Physics (Conceptual, Academic, Honors)

1.2 credits, 7 periods per cycle all year

(1.0 credits, 6 periods for Conceptual)

Conceptual

11th-12th Grade

Description: This course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of physics without the use of advanced mathematics. It will explore methods to predict, control, calculate, measure, and observe the physical world in the areas of basic mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics as well as fluids and thermodynamics.

Pre-req: Passing grade in Chemistry or Chemistry in the Community

Academic

11th-12th Grade

Description: This course is offered to all college preparatory students. Students are required to have a solid understanding of Algebra and Trig. functions. The course includes the study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. Fluids and thermodynamics will also be covered.

Math Pre-req: 70% Algebra II & Trig, 80% Algebra II

Science pre-req: passing any level Chemistry course

Honors

11th-12th Grade

Description: This course is designed for students considering a technical or science career in college. Subject matter is mechanics, waves and optics, electricity magnetism. This is not a calculus-based course, although it is very demanding mathematically. Algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric concepts will be used on command, and there will be a strong emphasis on problem solving. Laboratory work is integral to the course as traditional physics problems will be analyzed in detail.

Science pre-req: 80% in Honors Chemistry or 90% in Academic Chemistry, or 87% in DE General Chemistry

Math pre-req: 70% in Honors Algebra II/Trig (or higher level math course), 80% in Algebra II/Trig, or 90% Algebra II.

From students taking this class:

What do you like most about this class?

"I like how formulaic it is but also you can be creative with ways to solve stuff. When you do it right you feel like a genius."

"I like how its applications are of use to us in the real world, as many of the concepts explored in this course are things we experience everyday, such as gravity, friction, and electricity."

"It's a tangible science, so you can kind of see all the things you learn in action (like energy, velocity, etc). Labs are also super interesting (we do tons of them)."

Convenient Scheduling:

Physics and Physics Honors come with a lab period. Some students double up Physics with an AP science to fit the lab days together. Or, enjoy some time in study hall!

Ex. Physics during Period 1, AP Bio during Period 3,

Physics lab on Period 2 A day, Bio lab on Period 2 C and E days.

Common Progressions:

What are my science options after taking Physics?

Of which there are many to choose from, with a variety of different credits.

AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental, and AP Physics. Check out their pages for more info.

Yes, it is an AP science, but it gets its own button because it builds on what you learn in Physics-- with more calculus, more labs, and more Mr. Flanagan.