Unit I: About Science

 

Introduction

This unit is one week long. We will discuss scientific measurements like the size of the earth, sun and moon, the distance between the earth and the sun and moon, the scientific method, and the International System of Units (SI Units). This unit serves as an orientation to a conceptual scientific course. The differences between traditional and conceptual physics should be addressed. Now is the time that an environment open to innovative ideas or novel ways to express old ideas should be established. Intended Learning Outcomes
 
 
General Instructional Objectives (and corresponding Specific Learning Outcomes) Unit Content
Knows terms

Understands the meaning of terms

Knows all laboratory procedures

Prepares a plan for an experiment

Participates in classroom activities

Respects the scientific process

Displays a scientific attitude

Demonstrates skills in laboratory work

SI Units, significant figures, the scientific method

 

Instructional Foci

Experiment on graphing using measurements (SI Units) as data, experiment on ratios using measurements, SI Unit flow chart (fig. 1.1), personal timeline using accurate time scale (e.g. one centimeter = one year), class discussions, readings, homework Teaching Strategies The teacher should make measurements relevant to the student by asking them to spontaneously call out everything they know of that equals a given mass, length and time in SI Units. For example, ask students what they can think of that is about one gram, 50 kg, 10 m, etc… The teacher should demonstrate on the board how the distances between the earth and the sun and moon are found. Through discussion, the class should explore different ways to plan an experiment. Hopefully students agree that the scientific method is a straightforward way to go about formulating an experiment and conducting it. Also, the teachers expectations of a scientific attitude should be discussed—what defines a credible source, when should judgement be made on the results of an experiment, etc… Special Notes
1.  All labs should be preceded by an in class demonstration by the teacher of the proper procedures. After viewing the demonstration, students’ homework should be to prepare a plan for the experiment. Due to the time constraints of high school classes it is imperative that students have thought through the experiment before class. You, the teacher, need to know that they are aware of proper equipment set-up and safety precautions as well as appropriate hypothesis development, variable controls, and observation and measurement procedures.
     
    2.  Labs can be found in Laboratory Manual in Conceptual Physics by Bill Tillery.


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