D1.1, D1.2
Understand the technology used in capturing geothermal energy and assess its impacts.
ON – Physics, Grade 11, University Prep
Summary
This alignment guide connects Switch Classroom resources to Ontario Grade 11 Physics (University Preparation), especially Strand D: Energy and Society. It helps teachers align thermal energy transfer, hydropower, geothermal energy, nuclear energy, efficiency, and energy transformations with physics curriculum expectations in a way that is both conceptually clear and highly applied.
Students explore thermal energy and society through Introduction to Geothermal and Science of Geothermal, then compare how nuclear and geothermal technologies affect society and the environment through Introduction to Nuclear, Science of Nuclear, and related lessons. The guide also supports core work on conservation of energy and energy transformations through Understanding Energy Transformations, while hydropower activities like Introduction to Hydropower and Science of Hydropower help students investigate gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and work through hands-on building activities such as a waterwheel. Students can further investigate efficiency and thermal transfer with the Thermal Transfer Investigative Lab, and compare electricity generation methods across sources by using Introduction to Environmental Issues and the full Science of lesson set. Developing Media Literacy provides an added way to examine public discussion of energy topics.
Resources
Science of Geothermal
D1.1, D1.2, F1.2
Understand the technology used in capturing geothermal energy and assess its impacts.
Introduction to Nuclear
D1.2
Assess how nuclear energy technology affects society and the environment.
Science of Nuclear
D1.2, D3.6, D3.12, F1.2
Assess how nuclear energy technology affects society and the environment. Complete the Reading for a deeper look at the production of nuclear energy.
Understanding Energy Transformations
D2.1, D3.1
Answer the Energy Transformations Challenge Questions using appropriate vocabulary.
Introduction to Hydropower
D2.4
Build a waterwheel in the hands-on activity and identify the energy transformations at play.
Science of Hydropower
D2.4, F1.2
Complete the Extended Reading and understand the energy transformations at play.
Thermal Transfer Investigative Lab
D3.4
Evaluate how insulation impacts thermal energy loss and affects energy efficiency.
Introduction to Environmental Impacts
F1.2
Have students select one source of electricity production to research the environmental impact.
Science of Coal
F1.2
Use as an option for students to research the environmental impact of different energy sources.
Science of Natural Gas
F1.2
Use as an option for students to research the environmental impact of different energy sources.
Science of Oil
F1.2
Use as an option for students to research the environmental impact of different energy sources.
Science of Solar
F1.2
Use as an option for students to research the environmental impact of different energy sources.
Science of Wind
F1.2
Use as an option for students to research the environmental impact of different energy sources.
Developing Media Literacy - Mini-Unit
Introduce students to the fundamentals of media literacy through the lens of researching energy topics.