Tuesday, September 2, 2008 (week 1)

AP Physics 12 - We begin this course with Kinematics - the study of motion (ch 2). Much of this is review from physics 11 and so expect to move through this chapter quite quickly. In preparation for the chapter 2 test you should look at physics problems from at least 3 sources: (i) odd numbered problems in your textbook, (ii) old provincial exam questions and/or old AP exam questions, and (iii) testbank worksheets that I will prepare for each chapter. You are required to complete a minimum of 25 problems for every chapter.

Please visit the AP Central site for students and register yourself so that you can access past AP Exams and other learning resources specifically for students. The website is http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student


Physics 12 - Same as AP Physics 12 above.

Physics 11 - Please look over chapter 2 to review the prerequisite math skills you will need to be successful in this course. We begin this week studying Kinematics - the study of motion (chapter 3). How long do you estimate that it would take you to walk or run across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, a distance of about 6300 km? Terry Fox, (1958-1981) became famous for his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, running with one prosthetic leg. He is considered one of Canada's greatest heroes of the 20th century and is celebrated internationally every September as people participate in the Terry Fox Run, the world's largest one-day fund raiser for cancer research. In order for us to estimate the time it would take for you to travel across Canada there are a few things that you need to know. They are (i) how fast you can travel, (ii) what is the distance to be travelled, and (iii) what sort of schedule will you try to follow? When you complete your calculations and compare your speed and endurance to Terry Fox's I am sure that you will have a much greater appreciation for the incredible journey that he undertook in his Marathon of Hope. Thus we begin this course by studying Kinematics, which is the study of motion (chapter 3).

Our first activity will be to use the Trundle Wheel (measuring wheel) and stopwatch to measure the distance and time it takes us to complete a lap around the science wing. Then we will learn how to calculate average speed, average velocity, and to solve a variety of problems related to uniform motion. In preparation for the chapter 3 test in a few weeks you should complete all of the Practice Problems in the chapter and then you should also do some of the chapter review problems found at the end of the chapter. Students are required to complete a minimum of 25 problems in preparation for the chapter 3 test, date TBA.

Science 8 - Sequence of topics this year will be chapters 7,8,9,1,2,3,4,5,6,10,11,12. Fluids (chapter 7) students will learn about mass, volume, density and pressure.

Science 9 - Sequence of topics this year will be chapters 1-15. The Scientific Method of Inquiry (chapter 1) students will review scientific terms and methods to design a fair experiment. If students wish to participate in Science Fair 2009 they should start to think about a topic that interests them.

Science 10 - Sequence of topics this year will be chapters 1-12. Ecosystems (chapter 1) students will learn about biomes and ecosystems around the world. Remember that there is a mandatory Science 10 Provincial Exam in June worth 20% of the final mark. Work hard and have a great year!

June 9, 2008 (week 38)

AP Physics 12 - Practice Provincial Exams.

Physics 12 - Practice Provincial Exams.

Physics 11 - A practice final examination is at http://ca.briefcase.yahoo.com/sfuerderer.
Reminder of the Final Exam on Thursday at 9 AM in the gym. Please return your textbook to Mr. Lock in A214 30 minutes prior to the exam.

Science 8 - Watching "Planet Earth DVD".

Math 9 - Reminder of the Final Exam Part II (multiple choice) on Monday.