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Physics

Welcome to Physics, an introductory course designed to prepare students to understand the amazing world we live in and how it's put together. The goal is to give students the tools to understand so much of what we observe in life that often makes us scratch our heads, such as why objects stay in orbit, how energy moves from one place to another, or why light waves can be transmitted across empty space, but sound waves cannot. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the answers to these questions and much more, based on the basic rules of physics.

Students will explore key topics in this course related to mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, as well as selected modern physics concepts. Throughout the course, students will be using hands-on labs and virtual lab activities to investigate physics concepts. Students should expect to be up on their feet DOING physics with materials provided in their lab kit and will have several opportunities to design their own experiments. Each week topics will be guided by essential questions, with a focus on real world applications. Physics is a mathematical science, so students will need a calculator close by.

In addition to quizzes and exams to assess student understanding, students will share and analyze class data and communicate results in lab reports, complete independent and group projects, and participate in weekly discussions.

This introductory physics course is designed to introduce students to the field of physics, by exploring fundamental concepts in mechanics, energy and waves that are beneficial for all students to understand. Successful completion of this course will also prepare students well for more advanced physics study, including AP Physics courses.

Acknowledgements

  • Successful completion and/or concurrent enrollment of Algebra 2 is required for the course.
  • The course requires a lab kit that must be purchased for an additional fee of $195. Lab kits shipped internationally may incur additional fees. International schools must have the ability to receive lab materials through customs.
  • Please Note: 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 Essential Questions:

  • How can we predict and explain interactions between objects and within systems of objects?
  • How is energy transferred and conserved?
  • How are waves used to transfer energy and send and store information?

Course Learning Objectives:

Students will:

  • Properly use terminology associated with the scientific method.
  • Develop and use graphical models to explain physics concepts
  • Use mathematics and computational thinking to quantify variables and identify units
  • Make predictions, plan and carry out investigations involving physics concepts, such as Newton’s three laws, momentum and energy conservation, and more.
  • Analyze and interpret data between voltage, current, and resistance of a circuit.
  • Evaluate a claim based on evidence and reasoning.
  • Apply their understanding of physics concepts to evaluate a complex real-world problem.

Additional Requirements

Students will be asked to watch videos on YouTube to supplement or reinforce their learning experience.

Accessibility Note: Although every effort has been made to make this course accessible to all students, some resources or activities in this course, such as audio files, images of visual art pieces, or hands-on activities, may present accessibility challenges.

The following additional materials are required:

  • Standard (#1) metal paperclip
  • Printout of three-centimeter rulers (provided in lesson)
  • Physical ruler with cm markings
  • Coins
  • Uncooked eggs
  • Microwave oven
  • Microwave safe dish
  • Hair