The problem-based learning format of this course will provide the opportunity
to develop the basic skills and understanding of content in the areas further
described below. Mechanisms for assessment of student performance such
as exams and evaluations will provide the opportunity for you to demonstrate
the progress you've made in meeting both the content and skills objectives.
The content objectives of this course are listed below.
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
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Sketch graphs to represent the motion of an object, and describe motion
as represented by a graph.
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Calculate the speed and acceleration of an object using data (gathered
experimentally or derived from graphs).
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Design and conduct a series of investigations to determine how changing
an object's mass and forces acting on an object affect its motion.
-
Use knowledge of forces that cause motion to solve realistic automobile
accident.
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Understand relation between speed and stopping distance.
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Construct series, parallel, and combination circuits and predict which
circuits will be best for a variety of needs.
-
Understand and be able to explain the transfer of energy in many different
phenomena, including automobile accidents, swinging pendulums, electrical
circuits, and sunlight.
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Explain how electricity is used to light appliances in a house or apartment.
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Understand and be able to explain that matter is composed of different
kinds of atoms, and use this understanding to help you solve some real-world
problems.
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Understand and be able to explain the physical and chemical properties
of matter.
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Distinguish between physical and chemical changes of matter.
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Use data gathered using a variety of separation techniques to identify
the components of a sample of material.
-
Understand why common astronomical phenomena(such as lunar phases and the
seasons of the year) occur.
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Demonstrate the connections between a model of the solar system and the
changing appearance of the moon in the night sky.
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Use data about the planets to write a research proposal to NASA..
In addition, various activities in the class will be designed to introduce
you to ways of taking this understanding several steps further - i.e.,
towards applying the concepts you've learned to new situations, synthesizing
concepts to build a new (higher level of) understanding, and using your
knowledge and understanding of physical science to build reasoned arguments
for a particular point of view. Some of these more advanced objectives
are also listed below under Skills Objectives. In addition to learning
concepts and principles in physical science, the PBL format also allows
you to gain practice in the following areas of competency, which should
be "generalizable" to other areas of study and experiences.
Process skills objectives of this course are listed below.
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
-
communicate the results of an investigation or research project orally,
graphically and in writing.
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reason critically and creatively.
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make reasoned decisions in unfamiliar situations.
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pose questions that aid in self-directed learning, and the learning of
others.
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identify, find, and analyze information that's needed for a particular
task.
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communicate ideas and concepts to others.
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collaborate productively in teams.
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gain self-confidence necessary to use thinking and communication skills
in a public setting.
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