Physics (9th Grade) at Moanalua High School:
The curriculum in the 9th grade uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to lay the foundation of what is expected of ALL students who take science at Moanalua High School - students learn content in the context of “doing science”.
In this beginning physics course, students explore their notions about common, everyday phenomena, discuss their observations with peers, and draw conclusions that can be tested. They begin to make predictions, practice data collection and graphing techniques, apply some math (algebra) skills to real situations, and start to make sense of their observations. Exposing a greater number of students to concrete concepts of physics can provide the basis for understanding the more abstract concepts included in modern chemistry and biology.
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The emphasis is focused on conceptual understanding rather than mathematical manipulation. Physics in the 9th grade will parallel the goals of basic algebra: reinforcing skills such as solving equations, interpreting graphs, and reasoning proportionately. The fundamental of physics can be taught without a great deal of higher mathematics. Be advised that there is still the upper level physics class that uses higher mathematics that can be taken during their junior or senior year.
Course Overview:
Quarter 1:
Challenge: Students demonstrate their knowledge of the physics of driving by making a presentation to a board of driving instructors. The instructors will evaluate the knowledge in both a group oral presentation and an individual written report on the physics of reaction time, speed and velocity, acceleration in the context of time required to bring a vehicle to stop, and decision making at a yellow light. Physics Concepts:
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Quarter 2:
Challenge: Students develop a safety system for protecting car, airplane, bike, motorcycle, or train passengers during a collision. To illustrate this safety system, students will design a prototype safety system to protect an egg in a moving cart that undergoes a collision. The prototype will then be tested to see how effectively it protects the egg. Physics Concepts:
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