Physics Courses: 2012-2013
PHYSICS 10. Physics. Year. The Department. 5 meetings weekly. Block AL1, CL3, DL4, or EL2. Open to Classes I, II, and III. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Math 6. This course introduces the fundamental ideas of physics, emphasizing conceptual explanations and basic algebraic problem solving. The course starts with a description of motion. Using these basic tools, the concepts of forces, conservation laws, energy, momentum, and rotation are applied to real world problems. After mechanics, the class will study simple circuits, magnetism, the behavior of sound and light.
PHYSICS 11. Honors Physics. Year. The Department. 5 meetings weekly. Block AL1, CL3, DL4, or EL2. Open to Classes I, II, and III. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Math 7 and Permission of the Department. This course introduces the fundamental ideas of physics using the tools of algebra and basic trigonometry to enhance conceptually rigorous analyses. The course starts with a description of motion (kinematics and vectors). Using these tools, the concepts of forces, conservation laws, energy, momentum, and rotation are applied to real world problems. After mechanics, the class turns to applications including electricity and magnetism (electrostatics, currents, circuits, and electromagnetism), waves (oscillators and sound), and light (optics, diffraction, and electromagnetic spectrum). Other selected concepts including modern physics (nuclear physics, atomic physics and special relativity), fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and optics may be included depending on the pace and interests of the class. With significant additional out of class preparation students could take the SAT Subject Test in Physics.
PHYSICS 20. Advanced Placement Physics B. Year. Dr. Erickson. 5 meetings weekly. Block CL3. Open to Classes I, II, and III. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, concurrent enrollment in Math 8, documented intention to enroll in Math 20 during the spring, and Permission of the Department. In the case of over enrollment, first year students will be given preference. After that, students will be ranked and admitted into the course based on their performance in previous science (biology, chemistry and physics) and math (Math 6 and Math 7) courses. This challenging full year, college-level introductory physics course is offered as a first-year course in physics for extraordinary science students or as a second-year course for those who have achieved a yearlong average of 90 or better and 90 or better on each semester exam in Physics 10 and wish to pursue physics further. The emphasis is both conceptual understanding and mathematical problem solving. This course follows the AP Physics B syllabus published by the College Board, covering topics of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, fluids, thermal physics, atomic physics, and modern/nuclear physics. Labs are performed just about every week and homework problems are assigned nightly. Prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics Level B and the SAT Subject Test in Physics.
PHYSICS 30. Advanced Placement Physics C. Year. Ms. May. 5 meetings weekly. Block CL3. Open to Classes I and II. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics 11 or Physics 20, concurrent enrollment in Math 22, and Permission of the Department. In the case of over enrollment, students will be ranked and admitted into the course based on their performance in previous physics (Physics-11 or Physics-20) and Math 20 courses. This calculus-based physics courses is a challenging and detailed examination of two central parts of classical physics: mechanics and electricity and magnetism. The course is intended for students with a strong interest and ability in science and mathematics. The course provides a deeper understanding of major topics in first-year physics with frequent use of calculus advanced physics problems. Prepares students for both (Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism) Advanced Placement Examinations in Physics Level C.
