Honors Physics

Honors Physics builds on concepts of matter, force, and energy acquired in junior high by introducing more advanced methods of mathematical, dimensional, and graphical analysis to explore the fundamentals of classical mechanics: force, energy, and momentum, and uses these to show how energy and momentum are conserved in linear, circular, and rotational motion, as well as systems in equilibrium. During spring semester, we will use similar tools and methods to explore electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics.

REQUIRED LAB WORK: Students must design, plan, and carry out twelve labs for course credit.

This course may be combined with the AP Physics Option, which has its own requirements. Successful completion of BOTH Honors Physics and the AP Option option are required for AP Physics credit.

This course is taught using the Scholars Online Chat software, which allows the teacher to embed graphics, mathematical equations, and movies in the chat session, with complete logging available for the entire year. Audio software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage precise thinking and writing skills.

Course Website: Honors Physics

Sections and Teachers

Instructor: Christe McMenomy

Section dates, meeting times, and tuition are still being determined. Click on instructor name to contact instructor and suggest your course schedule preferences.

Prerequisites

SO Natural Science 1 and 2 or equivalent three-year junior high physical/life/earth science combination. Algebra covering the evaluation of functions and the quadratic equation and basic geometry must be completed prior to course. Trigonometry and precalculus math should be taken prior to enrollment or concurrently if trigonometry will be covered immediately.

Recommended background

Students should some aquaintance with the concepts of energy and motion, the forces of gravity, electricity, and magnetism.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

Physics: Principles with Applications [Edition or Version: 7], Authors: Donald C. Giancoli

ISBN: 0321869117

Publisher's website: Physics: Principles with Applications

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: Note: it is not necessary to purchase Mastering Physics; we will be using our own Moodle for exercises. You may be able to find a used copy for significantly less than a new copy.

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