Advanced Physics
Physics explains on a fundamental level how things work. This
yearlong elective class is designed to be a broad, general introduction to
physics, with as much of an emphasis on the conceptual as on the computational.
It will cover mechanics, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism and
light. Topics of discussion range widely, including electric motors, black
holes, friction, satellites, resonance and musical instruments, pulleys,
lenses, electromagnets, terminal velocity, collisions, balancing, gyroscopes,
tides, curve balls, house wiring, cyclotrons, color and Polaroid sunglasses. It
is a great class for students who are thinking of majoring in a science in
college but who don't want the intensity of AP Physics. It is also
appropriate for students who will not pursue science in college, but are
interested in finding out more about how the world works. The class
emphasizes hands-on learning with regular activities and demonstrations. There
is a quarter-long project in the spring. Pre- or co-requisite: MAIC or Applied
Math.
Advanced Placement Physics
AP Physics is a yearlong class focusing on classical mechanics and
electrodynamics, in preparation for the AP Physics C exam. It is a
fast-paced and intense class that covers fewer topics than regular
physics. Physics is the study of how the world works in a fundamental way.
We will take observations about the world and use them to build abstract models
that will allow us to predict some pretty sophisticated behavior. It is an
appropriate class for students that want to go into the physical sciences or
engineering, or anyone who doesn't mind challenge in their science
class. We will use the derivative and the anti-derivative from the very
beginning of the class, so only students who feel very comfortable with math
should take this class. Pre- or co-requisite: Math V (VBC preferred).
Students wanting to take AP Physics should have completed MAIC with a grade of
B+ or better.