Physics

Name:

Physics (PHYS400)
Department:

Science
Semesters:

1.0 (yearlong course)
Prerequisites:

Algebra I (MATH100/150) and Algebra 2 (MATH300/350).

Physics is an applied mathematics course. The Algebra 2 pre-requisite for this course is essential. It is highly recommended that students are enrolled in PreCalculus Honors as a pre/co-requisite.

Physics

Description:

Updated for 24-25!

Students in Physics 400 use graphical, quantitative, and qualitative analysis to develop models that describe and predict the behavior of systems in motion. They engage in inquiry labs, compose lab reports and scientific posters, and collaborate with their peers to develop four models of motion. In the first semester, students design and perform two experiments— develop a quantitative model for Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion and determine the coefficient of friction between a hockey puck and ice. Students also employ engineering design to the classic egg drop challenge using two different models of motion— Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Impulse-Momentum theorem. In the second semester, students develop models that describe and predict how energy transfers between systems. They also explain how common pieces of technology apply these models of energy transfer using essays, posters, and presentations. At the end of the year, students are experts in creating multiple representations of motion, lab design, and engineering design. They are also well-versed in listening to their peers’ ideas and helping each other edit and improve upon their depth of understanding in Physics.

Special Notes:

Algebra I (MATH100/150) and Algebra 2 (MATH300/350). Physics is an applied mathematics course. The Algebra 2 pre-requisite for this course is essential. It is highly recommended that students are enrolled in PreCalculus Honors as a pre/co-requisite.

FROM THE TEACHER

What is your curiosity quotient? Have you ever wondered where gravity went when you see astronauts floating around inside of space ships? How about that weird feeling of moving backward when you look outside the car as another car comes in to park? What does riding an elevator have to do with losing or gaining weight? Do you like to tinker with machinery? How do glasses work to improve your eyesight? Can light really act like a particle? Have you been shocked at the door handle after walking across a carpet? How are electrical currents generated? If you have ever asked yourself these kinds of questions, this course is the place for you.

If there are books and materials for this course, they can be purchased from our Online Bookstore.

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Student Feedback

The organization was good, very structural and clear.

A lot of examples were provided by the textbooks which made problem solving later on easier.

The games were really helpful to my learning.

I think, overall, it is a very well-developed course that has proven to be very useful for me as I learn about physics.