This is a full year course using the OpenStax curriculum. This is meant to be a first-year high school science class, as it does not rely on advanced math (i.e. Calculus). This approach is called "physics first."

Beginning with an introduction to physics and scientific processes and followed by chapters focused on motion, mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and light, this curriculum incorporates a variety of tools to engage and inspire students. Hands-on labs, worked examples, and highlights of how physics is applicable everywhere in the natural world are embedded throughout the course.

Prerequisites

Algebra 1 - ability to use algebraic expressions - ability to “solve for x.”

Trigonometry - ability to use sine/cosine/tangent when they are present in a formula. This requirement can be satisfied over the summer before class starts by watching a few videos that we will provide.

Lessons include

• Chapter 1 - What is Physics?
• Chapter 2 - Motion in One Dimension
• Chapter 3 - Acceleration
• Chapter 4 - Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion
• Chapter 5 - Motion in Two Dimensions
• Chapter 6 - Circular and Rotational Motion
• Chapter 7 - Newton's Law of Gravitation
• Chapter 8 - Momentum
• Chapter 9 - Work, Energy, and Simple Machines
• Chapter 10 - Special Relativity
• Chapter 11 - Thermal Energy, Heat, and Work
• Chapter 12 - Thermodynamics
• Chapter 13 - Waves and Their Properties
• Chapter 14 - Sound
• Chapter 15 - Light
• Chapter 16 - Mirrors and Lenses
• Chapter 17 - Diffraction and Interference
• Chapter 18 - Static Electricity
• Chapter 19 - Electrical Circuits
• Chapter 20 - Magnetism
• Chapter 21 - The Quantum Nature of Light
• Chapter 22 - The Atom
• Chapter 23 - Particle Physics

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest on various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Lecture class is anticipated to meet 4:00 - 5:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

An optional 90-minute lab class is anticipated to be offered - most likely following one of the lecture classes, possibly every other week..

The ability to attend class regularly will be important for continuity of information. Students unable to attend a class should expect additional work in order to be prepared. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

Masks will be not be required, except in the most extreme of circumstances. They will be optional, however.

There will be planned time off during the course of the class. These times will often not be during regular public school vacations. We like to travel during unpopular times!

Cost

Tuition is paid monthly, due on the first class of the month.

Attendance

We will take attendance, but only for our own internal accountability. Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend regularly, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Assignments and Grading

There will be homework - reading and video assignments. There will also be problem-solving assignments associated with each lecture, which will be submitted on line and will receive feedback. There may be times that homework will be turned in physically, when the online format doesn’t meet our needs. The best way to learn physics is to do physics. There will also be optional tests, which can be submitted and will be evaluated. We can issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on homework and test performance. We can also issue a separate grade for the optional lab portion of the class, which will be based on performance in the laboratory. Alternately, parents are welcome to assign their own grade for their child based on our feedback, but this will not be on a Winston Hall Academy transcript.

I will not expect any memorization. Our goal is to understand and be able to apply scientific principles. I want the students to be able to think critically, like a scientist. Anybody can look up an equation on their phone.

Students should be prepared to take notes during the lecture and to, for example, complete worksheets for the lab class. My slides will be available before class, though, so your student(s) can print them out and use them for their notes. Students will also need to have access to a computer, internet and a Google account. If your student does not have an email account, we can provide one @winstonhall.org. Students should also have access to a webcam with the ability to meet online. It would not be the intended method, but can be a good alternative for when weather is poor or otherwise dictated by various circumstances. We can also use online meetings for homework help/office hours. I spent 11 years in the Army and my policy is: we train no matter what.

Involvement by parents is key, but I will not expect you to do any of the teaching. What I will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to my emails, usually in the form of “Got it”
• Ensure your student(s) complete the homework and reading assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if I ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering

Involvement by your student is even more important. What I will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class

   

• Do your homework

   

• Ask questions

   

I highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in my current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. I don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into the class. Students may be denied entry into the class at my sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in science or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

We will be using the textbook and curriculum provided by OpenStax. OpenStax is a comprehensive set of educational material developed by Rice University. The textbook is available free of charge, either online (best), as a downloadable PDF, or as a printed book through Amazon. This is what we will be using: https://openstax.org/details/books/physics

There are no additional materials required beyond a computer, printing ability, pen, calculator and typical classroom materials.