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 to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Total classes: 13
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 of College Prep Physics. Eligible for college credit through Franciscan University.
Special Notes: This is Part One of a two-part course. Students are expected to also register for Part Two offered in the spring semester.
Parts One and Two of this course are part of the Franciscan University Advantage Program for dual enrollment. They align with Franciscan’s PHY 111 for 3 college credits. For more information on the optional dual enrollment program and to see if your student is eligible, visit https://homeschoolconnections.com/resources/dual-enrollment-with-franciscan-university-of-steubenville/
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 live class will be 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 Two: 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 workings of the mechanical universe. Students will learn problem-solving strategies as they apply the laws of physics to everyday examples in our 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, Ch 2
Week 5. Graphing Motion, Ch 2
Week 6. Projectile Motion (part 1), Ch 3
Week 7. Projectile Motion (part 1), Ch 3
Week 8. Newton’s Laws, Ch 4
Week 9. Static applications of Newton’s Laws, Ch 4
Week 10. Dynamic Applications of Newton’s Laws, Ch 4
Week 11. Uniform Circular Motion (part 1), Ch 5
Week 12. Uniform Circular Motion (part 2) and Exam Review, Ch 5
Week 13. Final Exam Review & Final Exam
Materials and Homework
Materials:
Text: Physics 5th Edition, John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson, Published by Wiley, 2000, ISBN 10: 047132146X, ISBN 13: 978-0471321460 (https://amzn.to/3HdJipA)
Computer with a video camera and microphone (this class is interactive)
Scientific or Graphing Calculator
PDF Scanner or smartphone with Adobe Scan (or equivalent)
Homework:
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 Moodle, with homework solutions posted so students can evaluate their understanding. Online interactives and simulations may be assigned to further understanding and 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 – 25% Quizzes & Tests – 50% Participation – 10% Final Exam – 15%.
**For students who opt into the dual-enrollment program, Franciscan University will offer additional testing to determine eligibility for college-level credit. This additional testing will comprise a midterm and a final exam.
Important Dates
Class dates: Mondays, September 9 to December 9, 2024. (No class November 25)
Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)
Duration: 60 minutes
