Course: PHYS 6646: Learning & Teaching Advanced Topics In Trig-Based Physics (2025) | NJCTL

  • Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    Welcome to Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    This course is for teachers to learn the content of PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics and how to teach that course to students, while providing teachers a greater depth of understanding to support their teaching of PSI Algebra-Based Physics.  Topics include Rotational Physics, Fluid, Thermodynamics and Optics.

    Prerequisite: PHYS6601 or Instructor Approval

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  • In this module we will focus on two-dimensional physics.

    This module introduces two-dimensional physics. Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning. 

    1. Differentiate between vector and scalar quantities.
    2. Express the motion of an object using narrative, mathematical, and graphical representations in two dimensions.
    3. Design an experimental investigation of the motion of an object.
    4. Analyze experimental data describing the motion of an object and is able to express the results of the analysis using narrative, mathematical, and graphical representations.
    5. Use vector diagrams and trigonometry to solve two dimensional and projectile motion problems.
    6. Solve problems in 2 dimensional dynamics.
    7. Select appropriate instructional strategies for teaching the module content using trigonometry.

    Physics: Principles with Applications / Edition 6 - Chapter 3: Kinematics in 2-Dimensions, Chapter 4: Dynamics and Chapter 9: Bodies in Equilibrium




  • This module is a review of electrostatic charge, force and Coulomb’s Law. We will revisit the source of electric charge, conduction and induction, relate electrostatic forces to gravitational forces and examine superposition of electric charges in one dimension.  We will also delve into two-dimensional electric charge and force and calculate net force using vector addition. We will also relate the electric field to the gravitational field, derive the formula for electric field from Coulomb’s Law and calculate net electric field due to multiple charges.

    Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning. 


    1. Make claims about natural phenomena based on conservation of electric charge.

    2. Construct an explanation of the two-charge model of electric charge based on evidence produced through scientific practices.

    3. Make a qualitative prediction about the distribution of positive and negative electric charges within neutral systems as they undergo various processes.

    4. Calculate any one of the variables - electric force, electric charge and electric field - at a point given the values and sign or direction of the other two quantities.

    5. Explain the inverse square dependence of the electric field surrounding a spherically symmetric electrically charged object. 

    6. Predict the direction and the magnitude of the force exerted on an object with an electric charge placed in an electric field using the mathematical model of the relation between an electric force and an electric field. 

    7. Qualitatively and semi-quantitatively apply the vector relationship between the electric field and the net electric charge creating that field.

    8. Distinguish the characteristics that differ between monopole fields and dipole fields and make claims about the spatial behavior of the fields using qualitative or semi-quantitative arguments based on vector addition of fields due to each point source, including identifying the locations and signs of sources from a vector diagram of the field.

    9. Apply mathematical routines to determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at specified points in the vicinity of a small set (2-4) of point charges, and express the results in terms of magnitude and direction of the field in a visual representation by drawing field vectors of appropriate length and direction at the specified points.

    10. Create representations of the magnitude and direction of the electric field at various distances (small compared to plate size) from two electrically charged plates of equal magnitude and opposite signs and is able to recognize that the assumption of uniform field is not appropriate near edges of plates.

    11. Calculate the magnitude and determine the direction of the electric field between two electrically charged parallel plates, given the charge of each plate, or the electric potential difference and plate separation.

    12. Represent the motion of an electrically charged particle in the uniform field between two oppositely charged plated and express the connection of this motion to the projectile motion of an object with mass in the Earth's gravitational field.

    Physics: Principles with Applications/ Edition 6 - Ch. 16 - Topic: Electric Charge and Field


    • Electric Force and Field Lessons

    • Electric Force and Field Problem Solving Notebook

    • Electric Force and Field Assignments

    • Electric Force & Field Discussion Board Forum

      Please use this space to ask any questions about the Electric Force & Field module to the instructor and your peers.  You can start a new discussion thread by pressing "add a new discussion topic."

    • Electric Force and Field Short Answer Assignment Forum
      Students must
      Make forum posts: 1
      Receive a grade
    • Electric Force and Field Lab - PDF Version File


  • In this module, we will explore rotational kinematics. 

    Be sure to complete the discussion question, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning.

     

    This module’s discussion question asks you to consider a simple design challenge that students can do in your classroom as an introduction to this lesson. The design challenge should be focused on building a simple machine to make a routine task easier. Discussion question responses should be 200-300 words and referenced. Refer to the Required/Recommended reading materials or provide an additional reference to an article of your choice. 

    Provide clear, concise, focused, and well-documented responses and respond to at least two posts by fellow students.

    1. Describe the rotation of a system with respect to time using angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration.

    2. Describe the linear motion of a point on a rotating rigid system that corresponds to the rotational motion of that point, and vice versa.

    There are no required reading for this module.

    • Rotational Kinematics Lessons

    • Rotational Kinematics Assignments

    • Rotational Kinematics Discussion Board Forum

      Please use this space to ask any questions about the module to the instructor and your peers.  You can start a new discussion thread by pressing "add a new discussion topic."

    • Rotational Kinematics Short Answer Assignment Forum
      Students must
      Make forum posts: 1
      Receive a grade
    • Rotational Kinematics - Lab PDF File

    • Rotational Kinematics Module Exam

  • phys 6603

    In this module, we will introduce the concept of angular displacement, velocity and acceleration, and solve problems for rotational kinematics. We will investigate who linear motion and rotational motion are related. Finally, we will explore torque as a measure of how much force acting on an object causes that object to move.  Then,  we will continue exploring rotational motion, delving into real-world applications of torque. We will explore rotational kinematics and what it means for an object to be in static equilibrium.

    This module investigates rotational motion. Be sure to complete the discussion question, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning.   Discussion question responses should be 200-300 words and referenced. Refer to the Required/Recommended reading materials or provide an additional reference to an article of your choice. Provide clear, concise, focused, and well-documented responses and respond to at least two posts by fellow students.   

    1. Use representations of the relationship between force and torque.

    2. Compare the torques on an object caused by various forces.

    3. Estimate the torque on an object caused by various forces in comparison to other situations.

    4. Design an experiment and analyze data testing a question about torques in a balanced rigid system.

    5. Calculate torques on a two-dimensional system in static equilibrium, by examining a representation or model (such as a diagram or physical construction).

    6. Make predictions about the change in the angular velocity about an axis for an object when forces exerted on the object cause a torque about that axis.

    7. Plan data collection and analysis strategies designed to test the relationship between a torque exerted on an object and the change in angular velocity of that object about an axis.

    8. Predict the behavior of rotational collision situations by the same processes that are used to analyze linear collision situations using an analogy between impulse and change of linear momentum and angular impulse and change of angular momentum.

    9. In an unfamiliar context or using representations beyond equations, justify the selection of a mathematical routine to solve for the change in angular momentum of an object caused by torques exerted on the object.

    10. Plan data collection and analysis strategies designed to test the relationship between torques exerted on an object and the change in angular momentum of that object.

    Pages 123-130 in Physics, the Human Adventure and Chapter 8 in Principles with Applications

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Lessons

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Problem Solving

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Assignments

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Discussion Board Forum

      Please use this space to ask any questions about the Rotational Motion module to the instructor and your peers.  You can start a new discussion thread by pressing "add a new discussion topic."

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Short Answer Assignment Forum
      Students must
      Make forum posts: 1
      Receive a grade
    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum - Lab PDF File

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Module Exam


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    In this module we will introduce geometric optics.

    This module introduces geometric optics. Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning. 

    1. Plan data collection strategies for finding the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction for light crossing boundaries from one transparent material to another (Snell’s law).
    2. Evaluate data to describe the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction for light crossing boundaries from one transparent material to another.
    3. Make predictions about the locations of object and image relative to the location of a reflecting surface based on the model of specular reflection with all angles measured relative to the normal to the surface.
    4. Use quantitative and qualitative representations and models to analyze situations and solve problems about image formation occurring due to the reflection of light from surfaces.
    5. Use quantitative and qualitative representations and models to analyze situations and solve problems about image formation occurring due to the refraction of light through thin lenses.
    6. Select appropriate instructional strategies for teaching the module content using trigonometry.

    Physics: Principles with Applications / Edition 6 - Chapter 23: Geometric Optics & Chapter 25: Optical Instruments 




  • In this module we will investigate fluids.

    In this module, you will continue to learn about fluids.   Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning. 


    1.Predict densities, differences in densities or changes in densities under different conditions for natural phenomena and design an investigation to verify the prediction.

    2. Select from experimental data the information necessary to determine the density of an object and/or compare densities of several objects.

    3. Use Bernoulli’s equation to make calculations related to a moving fluid.

    4. Use Bernoulli’s equation and/or the relationship between force and pressure to make calculations related to a moving fluid.

    5. Use Bernoulli’s equation and the continuity equation to make calculations related to a moving fluid.

    6. Construct an explanation of Bernoulli’s equation in terms of the conservation of energy.

    7. Explain contact forces (tension, friction, normal, buoyant, spring) as arising from interatomic electric forces and that they therefore have certain directions.

    8. Select appropriate instructional strategies for teaching the module content using trigonometry.



    Physics: Principles with Applications / Edition 6 - Chapters 10: Fluids



  • In this module we will explore thermal physics.

    This module examines thermal physics. Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning.

     

    How would you explain the importance of electromagnetic induction in real life applications? Discussion question responses should be 200-300 words and referenced. Refer to the Required/Recommended reading materials or provide an additional reference to an article of your choice. 

    1. Make predictions about the direction of energy transfer due to temperature differences based on interactions at the microscopic level.

    2. Calculate the expected behavior of a system using the object model to analyze a situation.

    3. Justify the use of conservation of energy principles to calculate the change in internal energy due to changes in internal energy due to changes in internal structure.

    4. Develop predictions about the internal energy of systems.

    5. Calculate changes in kinetic energy and potential energy of a system using information from representations of that system.

    6. Design an experiment and analyze data to examine how a force exerted on an object or system does work.

    7. Make claims about the interaction between a system and its environment in which the environment exerts a force on the system, thus doing work on the system and changing the energy of the system.

    8. Predict and calculate the energy transfer to an object or system from information about a force exerted on the object or system through a distance.

    9. Design and analyze graphical data in which interpretations of the area under a pressure-volume curve are needed to determine the work done on or by the object or system.

    10. Describe the models that represent processes by which energy can be transferred between a system and its environment because of differences in temperature: conduction, convection and radiation.

    11. Predict qualitative changes in the internal energy of a thermodynamic system involving transfer of energy due to heat or work done and justify those predictions in terms of conservation of energy principles.

    12. Create a plot of pressure versus volume for thermodynamic process from given data.

    13. Use a plot of pressure versus volume for a thermodynamic process to make calculations of internal energy changes, heat, or work, based upon conservation of energy principles.

    14. Select appropriate instructional strategies for teaching the module content using trigonometry.

    Physics: Principles with Applications/ Edition 6 - Chapter 13: Temperature & Kinetic Theory, Chapter 14: Heat & Chapter 15: The Laws of Thermodynamics




  • In this module, we will review and reflect on concepts covered in this course and prepare for an end of course assessment.


    This module serves as a comprehensive review of the course concepts and materials. There is no discussion question, lab, or Mastery Exercises. Instead, you will be writing a reflection paper on your course experience and completing a comprehensive final exam.

    1. Choose the most appropriate foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics and modern physics to explain specific complex physical situations.

    2. Facilitate class discussion and debate to explain physical phenomenon investigated in class. 

    3. Facilitate inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. 

    4. Evaluate the core scientific principles, theories and processes of the trigonometry-based physics learned in this course and connect them to the real world.



    There are no required readings for this module.

    • Course Completion Evaluation URL
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      Complete the course evaluation via SurveyMonkey.  The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. 




  • This section contains retake exams for each module in the course.  There is only one retake per test. There are no other retakes if you do not do well on this version.  There is no retake for the final exam.

     

    Please note:  

    ·  Students are not permitted to take re-take exams without instructor approval. If approval is received, you must also notify your instructor immediately upon completion.  Otherwise, your attempt will not be graded and will not count.  If permission is received, your higher grade of the two exams will count.

    ·  You should not seek permission to retake an exam until you have (1) determined your areas for growth based on the questions that were marked wrong on the original test; (2) studied these topics further until you are confident you understand them; (3) requested a Zoom tutoring session from your instructor to ensure you are ready for the retake.