Our third year of physics focuses on the study of sound, light, heat and electricity. Simple, practical demonstrations will be created to show essential physical properties. Clear, scientific observation, questioning, thinking, analysis, documentation, illustration and writing will be emphasized.
Study of mechanics, in particular the Six Simple Machines.
Introduction to classical physics and scientific thinking.
A fast plunge through the universe, solar system, planets, rocks and minerals---more or less at the speed of sound. Topics will include the formation of Earth, time, fire, and change, The Underworld, plate tectonics, oceans and continents, fossils, formation of rocks, types of rocks, identifying rocks, crystals, gems, metals, minerals and life.
Mechanics, kinetics and further study of relevant mathematics, such as vectors and planes of force.
The theme is connections between physics and philosophy brought out by focusing on optics. The ground is prepared for the study of quantum theory. Topics include the light-beam model, Fermat principle, wave model and photon imaging. Students practice viewing incompatible models in relation to each other and the epistemological positions involved in different perspectives.
This year we have two primary goals, 1) a comprehensive review and deepening of all pre-algebraic understanding and skills, and 2) an introduction to algebraic thinking and problem solving.
This year we have two primary goals, 1) a comprehensive review of all pre-algebra skills, and 2) an introduction to algebraic problem solving. Because last year's studies were disrupted, we’ll begin with a solid review. Much of this may be familiar, but the approach will be new, the focus on depth of understanding, and the content rigorous, interesting and challenging.
Sixth grade is an important year for developing a bridge between the concrete operations of arithmetic and the abstractness of algebraic thinking. Students typically arrive in sixth grade fluent in addition, subtraction, and multiplication using multi-digit whole numbers. They should have a solid understanding of all four operations with positive rational numbers. They also have an initial understanding of measurement, and how to represent and interpret data.
We study the achievements of modern physics, including our understanding of radiation and atomic physics by building on prior knowledge of electricity, electro-magnetism, electro-magnetic oscillations and waves, and gas discharge experiments. We explore the idea of fields as ideal structural elements. Students learn to assess and define the relative strengths, limits and weakness of each model.
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