Audience
The audience for this web site is ninth grade students who will benefit from a non-traditional learning environment; their parents, who will have access to the students curriculum; and teachers and administrators, who are interested in an integrated hands on, arts based, technology infused, mathematics curriculum.

Pre-requisites
The only prerequisites are a desire to learn and an interest in technology.

Subject matter
Algebra I is the primary subject matter. However, the class will focus on physics applications by creating instructional media projects.

Academic Standards
The academic standards are listed for the following subjects:
Mathematics
Physics
Technology
Performing Arts

They are included for informational purposes because they will be components of all instructional units for the year. The information provided on the Physics web site so closely matched the spirit of this project and my fundamental views on learning that I chose to include it.

Instructional Plan
Syllabi
Special thanks to Dennis Carroll at Phoenix Academy for contributing his work on integrating Physics and Algebra for 9th grade students.
Algebra 1 Syllabus
Students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge and sense of numbers, includingbasic arithmetic operations, number patterns, ratios, and proportions.

2. Estimate, make and use measurements of objects, quantites and relationships and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.

3. Use Algebraic and analytic methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems, and predict results.

4. Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize, and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes, and space.

5. Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods to predict results and interpret uncertainty and chance in practical applications, charts, and comparisons.

6. Distinguish fact from opinion and relevant from irrelevant information.

7. Understand explicit, factual information. Understand the meaning of words in context.

Weeks       Math Topics                   (See "Standards - Mathematics" to reference SG,CAS,CFS)
1-2            Number Theory
Natural and whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, number lines and rulers, number lines and the coordinate plane
6A2; 7A4;7B1,2

3-4 Operations and Their Properties
Operations in arithmetic, properties of operations, rules of divisibility, bases, exponents and powers, powers with equal bases, powers with equal exponents, and their properties, order of operations, scientific notation, multiplying and dividing numbers expressed in scientific notation, operations with sets. 6A1-3;6B3;7B1,2;8B4

5-7 Angle Measurement in Geometry
Points, lines and planes, angles, angle measures and perpendicularity,
pairs of angles, angles and parallel lines, supplementary and complementary angles, triangles and angles, sum of the angles in a triangle theorem.
6C3;7A6;9A1-3;9B1,2.

8-11 Ratio and Proportion
Ratio, using ratio to express a rate, verbal problems involving ratio, proportion, percent and percentage problems, similar polygons, similar triangles.
6B1-3; 7A1,5; 9A1,3; 9B1,2

12-14 Signed Numbers
The opposite of a number, the absolute value of a number, signed numbers on a number line, addition of signed numbers, subtraction of signed numbers, multiplication of signed numbers, division of signed numbers, evaluating algebraic expressions using signed numbers.
7A6

15-17 Solving Equations
Postulates and properties of equality, solving equations using property addition, solving equations using property of multiplication, combining like terms, solving equations with X-terms on both sides of an equation, solving equations using distributive property, solving multi-step equations, using equations to solve word problems, properties of inequalities, finding and graphing the solution set of an inequality.
6A1,2; 6C2; 7A6; 8B1,3; 8D2; 9B2.

18 Formulas
Solving for a variable in terms of another variable, transforming formulas.
7C1,2; 8B1,3.

19-21 Perimeter And Area
Definition of a polygon, classifying, properties of quadrilaterals, formulas for perimeter and area of polygons, circumference and area of a circle, reasoning with shaded area.
7A-6;9B2.

22-24 Working With Right Triangles
Parts of a right triangle, Pythagorean Theorem, finding missing lengths using Pythagorean Theorem, defining sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle in a right triangle, finding missing measures using sine, cosine, and tangent ratios.
6B4; 6C2; 7B1,2; 9A3; 9B2; 9C1,2.

25-27 Graphing Linear Functions And Equations
Solutions of open sentences in two variables, graphing linear functions using their solutions, graphing a line parallel to an axis, the slope of a line, the slope intercept form of a linear equation, graphing linear functions using their slopes, writing an equation of a line, graphing direct variation, graphing first degree inequalities in two variables, graphs involving absolute value.
8A1-3; 8C1-5; 8D1,2; 10A3,4.

28-31 Surface Area And Volume of a Solid
Area of polygons-review, surface area of a solid, surface area, word problems, volume of a prism and a cylinder, volume of a pyramid and a cone, volume - word problems.
7A1-3.

32-34 Probability
Empirical probability and theoretical probability, evaluating simple probability, probability of "A and B", probability of "A or B", probability of "~B", probability as a sum, the counting principle, probability and the counting principle, predicting outcomes, probability with two or more activities.
10B1; 10D1-3.

35-37 Statistic
Collecting data, organizing data, the histogram, mean, median and mode, measures of central tendency and grouped data, quartiles, percentiles, and cumulative frequency.
10A1-4; 10B1; 10C1.





Physics Syllabus

Grade Level(S) : 9th (freshmen)
Course Description :
In accordance with Physics Nobel Prize winner, Leon Lederman's model (Bardeen and Lederman, 1998) , high school students will take physics in their freshmen year.

The students in the freshman, Sophomore, and Senior classes in the School of the Arts will take Physics during the 2003 - 2004 academic year. (Whole School Physics)

The science of physics deals primary with energy in its various forms, and with the interactions of energy and matter. Physics students will discover the laws concerning matter in motion. Students will also examined the phenomena of heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and radioactivity. In addition, students will become disciplined in the collection of meaningful data under controlled conditions while exploring mathematical connections.

This class will be taught in a block manner with the integrated mathematics class, in order to enable teachers to collaborate in the planning of lessons, and to frequently team teach. Curiosity and a desire to explore are musts for success in any science course. In the words of J.T Fraser, AThe art of conversing with stones is called physics. The question-and-answer part of the conversation are called experiments. The language spoken is mathematics.

The mission of the Phoenix science and math teachers is to enable our students to gain a meaningful and coalescent understanding of science and mathematics through discovery, exploration, application, and experimentation.

The mission of the School of the Arts teachers is to utilize our students study of visual and performing arts to chronicle those experiences by creating audio and/or video presentations for a variety of educational purposes.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
The objective of this experimental learning process are as follows.

To develop skill in using materials and ideas. This experience may include an exploratory/lab activity, completing a written assignment, participating with the instructor or other students in hands on/minds on activities.

To develop skill in analyzing, organizing, and presenting scientific information, individuals or small groups will discuss what happened during an activity noting similarities and differences in their observations, while recognizing mathematical relationships and connections.

To use the methods of science to solve problems and to improve one's ability to think critically. This is the key step in the experimental learning process. The student identifies the problem and relates observation to similar experiences in real@ life.

To develop awareness of the impact humans have on their environment. The emphasis in this step is on the application of classroom experiences to real-life situations.

To provide the information necessary for selecting individual educational and vocational goals. This step concentrates on how the new learning can be used in other everyday situations that will affect the students' future.

State Goals (SG), Chicago Academic Standards (CAS), Chicago Framework Statement (CFS): See Attached
Physics Semester I and II Course Outline:
Weeks
Physics Topic
SG, CAS, CFS
Algebra/Geometry Focus/Connection

1-5
Analysis of Data
Scientific Method
Scientific Notation
Velocity and Speed

11B1-5,8,9,11
11C6
12A2
13A1,3,5
13C1,3
Rate, Ratio, and Proportion; Probability,
One Step Linear Equations,
Exponents,
Analytic Geometry, Scaling and Graphing
Positive and Negative Numbers
Addition along the Number Line

6-10
Vibrations and Waves
11A 11-3
11B1-10,12-15,17
11C5,6
12C2
Rate, Ratio, and Proportion;
Reciprocals, One Step Linear Equations,
Sine Waves (Trigonometry)

11-15
Sound
Light
Color
Reflection and Refraction
Geometric Optics (Lenses)
Diffraction and Interference
11A 1-3
11B1-5,7-10,12-15,17
11C5,6
12A3,
12B2
12D2
13A2,7
Rate, Ratio, and Proportion;
Multi-Step Linear Equations,
Squares and Square Roots, Inverse Square Function, Venn Diagrams,
Angle Measure, Concave and Convex Figures, Trigonometry

16-20
Electro-static's
Electric Current
Electric Circuits
Magnetism
11A1-3
11B1-10,12-15,17
11C5,6
12C4,5
13A1,3,5
Rate, Ratio, and Proportion; Trigonometry, Multi-Step Linear Equations.

21-25
Vectors
Displacement
Linear Motion
Kinematics
Dynamics
11A1-3
11B1-10, 12-15,17
11C5,6
13A1,3,5
Slope of a Line, Linear Equations, and Systems of Equations,
Pythagorean Theorem, Polar Coordinates, Trigonometry (Sin, Cos, Tan)

26-30
Linear Motion
Projectile Motion
Accelerated Motion
Forces
11A1,2
11B1-5,7,8,9,14,17
11C5,6
12D1,4
Slope of a Line, Linear Equations, Parabolic Equations, Parametric Equations, Systems of Equations, Polar Coordinates, Trigonometry

31-35
Newton=s First Law
Newton=s Second Law
Newton=s Third Law
Momentum
Energy
11A1,2
11B5,7-9,13,15,17
11C5,6
12D1,4
13C1-3
13D2
Linear Equations, Parabolic Equations, Parametric Equations, and Systems of Equations

36-40
Circular Motion, Rotations Motion, & Centripetal Force
Center of Gravity
Satellite Motion
11A1-3
12C4
12D1,4
13C1-3
Polar Coordinates
Parametric Equations, Motion along a Circle, Angular Speed and Acceleration, Ellipses and Elliptical Motion,
Cycloids

Instructional Practices/Classroom Management:
Research has shown that learning is enhanced by the a hands-on approach, followed by questions and discussion. To learn something and then apply this knowledge is the essential goal of physics

Math Technology Syllabus
The school year will be divided into 8 five week session. The topics in math and physics are listed and will be studied in depth. Each session will revolve around a major project that includes investigation and experimentation. Regular weekly technology workshops will be conducted on focus topics to develop specific skills. However, students may utilize any appropriate, available, technology at any time. Each unit will feature a guest speaker to provide examples of Real World Applications.