Course Description
We interact daily with the physical world but usually take for granted the simple laws of physics and the amazing machines that make our life interesting! This class will give us the opportunity to discover and understand all these cool interactions! We will focus on the basic laws and rules of physics that we use everyday by applying them to real life situations. The goal is to facilitate understanding of these rules of nature by learning the foundations. While the class will not be completely free of math, we will not focus on the complicated mathematical derivations that bring struggle to so many students. This course intends to equip students with a conceptual base of physical knowledge. From this base they can predict, control, measure, and observe their interactions with the physical world while fostering critical thinking.
- Unit 0 – About Science
- Unit 1—Mechanical Equilibrium and Newton’s laws
- Unit 2—Momentum and Energy Principles
- Unit 3– Projectile, Circular and Rotational motion
- Unit 4—Gravity Satellites and Einstein’s theory of relativity
- Unit 5—Mechanical Vibrations, Waves and Sounds
- Unit 6– Light and Electromagnetic waves
- Unit 7—Electricity and Magnetism
- Unit 8–Atoms and Quantum Physics
Course Structure
This course will be divided into 8 units containing specific Chapters. Each having guiding questions that will be referred to throughout the unit. To answer these questions, we will use traditional textbook reading/work, interactive labs, class/group discussions, independent research and collaboration and demos all while posing even more questions! We will value everyone’s contribution to the course. So, it is imperative that students attend the weekly class meeting, participate and thoughtfully complete all assignments with best effort and enthusiasm. Live weekly classes will include a variety of discussion, lecture notes, demos, group activities, labs, and practice. The textbook will be used as a resource and only necessary content will be assigned from chapters. Outside of class will require independent habits of completing all assignments. Weekly quizzes will be given as well as tests at the end of units (Large units may be divided into two tests).
Who should enroll?
This course is suitable for students with a variety of science/math backgrounds and, of course, those seeking a broader understanding of the subject! While the class will not be completely free of math, we will not focus on the complicated mathematical derivations that bring struggle to so many students. This course intends to equip students with a conceptual base of physics.
Recommended Prerequisite: Middle School physical science and pre-algebra
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Web cam, sound card, and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Printer
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Access. PDF reader
- Scanner or smart phone for submitting tests and homework
Evaluation and Feedback
While I am always an email away…sometimes it may take me a little while to respond. It is my priority to respond quickly and within 24 hrs (weekends may take longer). I will provide an office hour outside of weekly live classes to be immediately available for your questions. I will let you know and remind you often of this hour before the beginning of the school year. If ever this office hour changes, I will give you plenty of notice. Grades will always be available in Canvas for students and parents. I recommend checking often to keep up to date on your progress. Averages will be given at the end of each semester.
Communication
Communication is very important to me. I believe it to be the key to success. Assignments and any upcoming work will be posted two weeks ahead of time. If posted lessons change for any reason, I will clearly communicate to students and parents. I will also clearly communicate with reminders for all large assignments that may be coming due. I expect students and parents to check email and course work daily. The best way to contact me is through email as well. I am always an email away and I will respond within 24 hours (weekends may take longer). I will provide an office hour outside of weekly live classes to be immediately available for your questions. I will let you know and remind you often of this hour before the beginning of the school year. If ever this office hour changes, I will give you plenty of notice.
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