This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Learn about the created universe and how things work as you dive into a rigorous, algebra-based physics experience! This class is designed to prepare students for college-level study in physics and develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Total classes: 13 (recorded) live classes plus 13 pre-recorded supplementary lessons.
Prerequisite: One year of Introductory Physics, Physics, Physical Science, OR Chemistry. PLUS, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry (trigonometry is usually included in precalculus, or it can be taken as its own 6-week course in Unlimited Access).
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. Advanced, engaged 10th grade student.
Suggested credit: One full semester College Prep Physics
Description
This is a college prep course in Physics. It is algebra-based but it is rigorous. The textbook is designed for non-calculus introductory college classes, high school AP Physics classes, and students preparing for the MCAT. Each week there will be a live class accompanied by a pre-recorded class session. This is the first part of a two-semester course. It is expected that students also enroll in College Preparatory Physics, Part 2: Beyond Mechanics – in the Spring semester.
Students will investigate the inner workings of the universe, created by a loving and omnipotent God. The goal of the course is to build on previous knowledge of Physical Science and introductory Physics principles, to break common misconceptions, and to understand more deeply the working of the mechanical universe and how mathematics is one of the engines that drives Physics. Students will learn problem-solving strategies as they apply the laws of physics to everyday examples in their lives. Of course, students will learn that “physics is phun” as we learn what makes the universe tick!
Outline
Week 1. Physics Phoundations – Numbers, Units, Orders of Magnitude, Ch 1
Week 2. Physics Phoundations – Graphical analysis, Right Triangle Trig., Ch 1
Week 3. Vectors, Ch 1
Week 4. Equations of Kinematics, Chapter 2
Week 5. Graphing Motion, Chapter 2
Week 6. Projectile Motion (part 1), Ch 3
Week 7. Projectile Motion (part 1), Ch 3
Week 8. Newton’s 1st and 2nd Laws, Ch 4
Week 9. Newton’s 3rd Law, Friction and other forces, Ch 4
Week 10. Static applications of Newton’s Laws, Ch 4
Week 11. Dynamic Applications of Newton’s Laws, Ch 4
Week 12. Uniform Circular Motion (part 1), Ch 7
Week 13. Uniform Circular Motion (part 2) and Exam Review, Ch 7
Materials and Homework
Course materials: (We suggest buying used to save considerable money)
Text: Physics 5th Edition, John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson. Published by Wiley, 2000. ISBN 10: 047132146X ISBN 13: 9780471321460
We will also reference The Physics Classroom (online) and OpenStax (physics content)
Computer with video camera and microphone (this class is interactive).
Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets* (may require extra work on student’s part).
Scientific or Graphing Calculator
PDF Scanner or smart phone with Adobe Scan (or equivalent)
Homework & Grading:
This is an algebra-based course but it is fairly rigorous. Weekly reading and completion of homework is expected. Thirty to sixty minutes of reading/homework a few times a week is a reasonable expectation. Individual assignments will be provided in a class Moodle with homework solutions posted so students can evaluate their understanding. Online Interactives and simulations may be assigned to deepen student understanding and to apply concepts. Weekly discussion forums will be part of class assignments. Each week a quiz or test will be assigned in the Moodle interface to check student understanding. Grades are based on the following weights:
| Homework | Quizzes & Tests | Final Exam |
| 35% | 50% | 15% |
*Participation is based on LIVE class attendance, LIVE class participation, and weekly Discussion Forum posts. Students are allowed to miss one LIVE class and one Discussion forum each semester without penalty.
