Physics
         Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences. Here we will explore the nature of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, heat, sound, light, and electricity.  We examine concepts that have been explored from the very beginning of the sciences to those on the cutting edge of technology. 
          In eighth grade physics, we examine the basic concepts of physics that explain phenomena that occur in our everyday life. Unlike the physics classes of high school and those you may remember from your college experiences, we will use mathematical equations as "guides to thinking" as we focus on conceptual understanding and the ability to explain phenomenon in a �non-jargon� way.   Students will be held accountable for the ability to apply mathematics to their study of physics, but one must remember that a students� understanding of an equation is only as clear as their ability to explain the purpose of the equation and the observations it describes.
          Throughout the year, we will continue to focus on the nature of science including the concept that scientific explanations are based on logical thinking, are subject to rules of evidence, and are consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence.  Through independent research and in-class assignments, students will continue to create their own experiments upon which to gather data, form hypotheses and draw conclusions.
I. Scientific Method
     a. Observation/Inference
     b. Data Interpretation
     c. Graphing and Statistical Analysis
     d. Experimental Design
     e. Lab Safety
II. Thermodynamics
     a. Temperature and Heat
     b. Specific Heat Capacity
     c. Calories and Joules
     d. Thermal Energy
III. Physics of Space Flight
     a. Newton�s Laws of Motion
     b. Concepts of Rocketry
     c. Aerodynamics
IV. Kinematics
     a. Acceleration
     b. Momentum
     c. Applications of Newton�s Laws of Motion
V. Energy
     a. Kinetic and Potential Energy
     b. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
     c. Work, Power, and Energy		 VI. Simple Machines
VII. Properties of Fluids
     a. Density and Pressure
     b. Archimedes�s Principle of Buoyancy
     c. Pascal�s Principle
     d. Bernoulli�s Principle
VIII. Waves, Sound and Light
     a. Wave Characteristics
     b. Fundamental Wave Processes
     c. Properties of Sound
     d. Properties of Light
IX. Non-Newtonian Physics Research and Discussion
     a. Wave/Particle Duality
     b. Wave Properties of Matter
     c. Matter/Energy Equivalence
     d. Quantum Mechanics and Uncertainty
     e. Relativity
     f. Nuclear Physics
     g. Solid State Physics
     h. Superconductivity
     i. Radioactivity
Note: Order, timing and content subject to reasonable revisions.  Field trips to be determined.
The following are some homework assignments and their due dates.  If an assignment is not listed, then the assignment is either not in digital form or not yet assigned.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

04.16 - 04.20  Gas Laws projects are due Tuesday and Wednesday.  Gas Law worksheets are due by Thursday and Friday.  There will be a short quiz on Properties of Fluids (Section 16.2) on Thursday and Friday.

03.26 - 03.30  Properties of Fluids worksheet, The Deepest Dive Ever worksheet.

 The following links include materials distributed in class or materials that might be useful for class assignments.

Science Fair

RUBE Goldberg Project Guidelines and Due Dates
                                            (started 02/13-14)

Dimensional Analysis Review 1
Dimensional Analysis Review 2

Conversion Units:

2.54 centimeters = 1 inch
2.2 pounds = 1 kilogram
5280 feet = 1 mile
1 cubic centimeter = 1 millileter
* Also, do not forget your metric conversion units.
This is your last marking period at Nysmith!  Work hard and have a great time.
Calendar of Events:

03.30  Last day of school before Spring Break
03.05  Description of Design and Literature Review due for Rube Goldberg projects
05.18  Field Trip to King's Dominion
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