Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Marc Lam for generously providing many of the problems and note packages used in this course. His contributions have significantly strengthened the quality and structure of the learning materials and have benefited both students and instruction.
Course Overview & Instructional Approach
Physics 11 introduces students to the foundational principles that govern motion, forces, energy, and waves. The course follows the British Columbia Physics 11 curriculum and is structured around four core Big Ideas:
- An object’s motion can be predicted, analyzed, and described.
- Forces influence the motion of an object.
- Energy exists in different forms, is conserved, and has the ability to do work.
- Mechanical waves transfer energy but not matter.
At my school, many students intend to pursue science, engineering, or other STEM programs at university. As a result, this course is designed not only to meet curriculum requirements, but also to prepare students for the expectations of Physics 12 and post-secondary physics.
While this structure works very well for my context, it should always be adapted to suit the needs of a particular student population.
What Students Learn
Students develop both conceptual understanding and analytical problem-solving skills through the following core topics:
Kinematics (Motion)
- One-dimensional motion with acceleration
- Uniform motion
- Motion graphs (position, velocity, acceleration)
- Scalars and vectors
- Two-dimensional motion, including projectile motion
Dynamics (Forces & Newton’s Laws)
- Free-body diagrams
- Contact forces (normal, friction, tension, spring)
- Weight, mass, and apparent weight
- Applications of Newton’s Laws
Energy
- Work, energy, and power
- Conservation of mechanical energy
- Efficiency and energy transfer
Electric Circuits
- Electric current, voltage (potential difference) & Resistance
- Ohm’s Law
- Electric power
- Series and parallel circuits, & basic circuit analysis
Mechanical Waves
- Wave properties (frequency, wavelength, speed)
- Reflection, transmission, and interference
- Resonance and the Doppler effect
Throughout the course, students learn to connect graphical, algebraic, and conceptual representations of physical situations.
How the Course Is Taught
Structured Problem Solving
A central focus of the course is learning how to solve problems clearly and systematically.
Students are explicitly taught:
- How to organize solutions
- When and why to draw diagrams
- How to write equations symbolically before substituting numbers
- How to communicate answers with correct units and direction
If something is required for full marks (for example, a free-body diagram in dynamics), it is modeled consistently in class.
Emphasis on Conceptual Understanding
Physics is more than substituting numbers into formulas. Students must understand the underlying physical relationships.
To develop this:
- Conceptual questions are regularly used.
- Students discuss and defend reasoning.
- Common misconceptions are intentionally addressed.
The goal is to build flexible thinkers who can apply ideas in unfamiliar contexts.
Collaborative Learning
Students are given meaningful in-class time to:
- Work through challenging problems
- Compare approaches
- Ask questions
- Refine reasoning
This collaborative structure mirrors authentic scientific practice.
Laboratory & Experimental Work
Laboratory work is an essential component of Physics 11.
Labs are designed to:
- Reinforce theoretical concepts
- Develop measurement skills
- Strengthen data analysis and graphing techniques
- Build scientific communication skills
- Connecting slope to physical meaning
Strong experimental thinking is as important as correct calculations.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to support growth while maintaining clear academic standards. Clear expectations are communicated in advance so students understand what complete solutions look like.
Quizzes
- Frequent and low-stakes
- Bring self-awareness to learners
- Focused on recent learning
- Emphasis on reasoning and solution structure
Unit Tests
- More comprehensive assessments
- Include both conceptual and calculation-based questions
Course Organization & Communication
At the beginning of the year, a detailed course calendar is established. This includes:
- Unit timelines
- Assessment dates
- Built-in flexibility for schedule disruptions
Students and families consistently report that having a clear, day-by-day outline (via a course website or platform) is extremely helpful. Transparency and predictability are priorities.
Course Materials & Resources
Students are provided with structured materials designed to support both in-class learning and independent review.
Unit Note Packages
For each unit, students receive a comprehensive note package for study purposes. These packages:
- Outline key concepts and definitions
- Include carefully chosen examples
- Provide guided practice problems
- Leave space for annotations and additional examples from class
These packages serve as a reference for the course and ensure consistency in organization and expectations. Students are encouraged to treat them as working documents — refining explanations, adding diagrams, and correcting misconceptions as their understanding develops.
Practice & Review Materials
In addition to note packages, students are provided with:
- Practice worksheets
- Conceptual reasoning tasks
- Supplemental problem sets aligned with provincial expectations
These materials are designed to be sufficient for student success without requiring additional purchases. A textbook is available to students; however, it is not the primary instructional tool. Most students rely on the structured course materials and guided practice provided in class.
Final Note
Physics 11 lays the foundation for future study in Physics 12 and beyond. The course is structured to help students think carefully, communicate clearly, and approach problems with confidence and discipline.
The ultimate goal is not simply to complete the curriculum, but to develop strong analytical thinkers prepared for further study in physics and related fields.