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Physics B Self-Paced

Students will continue their study of mechanics and will extend their learning to other aspects of physics. The course begins with a study of simple harmonic motion, wave properties, and optics. Students then will learn the basics of thermodynamics and fluids before moving on to explore principles of electricity and magnetism. This is a trigonometry-based course in which students are expected to know and use trigonometry to solve problems.

Major topics include:

Waves and wave behavior

Energy and thermal transfer

Electricity and electric charge

Magnetism

Light and optics

Atomic structure and nuclear reactions

This self-paced course uses content from Accelerate Education taught by a VHS Learning instructor who is certified in their content area and who follows VHS Learning policies. The course will be hosted in the Buzz learning management system.

About the Self-Paced Course Model

Self-Paced courses are designed for students who need flexibility in their academic schedule. Teachers answer questions and interact with students in Private Topics, provide feedback on work, and host weekly office hours. Students work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.

This course has start dates on each Wednesday throughout the year. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 4 weeks and have up to 16 weeks to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 90 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.

Acknowledgements

  • Algebra 2
  • Successful completion of Physics A.
  • I acknowledge that this is a self-paced course.
  • This course does not require purchase of a lab kit. Students will complete virtual lab activities and hands-on activities that use common household materials (list found in additional requirements field).
  • This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Learning Objectives

  • Understand and illustrate wave motion.
  • Relate light and temperature to heat and thermodynamics.
  • Understand magnetism across electric circuits and fields.
  • Explain atomic model and nuclear binding energy.
  • Differentiate nuclear fission and fusion.

Additional Requirements

Students will use a number of common materials to complete hands-on activities:

  • Battery
  • Magnet
  • Paper clips
  • Electrical tape
  • Wire
  • Building materials (examples include foam, felt, cardboard, plastic sheets, string, rubber bands, crafts sticks, gears, velcro, glue, tape)
  • Drawing software or paper, ruler, and compass
  • Shiny spoon
  • Ice cubes
  • Glass or cup
  • Stopwatch
  • Small plastic dish
  • Comb, salt, pepper
  • Pennies