Physics in Grade 9 is typically a foundational course that introduces students to core physical principles. It may be called “Physical Science” in some states, where it includes both basic chemistry and physics, but in schools offering separate physics courses, the following outline applies.
Key Concepts:
Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration
Distance vs. displacement
Calculating speed:
speed = distance/timeVector vs. scalar quantities
Newton's Laws of Motion
1st Law (Inertia)
2nd Law:
F = ma3rd Law: Action and Reaction
Friction, Air Resistance
Free Fall and Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s²)
Weight = mass × gravity
Skills Developed:
Graphing motion (distance-time and velocity-time graphs)
Solving basic kinematics problems
Interpreting real-world motion scenarios
Key Concepts:
Kinetic and Potential Energy
KE = ½mv²PE = mgh
Law of Conservation of Energy
Mechanical Energy and Work
Work = force × distancePower = work/time
Thermal Energy
Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
Temperature vs. heat
Skills Developed:
Identifying energy types in systems
Energy transformation and diagrams
Applying formulas to calculate work and energy
Key Concepts:
Wave Properties
Wavelength, frequency, amplitude, speed
Wave speed equation:
v = fλ
Types of Waves
Transverse vs. longitudinal
Mechanical vs. electromagnetic waves
Sound Waves
Speed of sound
Pitch and loudness
Doppler Effect
Skills Developed:
Describing wave behavior (reflection, refraction, diffraction)
Analyzing wave diagrams
Identifying applications in real life (e.g., sonar, music)
Key Concepts:
Nature of Light
Electromagnetic spectrum (radio to gamma)
Speed of light (c = 3×10⁸ m/s)
Reflection and Refraction
Laws of reflection
Snell's Law:
n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂
Lenses and Mirrors
Convex/concave lenses
Focal point, image formation
Color and Filters
Additive and subtractive color mixing
Skills Developed:
Ray diagrams for mirrors and lenses
Predicting image properties (location, size, type)
Understanding everyday optical devices (glasses, cameras)
Key Concepts:
Electric Charge and Static Electricity
Protons, electrons, and charge conservation
Charging methods (friction, conduction, induction)
Current Electricity
Ohm’s Law:
V = IRSeries and parallel circuits
Power:
P = VI
Magnetism
Magnetic fields and poles
Electromagnetism
Motors and generators
Skills Developed:
Constructing simple circuits
Calculating resistance, voltage, and current
Explaining applications like electromagnets, transformers
Key Concepts:
Pressure in fluids
Pascal’s principle
Buoyant force and Archimedes’ Principle
Bernoulli’s Principle (used in aviation)
Throughout the course, students are expected to engage in:
Formulating hypotheses
Designing experiments
Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
Graphing results
Drawing conclusions based on evidence
Common labs might include:
Measuring acceleration with ramps
Energy conservation with pendulums or springs
Circuit-building activities
Wave tank demonstrations
Ray tracing with lenses and mirrors
Assessment Types
- Multiple-choice quizzes and tests
- Lab reports
- Conceptual questions
- Graphing and problem-solving exercises
- Research presentations or projects
Instructional Materials
- Textbooks: Commonly used books like Physics: Principles and Problems (Glencoe), Conceptual Physics by Hewitt
- Technology Tools: Simulations (PhET), interactive whiteboards, graphing software, motion sensors
- Equipment: Springs, weights, ramps, lenses, mirrors, batteries, resistors, magnet kits
Learning Standards Referenced
NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards):
HS-PS1 to HS-PS4 performance expectations
Focus on crosscutting concepts: cause/effect, energy/matter, systems/models
Common Core Math Integration:
Algebraic equations
Graphing on coordinate planes
Unit conversions and scientific notation
