Washington Educator Skills Tests—Endorsements (WEST–E)
TEST SUMMARY AND FRAMEWORK
TEST SUMMARY
PHYSICS
Copyright © 2014 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
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Washington Educator Skills Tests—Endorsements (WEST–E)
TEST FRAMEWORK
PHYSICS
MAJOR CONCEPTS IN PHYSICS
0001
Apply mathematical concepts and skills to physical systems.
For example:
0002
•
interpreting graphs and properties of linear, quadratic, exponential, and
trigonometric relations
•
manipulating and solving equations involving several variables
•
performing operations (e.g., addition, subtraction, dot product, cross product)
on vectors
•
performing operations on matrices (e.g., addition, multiplication)
•
using concepts of calculus (e.g., limits, derivatives, integrals) to model and solve
problems relevant to physics
Understand fundamental properties of matter and energy.
For example:
•
demonstrating knowledge of the particulate nature of matter and evidence that
supports it (e.g., Brownian motion, oil-drop experiment)
•
applying principles of thermodynamics to solve problems involving heat,
temperature, and energy transformations
•
describing how the kinetic theory applies to the behavior of solids, liquids, and
gases (e.g., the ideal gas law)
•
recognizing principles of fluid statics and fluid dynamics
•
demonstrating knowledge of atomic structure (e.g., Bohr model) and basic
principles of spectroscopy
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
0003
Understand basic concepts in modern physics.
For example:
•
describing frames of reference and characteristics of Galilean relativity
•
demonstrating knowledge of the theory of special relativity (e.g., simultaneity,
time dilation, mass-energy equivalence)
•
recognizing properties of fundamental particles (e.g., neutrons, alpha particles,
photons) and forces (e.g., strong force, Coulomb force)
•
analyzing characteristics and applications of radioactive decay, fission, and
fusion
•
demonstrating knowledge of basic principles of quantum mechanics (e.g., waveparticle duality, uncertainty principle, Bohr correspondence principle)
MECHANICS
0004
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, principles of kinematics in one dimension.
For example:
0005
•
interpreting relationships among position, velocity, acceleration, and time using
a variety of methods (e.g., graphs, diagrams, descriptive text)
•
solving problems involving displacement, time, velocity, and acceleration
•
analyzing the motion of an object undergoing constant acceleration
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, principles of dynamics in one dimension.
For example:
•
interpreting relationships between the net force on an object and the object's
acceleration, velocity, or displacement
•
applying Newton's laws to predict outcomes or evaluate situations
•
applying Newton's laws to make qualitative comparisons
•
describing characteristics of the motion of a body acted on by various forces
(e.g., gravity, friction, forces described by Hooke's law)
•
solving problems involving Newton's laws in one dimension
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
0006
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, principles of kinematics and dynamics in two
dimensions.
For example:
0007
•
applying properties of vectors to analyze motion in two dimensions (e.g., determining the change in velocity vector, determining components of acceleration
tangential and perpendicular to a trajectory, determining relative motion)
•
solving problems involving projectile motion
•
analyzing situations to identify the types of forces acting, the object exerting the
force, and the object on which the force is exerted
•
analyzing free-body diagrams and the forces on an object to make qualitative
predictions
•
applying Newton's laws of motion to solve problems in two dimensions (including
problems involving frictional forces and uniform circular motion)
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, the principles of the conservation of energy
and momentum.
For example:
0008
•
calculating the kinetic and potential energy of mechanical systems (e.g., object
in free fall, mass on a spring, orbiting satellite or planet)
•
applying the law of conservation of energy and the work-energy theorem in a
variety of situations
•
analyzing mechanical systems in terms of work, power, and energy
•
analyzing the relationship between impulse and momentum
•
applying the law of conservation of momentum
•
applying conservation laws to analyze elastic and inelastic collisions
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, principles of gravitation and rotational
dynamics.
For example:
•
solving problems involving the law of universal gravitation
•
analyzing Kepler's laws of planetary motion
•
solving problems involving torque and static equilibrium
•
applying principles of torque, moment of inertia, and angular acceleration to
analyze rotating systems
•
analyzing rotational systems in terms of angular momentum and rotational kinetic
energy
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
0009
Apply, qualitatively and quantitatively, principles of electric charge.
For example:
0010
•
applying principles of electrostatics (e.g., conservation of charge, charging by
induction)
•
solving problems using Coulomb's law
•
analyzing the electric field in the vicinity of point charges
•
solving basic problems involving electrostatic potential and electrostatic potential
energy
•
applying concepts of electric charge and electric current to insulators,
conductors, and semiconductors
Analyze properties of electric circuits using qualitative and quantitative methods.
For example:
0011
•
identifying properties of electronic components (e.g., diodes, transistors, logic
gates) and instruments
•
analyzing series and parallel circuits, including RC circuits
•
applying the principles of energy conservation and power dissipation in simple
circuits
•
describing basic properties of alternating-current circuits
•
analyzing technological applications of electronics
Analyze magnets, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction using qualitative
and quantitative methods.
For example:
•
identifying properties of permanent magnets
•
determining the strength and orientation of the magnetic field near a currentcarrying wire
•
solving problems involving charged particles moving through a magnetic field
•
applying Lenz's law and Faraday's law to solve problems involving an induced
EMF
•
analyzing technological applications of electromagnetism (e.g., transformers,
inductors, motors, generators)
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
WAVE PROPERTIES
0012
Analyze properties of waves using qualitative and quantitative methods.
For example:
0013
•
analyzing models of harmonic motion (e.g., mass on a spring, pendulum)
•
analyzing models of wave production and propagation (e.g., longitudinal,
transverse)
•
analyzing reflection, refraction, transmission, and diffraction of waves and wave
pulses
•
applying the superposition principle to solve problems involving constructive and
destructive interference
•
solving problems involving amplitude, wavelength, phase, period, frequency, and
propagation speed in various media
Analyze principles of sound and acoustics using qualitative and quantitative methods.
For example:
•
describing the production and propagation of sound waves
•
applying the principles of standing waves to explain resonance and to analyze
the production of musical sounds in vibrating strings and air columns
•
analyzing the relationship between sound and the human perception of sound
•
analyzing characteristics of sound intensity (e.g., inverse square relationship,
decibel units)
•
demonstrating basic knowledge of the Doppler effect
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
0014
Analyze fundamental principles of light, optics, and electromagnetic radiation using
qualitative and quantitative methods.
For example:
•
recognizing appropriate applications of the ray, wave, and photon models of light
•
applying the ray model of light to analyze relevant phenomena (e.g., light
propagation past obstructions, image formation with mirrors and lenses)
•
applying the wave model of light to analyze relevant phenomena (e.g., interference, diffraction, polarization)
•
applying the photon model of light to analyze relevant phenomena (e.g., atomic
spectra, photoelectric effect)
•
applying the laws of reflection and refraction
•
describing properties of electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic
spectrum
NATURE OF SCIENCE AND INQUIRY
0015
Analyze the principles and procedures of scientific investigation and communication.
For example:
•
demonstrating knowledge of the use of empirical data and verifiable evidence
to draw logical conclusions in a scientific investigation
•
evaluating an experimental design for its validity in collecting data and testing
a hypothesis
•
identifying bias and strategies for avoiding bias in scientific investigations
•
recognizing the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge
•
applying methods of probability and statistics to analyze data
•
demonstrating knowledge of the procedures and criteria for formally reporting
data and experimental results to the scientific community
•
demonstrating knowledge of different formats (e.g., tables, graphs) for organizing
and analyzing data
•
demonstrating knowledge of how physical, conceptual, and mathematical models
represent and are used to investigate objects, events, systems, and processes
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
0016
Analyze the use of scientific tools, instruments, materials, and safety practices.
For example:
0017
•
identifying an appropriate tool, instrument, or experimental setup to collect data
or demonstrate a physics concept
•
selecting appropriate procedures, units, and levels of precision to collect,
measure, and represent data in scientific investigations
•
recognizing procedures and sources of information for the safe and proper use
and storage of equipment and materials used in scientific investigations
•
identifying potential safety hazards associated with the use of scientific
equipment, materials, and procedures
•
demonstrating knowledge of appropriate protocols for maintaining safety and
responding to emergencies in laboratory situations
Analyze the unifying principles of science and the historical and contemporary
relationships among science, technology, society, and culture.
For example:
•
demonstrating knowledge of major unifying themes and concepts (e.g., system,
model) that are common to the various scientific disciplines
•
analyzing examples of the integration and interdependence of different
technologies and of different scientific disciplines
•
demonstrating knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas,
including contributions from diverse cultures and individuals
•
analyzing societal factors that influence developments in science
•
assessing the societal implications of developments in science
•
identifying the potential and real benefits, risks, and ethical concerns in current
areas of scientific research and developing technologies for contemporary
society
•
applying physics concepts and principles to contexts in biology, chemistry, and
earth and space science
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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TEST FRAMEWORK
Physics
STUDENT IDEAS IN PHYSICS
0018
Understand student ideas of force and motion.
For example:
0019
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas about motion
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas about force
•
analyzing examples of student ideas regarding force and motion
Understand student ideas of electric circuits and basic electricity and magnetism.
For example:
0020
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas involving electric circuits
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas regarding basic electricity
and magnetism
•
analyzing examples of student ideas regarding electricity and magnetism
Understand student ideas of energy, light, and heat and temperature.
For example:
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas about energy
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas about light
•
demonstrating knowledge of commonly held ideas about heat and temperature
•
analyzing examples of student ideas regarding energy, light, and heat and
temperature
Copyright © 2008 by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board
This document may not be reproduced for commercial use but may be copied for educational purposes.
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