Text Box: Topics in Modern Physics Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy 2007-2008 Instructor Mr. Branson Lawrence Office B104b, Phone 5047, branson@imsa.edu Topics in Modern Physics is a one-semester course designed to allow students to learn through lecture, interactive web sites, activities and experiments involving post-Newtonian physics concepts. This begins with a review of light, then the Michelson-Morely experiment and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe, both originating in the late nineteenth century. Students will study general relativity and special relativity during the first quarter and then continue to quantum mechanics and particle physics in the second quarter. Students will do a research papers, focused on focused phenomena of one of the major topics. Students' grades will be determined as follows: Homework/Participation 10% Quizzes 20% Exams/Paper 50% Labs 20% Grading Scale of 100-90 A, 89-80 B, 79-70 C Grades can be accessed through Power School. Expectations The absence and tardy policy in the student handbook will be adhered to. Ten minutes tardy denotes an unexcused absence. Outcomes Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the concepts of general and special relativity and quantum mechanics they have discovered through discussion, research and lab to develop a sophisticated few of how the universe works. Students will be able to inquire into questions of personal interest about the laws of the universe through personal research. Topics In Modern Physics Calendar Spring 2008