PHYSICS                           6 per cycle – 6 credits

4041                 11th grade

                                                                                                                                                           

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I (2021/2022), B or better in Chemistry (4021/4022), currently enrolled in Algebra II (2031/2032).                                       

 

This course is intended for the student seeking a rigorous first year course in Physics. This course will provide a study of the basic principles of Newtonian mechanics, and electromagnetism with additional study in optics, wave motion, and sound. Students should possess strong algebra and trigonometry skills. Students should have a genuine curiosity for the natural world and be willing to be challenged and take risks as they learn to apply physics to real world situations.

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PHYSICS                             6 per cycle – 6 credits

4042                                                 11th grade

 

Prerequisite: C or better in Geometry, and currently enrolled in Algebra II, Intro to Pre-calculus or Pre-calculus.

 

This course is offered to the college preparatory student as an introduction to physics. The curriculum is designed around modeling instruction, which emphasizes active student construction of conceptual and mathematical models. Topics include mechanics, waves, and optics. Problem solving requires an understanding of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.


 

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS                               5 per cycle – 5 credits

4043                                                 11th grade 

 

The course looks at phenomena that students have seen and experienced in their everyday lives, and explores the underlying concepts in motion, energy, light, and electricity. The course seeks to promote safety, practical, and applicable understandings of physics. Some questions investigated include: Why does tire pressure, traction, and speed limits matter for driving safety?  What do WiFi and a microwave oven have in common? Why do buildings need lightning rods?  Problem solving will involve basic algebra skills. 

 

AP PHYSICS 1                             7 per cycle – 6 credits

4131                     11th grade  or 12th grade 

 

Prerequisite: Recommended B or better in Algebra II 2031, B+ or better in chemistry (4031), concurrently enrolled in L1 Algebra II (2031) or department head approval.

 

This course is intended for a student seeking a rigorous course in Physics. It is intended to be a college-level course, and students receiving a passing grade in the AP Physics Exam may receive college credit in Physics. This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of kinematics dynamics, and conservation laws with emphasis on the development of problem solving ability. It is assumed that the students are familiar with Algebra and Trigonometry, and although Calculus is seldom used, some theoretical developments may use basic Calculus. The topics studied are those typically considered in a first semester college physics course.

 

It is expected that students enrolled in this course will take the AP exam.

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AP PHYSICS 2                             7 per cycle – 6 credits

4141                                                 12th grade 

 

Prerequisite: B- or better in AP Physics 1 or A- or better in Level 1 Physics 

 

This course is intended for a student seeking a rigorous course in Physics. It is intended to be a college-level course, and students receiving a passing grade in the AP Physics Exam may receive college credit in Physics. Course topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electrostatics, DC and RC circuits, magnetism, optics, and modern physics, with emphasis on the development of problem solving ability. It is assumed that the students are familiar with Algebra and Trigonometry, and although Calculus is seldom used, some theoretical developments may use basic Calculus. The topics studied are those typically considered in a second semester college physics course.

 

It is expected that students enrolled in this course will take the AP exam.