Physics Toolbox
Analysis of Educational Objectives

Example Module: Projectiles in Motion

• Kindergarten
  K.1 The student will conduct investigations in which
  
  • basic properties of objects are identified by direct observation;
  • observations are made from multiple positions to achieve different perspectives;
  
  
• Grade 1
  1.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  
  • objects or events are classified and arranged according to attributes or properties;
  • length, mass, and volume are measured using standard and nonstandard units;
  • inferences are made and conclusions are drawn about familiar objects and events;
  • predictions are based on patterns of observation rather than random guesses; and
  • simple experiments are conducted to answer questions.
  1.2 The student will investigate and understand that moving objects exhibit different kinds of motion. Key concepts include
  • objects may have straight, circular, and back and forth motions;
  • objects vibrate;
  • pushes or pulls can change the movement of an object; and
  • the motion of objects may be observed in toys and in playground activities.
  
  
• Grade 2
  2.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  • observations are repeated to improve accuracy;
  • two or more attributes are used to classify items;
  • pictures and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes;
  • linear, volume, mass, and temperature measurements are made in metric (centimeters, meters, liters, degrees Celsius, grams, kilograms) and standard English units (inches, feet, yards, pints, quarts, gallons, degrees Fahrenheit, ounces, pounds);
  • observation is differentiated from personal interpretation, and conclusions are drawn based on observations;
  • simple physical models are constructed;
  • conditions that influence a change are defined; and
  • unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized.
  
  
• Grade 3
  3.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  • questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
  • predictions and observations are made;
  • data are gathered, charted, and graphed;
  • objects with similar characteristics are classified into at least two sets and two subsets;
  • inferences are made and conclusions are drawn;
  
  
• Grade 4
  4.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  • distinctions are made among observations, conclusions (inferences), and predictions;
  • data are classified to create frequency distributions;
  • appropriate metric measures are used to collect, record, and report data;
  • hypotheses are formulated based on cause and effect relationships;
  • variables that must be held constant in an experimental situation are defined;
  4.2 The student will investigate and understand that energy is needed to do work and that machines make work easier. Key concepts include
  • energy forms (electrical, mechanical, and chemical energy);
  • potential and kinetic energy;
  • simple and complex machines; and
  • efficiency, friction, and inertia.
  
  
• Grade 5
  5.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  • appropriate instruments are selected and used for making quantitative observations of length, mass, volume, and elapsed time;
  • data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams);
  • predictions are made using patterns, and simple graphical data are extrapolated; and
  • estimations of length, mass, and volume are made.
  
  
• Grade 6
  6.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
  • observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms;
  • a classification system is developed based on multiple attributes;
  • differences in descriptions and working definitions are made;
  • precise and approximate measures are recorded;
  • scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity;
  • hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent (manipulated) and dependent (responding) variables;
  • a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences;
  • one variable is manipulated over time with many repeated trials;
  • data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using appropriate metric measurement;
  • data are organized and communicated through graphical representation (graphs, charts, and diagrams); and
  • models are designed to explain a sequence.
  6.2 The student will demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic. Key concepts include
  • ideas are investigated by asking for and actively seeking information;
  • multiple tests of ideas are performed before accepting or rejecting them;
  • alternative scientific explanations are analyzed; and
  • conclusions are based on scientific evidence obtained from a variety of sources.
  
  
• Physical Science: Grade 8
  PS.10 The student will investigate and understand scientific principles and technological applications of work, force, and motion. Key concepts include
  • work, force, mechanical advantage, efficiency, power, horsepower,
  • gravitational force, speed/velocity, mass/weight, Newton's three laws of motion, acceleration; and
  • applications (simple machines, compound machines, powered vehicles, rockets, restraining devices, projectiles).
  
  
• High School Physics: Grade 11 or 12
  PH.5 The student will investigate and understand the interrelationships among mass, distance, force, and time through mathematical and experimental processes. Key concepts include
  • linear motion;
  • uniform circular motion;
  • curvilinear motion;
  • Newton's laws of motion;
  • gravitation;
  • celestial mechanics; and
  • work, power, and energy.
  PH.6 The student will investigate and understand that quantities including mass, energy, momentum, and charge are conserved. Key concepts include
  • kinetic and potential energy;
  • elastic and inelastic collisions;