1. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT INDICATOR 5.1 a-e LAB THEMES/SKILLS
LAB THEMES:
___5.1a Measured quantities can be classified as either vector or scalar.  Toolkit
Math 
September
Unit 1 – Units and
Scientific Notation 
Linear Measurement 
___5.1b A vector may be resolved into perpendicular components.*  
Velocity

Acceleration

SI System 
 of
___5.1c The resultant of two or more vectors, acting at any angle, is SKILLS:
Units Understand the approximate values of 1
determined by vector addition.
Unit Conversion
  kg and 1 m
Scientific
  ___5.1d An object in linear motion may travel with a constant velocity* or with Convert using metric units
Notation acceleration*.(Note: Testing of acceleration will be limited to cases in which Determine the resultant of two or more
Significant
  acceleration is constant.) vectors graphically
Figures Distinguish between distance and
Uncertainty
  ___5.1e An object in free fall accelerates due to the force of gravity.* Friction displacement
Graphical and other forces cause the actual motion of a falling object to deviate from its Compare and contrast the two cases of
Analysis theoretical motion. equilibrium (static and dynamic)
(Note: Initial velocities of objects in free fall may be in any direction.) Determine the slopes and areas of graphs
Graphical analysis of displacement vs
Unit 2 – Kinematics Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 1 time, velocity vs time and acceleration vs
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 2 time graphs.
Scalar vs. vector
  Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 3
Displacement/dis
  Pertinent Reference Table Equations
tance Video Clips d
Velocity/speed
  v = ∆v
Acceleration
  Mythbusters – Is It Worth It To Run In the Rain? t a=
t
Unit 3 – Uniform Mythbusters – Speed Cameras
Accelerated v f = vi + at
Motion Mythbusters – Penny Drop
1
Rectilinear
  d = vit + at 2
motion 2
2 2
Three equations
  v f = vi + 2ad
of motion
Freely falling
bodies
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2. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 5.1b-u
___5.1f The path of a projectile is the result of the simultaneous effect of the LAB THEMES:
horizontal and vertical components of its motion; these components act  Fall 
Free  Projectile Motion 
October
Unit 4 – Two-
dimensional independently. Target Practice Vectors
motion ___5.1g A projectile’s time of flight is dependent upon the vertical component SKILLS:
of its motion. Theoretical path of a projectile (with and
___5.1h The horizontal displacement of a projectile is dependent upon the without air resistance)
Trajectories horizontal component of its motion and its time of flight. Calculate the position and velocity of a
Finding range ___5.1i According to Newton’s First Law, the inertia of an object is directly projectile at any point using the horizontal
Finding height proportional to its mass. An object remains at rest or moves with constant and vertical components of the motion
Vector velocity, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Review the trigonometry of right
Components ___5.1j When the net force on a system is zero, the system is in equilibrium. triangles
___5.1l Weight is the gravitational force with which a planet attracts a mass*. Resultant of two or more vectors
The mass of an object is independent of the gravitational field in which it is (graphically)
Unit 5 – Static located. Resolve a single vector into component
Forces ___5.1m The elongation or compression of a spring depends upon the nature Identify the forces acting on an object
of the spring (its spring constant) and the magnitude of the applied force.* Inertia is directly related to mass
___5.1o Kinetic friction* is a force that opposes motion. Find the force of gravity between two
Newton’s First ___5.1s Field strength* and direction are determined using a suitable test masses
Law particle. (Notes: Graphically and analytically represent the
1)Calculations are limited to electrostatic and gravitational fields. inverse square nature of gravitational force
Equilibrium 2)The gravitational field near the surface of Earth and the electrical field Contrast kinetic and static friction
Weight and between two oppositely charged parallel plates are treated as uniform.) Graphically represent Hooke’s Law and
Tension ___5.1t Gravitational forces are only attractive, whereas electrical and spring constant
Gravitational magnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive. Analyze vector diagrams of mechanical
 
forces ___5.1u The inverse square law applies to electrical* and gravitational* fields systems in equililbrium
produced by point sources. Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Frictional forces
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 4 Fg
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 5
g=
Coefficient of m
Friction Video clips F f = µFN
Spring force Gm1m2
Basics of Physics: Exploring Gravity Fg =
r2
Mythbusters: NASA Myths Fs =kx
Mythbusters: Escape Slide Parachute Ax = A cosθ
Ay = A sin θ
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3. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 5.1 k,n,p,q,r
___5.1k According to Newton’s Second Law, an unbalanced force causes a LAB THEMES:
mass to accelerate*. Coefficient of Friction
 
November
Unit 6 – Dynamic
Forces ___5.1n Centripetal force* is the net force which produces centripetal Hooke’s Law
 
acceleration.* In uniform circular motion, the centripetal force is Centripetal Force
 
perpendicular to the tangential velocity.  onservation of Momentum
C
Newton’s Second
___5.1p The impulse* imparted to an object causes a change in its SKILLS:
Law momentum*. Analyze vector diagrams of
Newton’s Third ___5.1q According to Newton’s Third Law, forces occur in action/reaction nonequilibrium mechanical systems and find
Law pairs. When one object exerts a force on a second, the second exerts a the net force
Free Body force on the first that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.  Contrast horizontal motion with motion on
Diagrams ___5.1r Momentum is conserved in a closed system.* (Note: Testing will be an inclined plane
Uniform Circular limited to momentum in one dimension.)  Identify the directions of centripetal force,
Motion centripetal acceleration and velocity vectors
Period Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 6 for objects in circular motion
Kepler’s Laws Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 7  Identify reaction forces
 Analyze the motions of objects before and
after collisions
Unit 7 – Momentum
and Impulse Video Clips
Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Mythbusters: Baseball Myths
Momentum
  Mythbusters: 360 degree Swing Set Fnet
Impulse
  Mythbusters: Flight Attendant Free Fall a=
Conservation 
 of Mythbusters: Toy Car vs. Real Car m
Physics of Car Crashes
momentum v2
Collisions
  Fc = mac ac =
Powerpoint: Circular Motion r
p = mv
J = Ft = ∆p
pbefore = pafter
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4. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.1 a-i
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5. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
___4.1a All energy transfers are governed by the law of conservation of LAB THEMES:
December Unit 8 – Work, Energy energy.*  
Power
and Power 
Energy Stored in a Spring

___4.1b Energy may be converted among mechanical, electromagnetic, 
Period of a Pendulum

nuclear, and thermal forms. 
Conservation

Work and Energy
___4.1c Potential energy is the energy an object possesses by virtue of SKILLS:
Power its position or condition. Types of potential energy include gravitational* Factors affecting the period of a pendulum
and elastic*. Contrast the work done and power
Kinetic Energy developed while moving up stairs
___4.1d Kinetic energy* is the energy an object possesses by virtue of its Graphically represent kinetic and potential
Gravitational motion. energies
Potential Energy Calculate the work done against friction in a
___4.1e In an ideal mechanical system, the sum of the macroscopic variety of situations
Elastic Potential kinetic and potential energies (mechanical energy) is constant.* Identify the types of mechanical energy at
Energy any point in an object’s motion
___4.1f In a nonideal mechanical system, as mechanical energy Identify the location of maximum speed,
decreases there is a corresponding increase in other energies such as displacement, energies for a pendulum.
Work-Energy internal energy.* Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Theorem
___4.1g When work* is done on or by a system, there is a change in the W = Fd = ET
Unit 9 - Conservation of total energy* of the system. W Fd
Energy P= = = Fv
___4.1h Work done against friction results in an increase in the internal t t
Conservation 
 of energy of the system.
1 2
Energy
___4.1i Power* is the time-rate at which work is done or energy is KE = mv ∆PE = mg∆h
expended. 2
1 2
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 8 PEs =
kx
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 9 2
ET = PE + KE + Q
Video Clip
Mythbusters: Conservation of Energy
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6. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
City School District of Albany Physics Curriculum Pacing Map

7. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.1j, 5.1s-u
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8. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
___4.1j Energy may be stored in electric* or magnetic fields. This LAB THEMES:
January Unit 10 – Electrostatics energy may be transferred through conductors or space and may be 
Electrostatics

converted to other forms of energy.
Atomic structure
  SKILLS:
___5.1s Field strength* and direction are determined using a suitable Knowledge of basic atomic structure
test particle. (Notes: Behavior of charges and interactions
Conservation 
 of 1)Calculations are limited to electrostatic and gravitational fields. between charged and uncharged objects
Charge 2)The gravitational field near the surface of Earth and the electrical Conservation of charge and symmetry of
field between two oppositely charged parallel plates are treated as such to predict conduction
Elementary charge
  uniform.) Graphically and analytically represent the
inverse square nature of electrostatic force
___5.1t Gravitational forces are only attractive, whereas electrical and Draw electric field lines around charged
Electric fields
  magnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive. objects and between parallel plates using a
positive test charge
Potential difference
  ___5.1u The inverse square law applies to electrical* and gravitational*
fields produced by point sources. Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 10
kq1q2
Fe =
Video Clips: r2
Mythbusters: Franklin’s Kite Fe
E=
Mythbusters: Safety During a Thunderstorm q
W
V =
q
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9. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.1 n,o
LAB THEMES:

Using Multimeters 
February
Unit 11 – Current and ___4.1n A circuit is a closed path in which a current* can exist. (Note:
Electricity Use conventional current.) 
Ohm’s Law 
SKILLS:
___4.1o Circuit components may be connected in series* or in Use ammeters and voltmeters to determine
Electric Current
 
parallel*. Schematic diagrams are used to represent circuits and circuit the resistance on a ciruit
elements. Compare and contrast the resistance of
Resistance of a
  conductors of various lengths, materials and
Conductor cross-sectional areas
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 11 Calculate power and energy expenditures
Ohm’s Law
  for a variety of devices
Electric Power and
  Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Energy
q
I=
t
V
R=
I
ρL
R=
A
V2
P = VI = I R = 2
R
V 2t
W = Pt = VIt = I Rt =
2
R
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10. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.1 j 5.1 t,u
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11. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
___4.1j Energy may be stored in electric* or magnetic fields. This LAB THEMES:
March Unit 12 – Circuits energy may be transferred through conductors or space and may be Series and Parallel Circuits
 
converted to other forms of energy. Magnetic Field Lines Around a Permanent
 
Series Circuits
  Magnet
___5.1t Gravitational forces are only attractive, whereas electrical and MMagnetic Induction
Parallel Circuits
 
magnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive.
SKILLS:
___5.1u The inverse square law applies to electrical* and gravitational* Build simple and parallel circuits and be able
Unit 13 – Magnetism fields produced by point sources. to predict the behavior of light bulbs in such
circuits
Magnetic Fields
  Draw a schematic diagram from a given list of
Electromagnetism
  Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 12 components
Generators/Motors
  Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 13 Identify the appropriate location for ammeters
and voltmeters in a circuit
Solve circuit diagrams using the series and
parallel equations
Map the magnetic field of a permanent
magnet, distinguishing between N and S poles
Recognize and describe conversions among
different forms of energy in devices such as
motors, generators, photocells or batteries
Series Circuits
I = I1 = I 2 = I 3 = ...
V = V1 + V2 + I 3 + ...
Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
Parallel Circuits
I = I1 + I 2 + I 3 + ...
V = V1 = V2 = V3 = ...
1 1 1 1
= + + + ...
Req R 1 R 2 R 3
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12. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.3a-k
___4.3a An oscillating system produces waves. The nature of the LAB THEMES:
system determines the type of wave produced. Speed of Sound Lab
 
rilAp
Unit 14-Wave
Characteristics ___4.3b Waves carry energy and information without transferring
mass. This energy may be carried by pulses or periodic waves. SKILLS:
___4.3c The model of a wave incorporates the characteristics of Draw waves with various characteristics
 Mechanical/ amplitude, wavelength,* frequency*, period*, wave speed*, and phase. Determine the net motion of particles in a
 Electromagnetic ___4.3d Mechanical waves require a material medium through which to wave
Waves travel. Describe the difference between mechanical
 Transverse/ ___4.3e Waves are categorized by the direction in which particles in a and electromagnetic waves
Longitudinal medium vibrate about an equilibrium position relative to the direction of Differentiate between transverse and
Waves propagation of the wave, such as transverse and longitudinal waves. longitudinal waves
 Period ___4.3g Electromagnetic radiation exhibits wave Compare the characteristics between two
characteristics. Electromagnetic waves can propagate transverse waves for frequency, period,
 Wavelength
amplitude, wavelength and speed and how these
 Amplitude through a vacuum. characteristics manifest themselves in light and
 Speed ___4.3k All frequencies of electromagnetic radiation travel at the same
sound waves
 Phase speed in a vacuum.*
Determine the type of electromagnetic wave
 Sound and Light from its frequency or wavelength
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 14 Compare the frequencies of color of visible
light
Video Clip Pertinent Reference Table Equations
Mythbusters: Voice Fire Extinguisher
T=
1
f
v=fλ
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13. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 4.3f-n
Unit 15 - Wave Behaviors LAB THEMES:

Reflection of Light 
 Refraction of Light

May
___4.3f Resonance occurs when energy is
Reflection 
 Energy Levels of Hydrogen 
transferred to a system at its natural frequency.
Refraction SKILLS:
___4.3h When a wave strikes a boundary between two media,
Observe, sketch and interpret the behavior of a wave as
Dispersion reflection*, transmission, and absorption occur. A transmitted
it reflects from a boundary
Diffraction wave may be refracted.
Draw a ray diagram for a given reflection and identify
Doppler Effect ___4.3i When a wave moves from one medium into another, the
angles of incidence and reflection. Identify distance to
Interference wave may refract due to a change in speed. The angle of
object and to image
Standing Waves refraction (measured with respect to the normal) depends on the
 Observe, sketch and interpret the behavior of a wave
angle of incidence and the properties of the media (indices of
Resonance as it refracts at a boundary
refraction).*
 Draw a ray diagram for a given refraction and identify
___4.3j The absolute index of refraction is angles of incidence and refraction.
inversely proportional to the speed of a wave.*  Describe the relationship of a wavelength to that of the
___4.3l Diffraction occurs when waves pass by obstacles or size of the opening or obstacle causing diffraction
through openings. The wavelength of the incident wave and the Describe the relationship between source, observer
size of the obstacle or opening affect how the wave spreads out. with respect to frequency, wavelength and speed
___4.3m When waves of a similar nature meet, the resulting (Doppler effect)
interference may be explained using the principle of superposition. Predict the superposition of two waves interfering
Standing waves are a special case of interference. constructively and destructively
___4.3n When a wave source and an observer are in relative Determine amplitude, phase, nodes and antinodes of a
motion, the observed frequency of the waves traveling between standing wave
them is shifted (Doppler effect).  Relate the importance of standing waves in producing
resonance
ϑ ϑ
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 15 Pertinent Reference Table Equations
s =i
n 1n 2
1n
i 2n
s
Video Clip
ϑϑ
= i r
Mythbusters: Ancient Death Ray n v λ
2
= 1= 1
Mythbusters: Can a Singer Break Glass? n v
2 2 λ2
c
n=
v
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14. Text: Physics: Principles & Problems, Merrill-Glencoe
NYS STANDARD/KEY IDEA/PERFORMANCE
MONTH CONTENT LAB THEMES/SKILLS
INDICATOR 5.3a-i
___5.3a States of matter and energy are restricted to discrete values LAB THEMES:
(quantized). Half-Life Lab
 
neJu
Unit 16 - Modern Physics
___5.3b Charge is quantized on two levels. On the atomic level, charge is  Spectral Analysis Lab

 Quantum Physics restricted to multiples of the elementary charge (charge on the electron or SKILLS:
proton). On the subnuclear level, charge appears as fractional values of the Interpret energy-level diagrams (reference
 Models of the elementary charge (quarks). tables)
Atom ___5.3c On the atomic level, energy is emitted or absorbed in discrete Correlate spectral lines with energy-level
 Hydrogen/Mercury packets called photons.* diagram
 Energy Level ___5.3d The energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency.*  Quantitatively determine energy of a photon
 Quarks and Particle ___5.3e On the atomic level, energy and matter exhibit the characteristics of frequency and wavelength
Physics both waves and particles. Classification of Matter (reference tables)
___5.3f Among other things, mass-energy and charge are conserved at all  Particles of the standard model (reference
levels (from subnuclear to cosmic). tables)
___5.3g The Standard Model of Particle Physics has evolved from previous  Quantitatively convert energy to mass and
attempts to explain the nature of the atom and states that: vice versa
• atomic particles are composed of subnuclear particles
• the nucleus is a comglomeration of quarks which manifest themselves as Pertinent Reference Table Equations
protons and neutrons
• each elementary particle has a corresponding antiparticle
___5.3h Behaviors and characteristics of matter, from the microscopic to the Ehoton =E−E
p i f
cosmic levels, are manifestations of its atomic structure. The macroscopic
characteristics of matter, such as electrical and optical properties, are the
result of microscopic interactions.
___5.3i The total of the fundamental interactions is responsible for the
=f
E h
=c
appearance and behavior of the objects in the universe.
___5.3j The fundamental source of all energy in the universe is the
conversion of mass into energy.*
E m2
Worksheets/powerpoints/misc Unit 16
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