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 world around you and spark curiosity with the physics of motion and momentum, Newton’s laws, gravitation, work, energy, and power, and develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills with dynamic science.
Total classes: 14
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry is recommended
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: One full semester of Physics
Description
This 14-week course is the first part of a two-course series on introductory Physics concepts. The course does not rely too heavily on advanced mathematical calculations, but basic algebraic understanding is required. Instead, we will stick to principles, concepts, and major theories. Students will have live instruction once a week. Topics covered will include: Scientific Methods, Linear Motion, Vectors & Projectile Motion, Newton’s Laws & Gravitation, Work, Power, & Machines, Energy & Momentum. The goal of the course is to investigate Physics concepts without the need for complicated mathematics (that can come later). Students will build on their natural intuition—and break some commonly held misconceptions. Students will learn how the cosmos that God created works and apply the laws of physics to everyday examples in their lives. Students will learn that physics is phun!
The course includes virtual labs and activities that can count for a lab component on a high school transcript.
Outline
Week 1. About Science, Ch 1
Week 2. Linear Motion, Ch 2
Week 3. Linear Motion, Ch 2
Week 4. Equations of Kinematics (supplemental)
Week 5. Two Dimensional Motion, Ch 3
Week 6. Two Dimensional Motion, Ch 3
Week 7. Forces and Newton’s 1st Law, Ch 4
Week 8. Forces and Newton’s 2nd Law, Ch 5
Week 9. Newton’s 3rd Law, Ch 6
Week 10. Gravity and Gravitation, Chs 12 & 13
Week 11. Impulse & Momentum, Ch 7
Week 12. Conservation of Momentum, Ch 7
Week 13. Work, Power, & Energy Ch 8
Week 14. Conservation of Energy Ch 8
Materials and Homework
Materials:
Conceptual Physics, Paul Hewitt (2002) ISBN: 0130542547 (https://amzn.to/3sSsD3S)
OR
Conceptual Physics, Paul Hewitt (2004) ISBN: 0131663011 (https://amzn.to/3brimGi)
PLUS
We will also use the online curriculum from ThePhysicsClassroom.com
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:
Students should expect three to four hours of homework per week, including reading, online discussion forums, online interactive activities, and assessments.
Weekly reading from the textbook as well as online resources will be assigned. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-check progress. Students will also be assigned interactive online activities that will help them to better understand and apply concepts learned in class. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor in the Caravel interface. Grades are based on the following weights: Homework – 25%; Quizzes – 30%; Tests – 35%; and Participation – 10%.
Important Dates
Class dates: Thursdays, September 5 to December 12, 2024. (No class Nov. 28)
Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific)
Duration: 75 minutes
