PHYSICS - 9

Who Should Take Physics - 9?

Almost all ninth grade students are expected to enroll in Physics - 9. Exceptions are those recommended students who enroll in Physics - 9 Honors.

What Will We Be Studying In Physics-9?

Physics - 9 will follow an algebra-based physics curriculum appropriate for high school freshmen. This course covers all the traditional areas of a first course in Physics, with sections on: motion, forces, heat, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, light, sound, electronics, nuclear physics, and radioactivity. Alongside the theoretical section of the course, there will be a strong practical aspect as well. Experimentation is a major part of the subject and will occur throughout the course. There is also an emphasis on improving number sense and proportional reasoning, skills that are critical to success in all science classes and on programming, specifically using Arduino technology.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Students will be expected to regularly perform lab investigations and write lab reports. The course will be of an investigative nature, and students are often expected to work in groups. Students will also be expected to take notes and participate in class discussions. Students are required to have a scientific calculator, a ruler, and a protractor in addition to all of the usual classroom materials.

How Is The Course Taught?

A variety of methods will be employed, including the use of demonstrations, models, videos, charts, and a great deal of hands-on laboratory work. The class uses iPad technology to enhance many aspects of the course.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students will be required to take the school-based exit exam in June.

1 unit of credit Prerequisites: Either Earth Science or Science 8

PHYSICS 9 - HONORS

Who Should Take Physics - 9 Honors? 

This opportunity for ninth graders to take a Physics Honors course is intended for those who rank at the very top of their honors science and math classes, and who are committed to making science their major academic area of pursuit. Students who opt for this extremely challenging program will be expected to follow a science sequence of Chemistry Honors or AP Chemistry (by teacher recommendation only) in 10th grade and AP Biology in 11th grade. Students may elect either AP Chemistry or AP Physics in 12th grade. Consider enrolling if your math skills are well above grade level (see What Will Be Expected of Me below), and if you have an intense interest in science.

What Will We Be Studying In Physics 9 - Honors?

Physics - 9 Honors is an intensive course covering all aspects of introductory physics, including mechanics, electromagnetic energy, sound, heat, and light. Emphasis will be placed on solid state electronics, modern physics, and relativity. Students will have the opportunity to explore selected projects in topics such as electronics and rocketry.

What Will Be Expected Of Me? 

You will be expected to regularly take notes, perform lab investigations, write lab reports, and work challenging mathematical problems in physics. This course requires a good deal of independent thinking, problem solving, and engineering. You must be prepared to keep up with the work in physics while learning the math required on your own. Enrichment and special projects will be expected of students.

How Is The Course Taught?

The course is taught through a combination of lecture format and laboratory work.

What Are The Completion Requirements? 

Students will be required to take the physics Regents exit exam in June. Students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, which must be submitted, graded, recorded, and stored in order to sit for the Regents examination.

1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Earth Science (8th grade), Algebra I, Geometry. Entry is by department selection.