Physics of Everyday Life - Madison Area Technical College

file://C:\Program Files\Wids7\WizardReport.htm
Page 1 of 3
6/20/2011
Physics of Everyday Life
Course Outcome Summary
Course Information
Organization
Madison Area Technical College
Developers
William Caplan
Development Date 6/15/2011
Course Number 20806220
Instructional Level College Transfer
Total Credits 3
Description
Have you ever looked at something and said to yourself "I wonder how that works?" If so, this is the course for
you. The Physics of Everyday Life will explore basic principles of physics including classical mechanics, fluids,
heat, resonance, waves, light and electricity and magnetism through the lens of everyday objects. We will gain
insight through studying objects such as bumper cars, roller coasters, light bulbs, musical instruments and
microwave ovens.
Target Population
For non science major college transfer
Types of Instruction
Instruction Type Contact Hours Credits
Face to face 3
Textbooks
Louis A. Bloomfield. How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life. Wiley. January 9, 2009. Edition: 4th
edition. Pages: 632. ISBN: 978-0470223994 .
Learner Supplies
Caculator.
Prerequisites
Basic Algebra, 74854793 or Elem Algebra w/Apps , 10804110 or Elem Algebra w/Apps10834110 or Algebra
Concepts 10804140 with a grade of C or score of 40+ on the algebra component of COMPASS.
Competencies
1. Explore basics principles of physics from fields such as classical mechanics, thermal
physics, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillation, resonance and waves, electricity and
magnetism, light, and modern physics
You will demonstrate your competence by:
o completing homework assignments
o completing a written exam
o participating in guided small group discussions
o answering iClicker questions in class
Your performance will be successful when you:
o describe the basic principles in everyday English

file://C:\Program Files\Wids7\WizardReport.htm
Page 2 of 3
6/20/2011
o use a vocabulary of physics terms and concepts in answering questions in classroom discussion
and written assignments
o distinguish between everyday English language usage and scientific usage of terms. Example:
The word work has several meanings in English: getting something done, drudgery, employment,
etc. In physics it refers to energy transfer involving forces and motion.
o identify relationships between physics concepts. Example: Kinetic energy is energy of motion. It
depends on how fast something moves and how massive it is
o identify the units associated with physics concepts
o give an example of an everyday object or process which uses the physics concept
2. Apply physics concepts to everyday situations to solve problems
You will demonstrate your competence by:
o completing homework assignments
o completing a written exam
o participating in classroom discussion
o answering iClicker questions in class
o writing a journal regarding applications of course material
o contributing to a wiki applying course material
Your performance will be successful when you:
o analyze everyday problems and identify the physics principles present
o explain the application of physics principles to a problem. Example: I'm trying to change a flat tire
and one of the bolts is stuck. I need to increase the amount of torque provided to the bolt
o explain the parameters involved with the problem, and how they can be adjusted to solve the
problem. Example: Torque depends on force and distance from the center of rotation. In order to
increase the torque I could push harder on the wrench. If I can t push hard enough, I could put I pipe
over the end of the wrench, making the wrench longer, and push on the end of the pipe.
o estimate relevant physical quantities in the problem
o perform simple, rough calculations to solve problems
3. Identify how common devices and processes work using applicable physics principles
You will demonstrate your competence by:
o completing homework assignments
o completing a written exam
o participating in classroom discussion
o answering iClicker questions in class
o writing a journal regarding applications of course material
o contributing to a wiki applying course material
Your performance will be successful when you:
o analyze everyday devices and processes and identifies the physics principles present
o explain how physics principles make the object or process work
o explain the parameters involved with the object or process and how adjusting them affects
performance. Example: A 100 watt incandescent light bulb purchased in Madison is designed to
operate on U.S. standard 120 V electricity. If the same light bulb is used in Europe where electricity
is provided at 220 V, it will either glow brighter (putting out more than 100 W) or blow out.
o discuss thoroughly the objects presented in the text and lectures in terms of the relevant physics
in exams, written assignments and classroom discussion
4. Use appropriate physics formulae to solve simple physics problems
You will demonstrate your competence by:
o completing homework assignments
o completing a written exam
o participating in classroom discussion
o answering iClicker questions in class

file://C:\Program Files\Wids7\WizardReport.htm
Page 3 of 3
6/20/2011
Your performance will be successful when you:
o identify relevant formulae related to the applicable physics principle
o identify conditions or parameters given in a problem and relate them to terms in the formula
o substitute given values into a formula and solve for the unknown
o identify and use appropriate units in your solution
5. Discuss the relationship between physics formulae and application to real world processes.
You will demonstrate your competence by:
o participating in classroom discussion
o completing a written exam
o answering iClicker questions in class
o answering comparative or ranking questions
Your performance will be successful when you:
o describe in words the meaning of a physics formula. Example Newton s 2nd law ( a= F/m) means
big forces create large accelerations, but that big masses are difficult to accelerate
o approximate a formula based on an understanding of a process. Example: The rate of heat
transfer through a wall of a house via conduction gets smaller as you make the wall thicker.
Therefore rate=something/thickness
o apply the formula qualitatively to explain how changing a parameter affects an outcome. Example:
My car engine only puts out so much force. Therefore, if I fill my trunk with a load of bricks
(increasing the mass) the acceleration will get worse