SPH3U
Physics
This Grade 11 university preparation physics course develops understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students study kinematics, forces, energy, waves and electricity, while building quantitative problem-solving skills and evaluating the social and environmental impacts of technological applications.
Grade
11
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
SNC2D
About This Course
This Grade 11 university preparation physics course develops understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students study kinematics, forces, energy, waves and electricity, while building quantitative problem-solving skills and evaluating the social and environmental impacts of technological applications.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze uniform and non-uniform linear motion using equations, graphs and vector reasoning.
- Investigate forces, dynamics and Newton's laws.
- Analyze work, energy, power, efficiency and energy transformations.
- Investigate the properties of mechanical waves and sound.
- Study electric circuits, magnetic fields, current and electromagnetism.
- Evaluate technological applications of physics and their social, economic and environmental impacts.
Skills You'll Develop
- Quantitative physics problem solving
- Graphing, vectors and mathematical modelling
- Scientific investigation and data analysis
- Circuit and free-body diagram interpretation
- Evidence-based evaluation of technology and sustainability
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific investigation skills and identify physics-related careers and contributions.
- Investigate and solve problems involving linear motion and kinematics.
- Analyze forces, acceleration, mass and Newton's laws.
- Investigate energy transformations and apply conservation of energy.
- Investigate and explain mechanical waves and sound.
- Investigate electric circuits, magnetic fields and electromagnetism.
- Analyze technological applications of physics and assess their social and environmental impacts.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kinematics | 20 hours |
| 2 | Forces | 20 hours |
| 3 | Energy and Society | 22 hours |
| 4 | Waves and Sound | 22 hours |
| 5 | Electricity and Magnetism | 24 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with special consideration for consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 25% | Written final examination administered during the designated final-evaluation period. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include investigations and lab/simulation reports, problem sets, research tasks, STSE case studies, tests, kinematics/energy/circuit analyses, oral explanations and final evaluations.
Pathways
Students explore postsecondary pathways and careers connected to physics, engineering, energy, communications, electronics, medical imaging and related technology fields.
SPH3U provides the physics foundation for Grade 12 university preparation courses and strengthens quantitative problem-solving skills applicable across many disciplines.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Guided problem solving and mathematical modelling use scalar/vector quantities, graphs, algebraic relationships and proportional reasoning.
- Virtual laboratories, simulations, teacher demonstrations and approved low-risk investigations support kinematics, forces, waves and circuits.
- Teachers provide explicit instruction with kinematic equations, free-body diagrams, energy calculations, wave relations and circuit analysis.
- Differentiated scaffolds, chunked multi-step problems, descriptive feedback and targeted conferencing support university-level mathematical reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
SPH3U — Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Science, Grade 10, Academic (SNC2D).
How many credits is SPH3U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What major topics are covered?
Kinematics, forces, energy, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism.
How are physics investigations completed online?
The course uses simulations, teacher demonstrations and teacher-approved low-risk practical investigations; higher-risk lab work is replaced by simulation, video analysis or demonstration.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 25% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
What pathways can SPH3U support?
It supports pathways in physics, engineering, energy, electronics, transportation, medical imaging, research and skilled trades.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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