circuit diagrams
Apply simple circuit diagrams to create a circuit
Use a multimeter to measure voltage and current
Apply Ohm's law to complete circuits problems
Solve series circuits
Solve parallel circuits
Solve combination circuits