IB Physics (SL)

03/18/13

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WELCOME!! IB Physics is a physics overview course designed to prepare students for the IB Standard Level exam taken in the spring (May).

Students can choose to take IB Physics as a second physics course, but general physics is not a pre-requisite (although it IS a class that is reserved ONLY for juniors and seniors). The Learning Recommendations are the following:

	Successful completion of physical science (or the online content assessment);
	Currently in, or have already completed, at least Algebra 2.

After completing IB Physics 1, students have the opportunity to take IB Physics 2--a Higher Level IB course

Click for More information regarding testing options

Need more practice on a topic we're studying? Check out the WebLinks page for additional web resources for many topics!

WebAssign Class Keys:
Please create an account at www.webassign.net and enroll for your period's class using the following enrollment "Class Key"s:

Period 3: skyline.wa 4489 1242
Period 4: skyline.wa 2009 3582
Period 5: skyline.wa 1123 1474

Period 6: skyline.wa 4279 1146

Reminder: WebAssign costs $10.50 for the entire year. You can pay using PayPal or a Credit/Debit card. You have the option of registering and paying in a couple weeks (after a "trial period"). Please let your instructor know if $10.50 results in a financial hardship for your family! We'll help you out! :)

Assignment Calendar

Current Unit's Page

Topic outlines
FAQ's
IB test info
HL Physics info
White text online
Diagnoser.com
Syll. Statement Info

Important Course Documents:

	Course Expectations
	District Lab Safety Rules
	Photo Posting Permission Form
	Equations and Data Booklet
	Internal Assessment Guide (lab expectations and guidelines)
	IB Command Terms (these are the actions you'll need to understand in order to appropriately complete your syllabus statements...more later)

Follow this link to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lab expectations, rounding, and other important details!

Unit Topic Outlines: print out for reference at the beginning of each unit--The current topic outline will be found on the current unit's page

So what do I actually have to DO with these? Good question!! Click HERE for more information!!

Other Useful/Interesting Links:

	"HyperPhysics"--Hyperphysics is a great review website. Pretty much any topic in physics you want to get a little more information on will be found on this site. Hyperphysics is based on a flow chart (concept map) of physics topics--keep clicking until you find the specific info you're looking for!
	Physics and Astronomy Reference Pages--PhysLink.com has put together a page with pretty much any conversion factor or constant value that you would ever need for this class (and more!!) in this handy reference site
	Useful conversion factors and constants

Testing Information

In May, students will have the opportunity to take the IB Physics (SL) exam. Taking the exam does show colleges that you are dedicated to your studies, and, depending on your score, some colleges will use your achievement to allow you to skip entry-level courses or possibly earn credit. You will want to check with the universities to which you are applying to see if this is the case for that school.

Unless you are a diploma candidate, many schools will only accept HL exam scores for credits or placement. If you are a junior, consider this as you decide whether or not to take IB Physics 2 during your senior year!!

So what exactly does the test look like? There are 3 "papers" (tests) that make up the IB Physics test (SL or HL). Paper 1 and 2 are both for the core material (no options)--topics 1-8.

	Paper 1 is all multiple choice, and the questions will look very similar to the ones you see on review assignments and exams throughout the year. No calculators are allowed, but the data booklet will be provided (most questions are conceptual, but there may be a few very simple calculations)
	Paper 2 is split into two parts, both of which are short answer, calculation problems, or longer essay questions. Section A is typically a data-based question, where you will be given a scenario and will be asked to analyze the provided data--usually by creating/interpreting a graph or doing some other calculations. Section B requires you to answer one question from a choice of three; the "questions" are actually a series of short answer/calculation questions that all relate to a similar topic. Calculators are required, and data booklets/equations will be provided.
	Paper 3 is a set of short answer/calculation type questions that are related to a specific optional topic (I'll get you that list a little later). You will be asked to answer all of the questions for 2 of the options. Hopefully we will have covered at least one of the topics before you take the test, but we may not have time by May--we'll set up a series of extra review sessions to cover some material to help prepare you more for the options. Otherwise I will provide you with as much information and help as I can so you can study a bit on your own. I wish I could guarantee that we'd have time to cover all the core topics AND both options, but I can't guarantee that.

If you are taking the test, the following books would be helpful in your review purposes. If you are planning on taking HL Physics next year, the books again would be helpful for review. (you are NOT REQUIRED to have either of these books!!)

IB Study Guide: Physics for the IB Diploma

(~$38 on Amazon.com)

Just make sure you purchase the most recent edition--it's ORANGE!

If you can't afford it, but still want it, talk to me--I'll see about getting one for you to borrow (but you wouldn't be able to write in it!)

Physics for the IB Diploma

by A. Tsokos

Also found on Amazon.com (~$49).

This can supplement our textbook, so especially if you are taking the exam you may want to purchase this textbook (and again, make sure you get the most recent edition!):

Again, if you want it, but you can't afford it, (and you don't mind not being able to write in it), let me know :)

AP(B) Physics Test:
Topics covered in IB physics will also help students prepare for the AP Physics (B) exam, but not completely. (Students would more than likely be better prepared after a second year of IB Physics). This is the non-calculus AP physics exam. Extra review sessions may be available for students interested in taking this exam. Please let me know if you want more information regarding the AP(B) test.

This site was last updated 09/03/12