Course Description
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation (SPH3U)
Course Outline
| Unit | Title | Description | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motion in a Plane | Review of essential concepts: scientific notation, significant digits, vector operations, and fundamental mathematical tools; principles of kinematics in two dimensions; analysis of motion in a plane. | 11 Hours |
| 2 | Dynamics | Investigation of forces acting on objects in uniform circular motion and general motion; use of free body diagrams; analysis of technological applications of dynamics and their social/environmental impact. | 11 Hours |
| 3 | Energy and Momentum | Work, energy, and momentum; conservation of energy and momentum in one and two dimensions; investigations through simulations and labs; evaluation of technology applications. | 20 Hours |
| — | Midterm Exam | Midterm examination. | 2 Hours |
| 4 | Gravitational, Electric and Magnetic Fields | Concepts, properties, and laws of fields; graphical and model-based investigations; analysis of technology using these fields and their social/environmental impact. | 22 Hours |
| 5 | Wave Nature of Light | Study of waves and light; diffraction, refraction, interference, polarization; theoretical and simulation-based investigations; analysis of technologies using wave principles. | 21 Hours |
| 6 | Revolutions in Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics & Special Relativity | Quantum mechanics, photoelectric effect, particle physics, Einstein’s relativity; mathematical investigations and problem solving; analysis of scientific paradigms and technology development. | 20 Hours |
| 7 | Final Assessment | Proctored exam, 30% of final grade. | 3 Hours |
Overall Curriculum Expectations
A. Scientific Investigation Skills and Career Exploration
By the end of this course, students will:
A1. Demonstrate scientific investigation skills related to both inquiry and research in the four areas of skills: initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating.
A2. Identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under study, and describe the contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
B. Dynamics
By the end of this course, students will:
B1. Analyse technological devices that apply the principles of the dynamics of motion, and assess the technologies’ social and environmental impact.
B2. Investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, forces involved in uniform circular motion and motion in a plane, and solve related problems.
B3. Demonstrate an understanding of the forces involved in uniform circular motion and motion in a plane.
C. Energy and Momentum
By the end of this course, students will:
C1. Analyse, and propose ways to improve, technologies or procedures that apply principles related to energy and momentum, and assess the social and environmental impact of these technologies or procedures.
C2. Investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, through laboratory inquiry or computer simulation, the relationship between the laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, and solve related problems.
C3. Demonstrate an understanding of work, energy, momentum, and the laws of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum, in one and two dimensions.
D. Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic Fields
By the end of this course, students will:
D1. Analyse the operation of technologies that use gravitational, electric, or magnetic fields, and assess the technologies’ social and environmental impact.
D2. Investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and solve related problems.
D3. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, properties, principles, and laws related to gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter.
E. The Wave Nature of Light
By the end of this course, students will:
E1. Analyse technologies that use the wave nature of light, and assess their impact on society and the environment.
E2. Investigate, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the properties of waves and light, and solve related problems.
E3. Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of waves and light in relation to diffraction, refraction, interference, and polarization.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
In this course, students will experience the following activities:
Presentations and Multimedia: Presentations with embedded videos are utilized to outline concepts, explain theory through examples and practice questions, and incorporate multimedia opportunities for students to learn more, including online simulations and quizzes.
End-of-Unit Conversations and Polls: These activities provide opportunities for students to express their ideas, problem-solving strategies, and thought processes with a teacher who provides timely feedback.
Reflection: Reflection is an opportunity for students to look back at concepts and theories with new perspectives, relate theory to practice, and align learning with their own values and beliefs.
Teacher-Student Discussions: Discussions with the instructor are facilitated through video conferencing to explore the concepts and skills being studied. This enables two-way communication between the student and instructor, allowing them to share ideas, ask questions, and develop a positive learning relationship.
Instructor Demonstrations: Instructor demonstrations, including research skills and scientific investigation techniques, provide opportunities for teachers to guide students through concepts and skills using video conferencing, instructional videos, or email communication.
Discussion Forums: Discussion forums provide opportunities for students to summarize and share their ideas and perspectives with peers, deepen understanding through expression, and receive peer-to-peer feedback.
Practical Applications: Practical extension and application of knowledge are integrated throughout the course. Students are encouraged to make connections between classroom learning, their understanding of the world, and their everyday experiences.
Assessment Strategies
Students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement of the curriculum expectations, across all four categories of the Achievement Chart. Progress will be monitored on an ongoing basis using a variety of assessment tools, including written work, formal testing, quizzes, teacher-student communication, discussion boards and chat rooms.
As required by the Ministry of Education, students will be assessed in the four areas of the Achievement Chart. Rubrics and marking schemes are outlined where appropriate, and students are encouraged to self-evaluate their work using these tools.
Assessment Activities
Assessment activities may include:
- Quizzes and tests
- Assignments and worksheets
- Ongoing teacher feedback
- Simulations and practical activities
- Teacher questioning and discussions
- Self- and peer-assessment
- Reflections and learning journals
- Learning checklists and goal setting
- Peer feedback and self-reflection
- Student learning reflections
- Unit tests and research projects
- Case studies and presentations
- Midterm and final examinations
Assessment for Learning
Quizzes and tests, assignments and worksheets, ongoing teacher feedback, simulations and practical activities, and teacher questioning and discussions.
Assessment as Learning
Self- and peer-assessment, reflections and learning journals, learning checklists and goal setting, peer feedback, self-reflection, and student learning reflections.
Assessment of Learning
Unit tests, research projects, case studies, presentations, midterm examination, and final examination.
Final Grade
The final grade will be determined as follows (in accordance with Ministry of Education standards):
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Term Work Based on evaluations conducted throughout the course. |
65% |
|
Final Evaluation A final evaluation in the form of a written exam. |
20% |
| Attendance and Participation | 15% |
Final Examination Breakdown
20% written exam.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and active engagement are important for student success. Attendance and participation are monitored through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS).
All online credit courses at ICE are designed to meet or exceed the minimum 110 hours of instructional time required for a credit course.
Online instructional time and engagement are monitored through:
LMS Engagement: Students are expected to log in regularly and actively participate in online learning activities. LMS activity records are used to monitor engagement.
Biweekly Check-Ins: Students complete a brief check-in every two weeks to review their progress and engagement. Additional support may be provided when concerns are identified.
Post-Unit Quizzes: Short formative quizzes are completed at the end of each unit to monitor student progress and pacing.
Discussion Forums: Students participate in required unit discussions and peer activities. Participation is monitored based on completion and engagement.
Students are responsible for maintaining regular participation and completing required learning activities within the course schedule.
Evaluation Model – 10% Total Attendance and Engagement Weight
| Component | Weight | Quantifiable Metric | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biweekly Check-In | 3% | Completed every two weeks | Student completes the required check-in within the scheduled time frame. |
| Post-Unit Formative Quiz | 4% | Completed after each unit | Student completes the formative quiz by the assigned deadline. |
| Discussion Forum Participation | 3% | Required posts and responses | Student submits the required original response and completes assigned peer responses. |
Required Software, Equipment, and Textbooks
Texts and Resources
Grade 12 Physics textbook (Ontario approved).
Teacher-provided worksheets and inquiry packages.
Digital Resources
Google Drive.
Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.
Online physics simulations (PhET, Desmos).
Teacher Considerations
Assistive technology, including speech-to-text and text-to-speech.
Flexible submission formats.
Considerations for Program Planning
Students with Special Education Needs
Instruction and assessment will provide appropriate accommodations, differentiation, scaffolding, and multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning, in accordance with individual needs and IEPs where applicable.
English Language Learners
Visual supports, scientific vocabulary, glossaries, graphic organizers, multimedia, and opportunities for oral and written communication will support students in developing scientific language and understanding.
Environmental Education
Students will examine sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, natural resources, pollution, and the environmental impacts of science and technology.
Equity and Inclusive Education
Learning activities will respect diverse identities, perspectives, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences and will promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education
Where appropriate, students will explore Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, relationships with the environment, and contributions to science and technology.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Digital tools, simulations, online research, spreadsheets, presentations, and other technologies will be used to support investigation, data analysis, collaboration, and communication.
Career Education
Students will explore careers related to science, technology, engineering, health, environmental science, and other STEM fields, including relevant skills and pathways.
Health and Safety
Students will develop safe practices when conducting scientific investigations, using equipment, handling materials, working with electricity, and participating in online learning and research.
Tips for Success – SPH4U
Welcome to SPH4U: Grade 12 Physics
Welcome to SPH4U! This course will deepen your understanding of physics concepts such as motion, forces, energy, fields, waves, and modern physics. You will strengthen your problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking skills, all of which are essential for university and college STEM programs.
To be successful in SPH4U, especially in an online learning environment, please review the following tips carefully.
Stay Organized & Informed
Check Announcements, What’s New, and your mailbox daily for important updates.
Review the course calendar regularly and note all due dates.
Physics builds on previous concepts — stay current to avoid falling behind.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Plan for 1–2 hours of focused study per day.
Break large assignments into smaller steps, including reading, practice problems, labs, and submission.
Avoid last-minute work, especially for tests and labs.
Understand Expectations
Carefully read assignment instructions, rubrics, and evaluation criteria.
Create a checklist to ensure:
All questions are answered.
Units, diagrams, and calculations are shown clearly.
Work is submitted in the correct format and on time.
Practice Consistently
Physics requires regular practice, not memorization.
Complete practice problems, review feedback, and revisit challenging concepts.
Use simulations, videos, and worked examples provided in the course.
Remember, this course is designed to help you think critically, apply mathematical models, and explain physical phenomena using evidence and reasoning. Approach each activity with curiosity, patience, and confidence in your ability to learn and improve.
Accommodations
Accommodations will be based on meetings with parents, teachers, administration, and external educational assessment reports.
The following accommodations may be provided:
Instructional Accommodations: Changes in teaching strategies, including styles of presentation, methods of organization, or use of technology and multimedia.
Assessment Accommodations: Additional time to complete tests or assignments, or permission to provide oral responses to test questions.
Additional Modifications and Supports
Provide step-by-step instructions.
Help students create organizers for planning writing tasks.
Allow students to report verbally to a scribe, such as a teacher or student, who can assist with note-taking.
Permit students a range of options for reading and writing tasks.
Where an activity requires reading, provide the material in advance.
Provide opportunities for enrichment.
