F.O.R.C.E. Lesson Packs

Focus On Reaching Curricular Expectations

Developed by Theresa Spanjers (spanjer@uwindsor.ca) & Dr. Chitra Rangan (rangan@uwindsor.ca), Department of Physics, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Introducing modern physics topics can be a daunting task, particularly at the secondary school level. These lesson packs were developed for senior-level high school physics classes (grades 11 and 12), and target specifically the Ontario science curriculum objectives dealing with non-traditional topics.

The teaching materials are easy to use, and with a particular focus on introducing students to the concepts surrounding each topic in a relatively short time period (i.e. one to two 80 minute class periods). Each pack includes a PowerPoint presentation, teaching notes, supporting handouts, suggested classroom activities and a lesson plan outlining how to implement the lesson in the classroom.

The lesson packs can be downloaded free of charge.

Pre-Quantum Puzzles

This lesson pack provides learning activities for one 80 minute class periods exploring the development of the ideas behind quantum mechanics based on experimental evidence of the photoelectric effect and de Broglie’s wave experiments. Students should have prior knowledge of wave properties and a general understanding of light properties from geometric optics.

The Quest for More (and Greener) Energy

This lesson pack provides learning activities for one 80 minute class period, comparing the different ways in which energy is produced including: nuclear reactors, coal power, and hydroelectricity and exploring the need for power conservation and feasibility of greener energy sources. Students should already have an awareness of nuclear reactions, power produced by electricity and laws of thermodynamics pertaining to efficiency of heat engines.

Exploring Relativity

This lesson pack provides learning activities for two 80 minute class periods exploring the concepts of Galilean relativity (relative motion) and Einstein’s postulates of relativity (special relativity). Students should have prior knowledge of relative motion, conservation of energy and concepts associated with kinematics, properties of light and electromagnetism.

The authors thank the Department of Physics, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and the Leddy Library for support in the production of these lesson packs.

The authors permit free distribution and non-profit use of these lesson packs in educational settings provided the lesson pack is properly attributed to the authors. These lesson packs may not be copied or reproduced for purposes other than non-profit educational purposes, except as permitted by copyright laws, without the authors' written permission. Note: The authors have taken pains to ensure the correctness of the science presented. However, the Physics Department or the University of Windsor is not responsible for any errors or omissions in these lesson packs. Any comments may be sent by email to Dr. C. Rangan at Rangan_AT_uwindsor_DOT_ca.