Welcome to IB Physics Jonathan Smith [email protected]
Welcome to International Baccalaureate Diploma Physics! This course will help students to develop the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, inquiry, and investigation. Students will develop an awareness of the value of science as a collaborative endeavor. IB DP Physics is a two-year course, culminating in the IB Exam at the end of grade 12. Click on a link to the left to access all resources for that unit. Note that the content on this website is correlated to the previous IB Physics guide. New resources corresponding to the most recent (first teaching/exams August 2023/May 2025) are being developed now.
Students study IB Physics at either Higher (HL) or Standard Level (SL). The main difference has to do with the time and depth of study required. Higher grades are also required of students in HL Subjects for earning the IB Diploma, for university acceptance and for the possibility of college credit.
Physics is one of the most useful (and challenging!) courses that secondary students can take. This class will particularly be useful to college-bound students interested in majoring in such diverse fields as: Computer Science, Engineering (including Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace and so on), Mathematics, Biology, Pre-Med, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine. However, this class will also be of great value to students going into fields of a non-scientific or technical nature - students who simply enjoy discovering the beauty of nature and what physics is all about, and are willing to do homework/laboratory work and enjoy an intellectual challenge.
In this class, I will use class discussions, lectures, demonstrations, videos, reviews of general science principles, sample IB exam problems, etc…all with an emphasis on teaching students to solve complex problems in physics. Laboratory (practical) work is also a significant facet of this class. Student's grades will be composed of laboratories (25%) and quizzes/tests (75%). Suggested homework will include readings, solving book problems, and worksheets. Among other things, students will find that being organized and taking good notes will help them to succeed in this class.
Most texts and resources will be provided to students electronically. Students need a scientific calculator, maturity, and a strong will to succeed in this course. This course relies heavily on technology for the delivery of the curriculum.
Students study IB Physics at either Higher (HL) or Standard Level (SL). The main difference has to do with the time and depth of study required. Higher grades are also required of students in HL Subjects for earning the IB Diploma, for university acceptance and for the possibility of college credit.
Physics is one of the most useful (and challenging!) courses that secondary students can take. This class will particularly be useful to college-bound students interested in majoring in such diverse fields as: Computer Science, Engineering (including Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace and so on), Mathematics, Biology, Pre-Med, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine. However, this class will also be of great value to students going into fields of a non-scientific or technical nature - students who simply enjoy discovering the beauty of nature and what physics is all about, and are willing to do homework/laboratory work and enjoy an intellectual challenge.
In this class, I will use class discussions, lectures, demonstrations, videos, reviews of general science principles, sample IB exam problems, etc…all with an emphasis on teaching students to solve complex problems in physics. Laboratory (practical) work is also a significant facet of this class. Student's grades will be composed of laboratories (25%) and quizzes/tests (75%). Suggested homework will include readings, solving book problems, and worksheets. Among other things, students will find that being organized and taking good notes will help them to succeed in this class.
Most texts and resources will be provided to students electronically. Students need a scientific calculator, maturity, and a strong will to succeed in this course. This course relies heavily on technology for the delivery of the curriculum.