Fun and engaging things happen in physics - check out the video and slideshow below!
Why take physics and which course is right for you?
The only prerequisite for taking either Physics or AP Physics 1 is to have completed Integrated Science and to either be in (or have taken) Algebra II. Chemistry isn't a prerequisite for physics, in fact many students have taken both chemistry and physics at the same time.
Physics courses are designed to be very inclusive!
A couple of cool videos are shown below. The one on the left is about how physics applies to everyday life - probably more than any other science you'll take in high school - make sure to watch it! The one on the right shows an amazing effect with a 415 foot basketball drop. (And yes, there's another video on YouTube where someone actually makes a basket from that height!)
Physics course offerings for 2019-2020 (Remember a physics course can fulfill one of the science courses needed for an Honors Diploma)
Physics - course number 247 - 1st year course. The focus of this course will be to develop a better understanding of the physical laws that govern nature through conceptual and mathematical processes and an inquiry-based laboratory approach. Topics, from the Ohio Model Curriculum, include kinematics (position, velocity and acceleration of objects), as well as forces, energy and its conservation, electricity, and magnetism.
Laboratory skills will be designed to encourage problem solving and independent thought, and a variety of tools and technology will be used for collecting and analyzing data. This course is designed to prepare students for a college major that requires science but is also for those who are just interested about the world around them. The only requirements are to have completed Integrated Science and to be either in or have already taken Algebra II.
Laboratory skills will be designed to encourage problem solving and independent thought, and a variety of tools and technology will be used for collecting and analyzing data. This course is designed to prepare students for a college major that requires science but is also for those who are just interested about the world around them. The only requirements are to have completed Integrated Science and to be either in or have already taken Algebra II.
AP Physics 1 - course number 256AP - 1st year course or 2nd year course if you have already taken course 247. AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college- level physics course that may be taken with no prior physics coursework. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics including rotational motion and torque, momentum and impulse, work, energy and its conservation. In addition to Newtonian mechanics topics of mechanical waves and sound, electrostatics, and direct current (DC) circuits with resistors will be developed. Instruction will focus on the big ideas typically included in the first semester of an algebra- based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provide students with enduring understandings to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as defined by the AP Science Practices.
At least twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations and design projects. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress. The only requirements are to have completed Integrated Science and to be either in or have already taken Algebra II.
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics 1
At least twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations and design projects. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress. The only requirements are to have completed Integrated Science and to be either in or have already taken Algebra II.
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics 1
AP Physics 2 - course number 257AP - 2nd year course. If you are planning on a pre-med, geology, or life sciences major in college the College Board recommends taking this course. AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, college-level physics course that is equivalent to a second semester introductory college course. Students develop their understanding of physics through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore these topics: Fluid and fluid dynamics; thermodynamics and thermal energy flow; electric forces, fields and electric potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometrical and physical optics including lenses and mirrors; and quantum, atomic and nuclear physics. The only requirements are to have taken Physics or AP Physics 1 and to either be in or have already completed Algebra II.
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics 2
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics 2
AP Physics C - course number 250AP - 2nd year course. If you are planning on a science or engineering major in college the College Board recommends taking this course. You should have completed or schedule to take at least Calculus AB.
This course is the equivalent of college calculus-based physics courses in both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism following the prescribed curriculum as published by the College Board. Engineering and pure science majors may use this course to deepen their understanding of college physics principles and procedures. AP Physics will emphasize higher order thinking and problem solving skills in the laboratory and theoretical settings. Students will need to be highly motivated and self-directed in both individual and team based work. Advanced Placement courses are demanding and require daily work outside of class. Topics in the Mechanics part of the course include advanced study of kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion and forces; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation along with moment of inertia; and oscillations and gravitation.
The Electricity & Magnetism part of the course will highlight an advanced study of electrostatics and electric fields; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits (both DC and AC); magnetic fields and forces; and electromagnetism including RLC circuits and Lenz’s Law. Students will take an AP exam for each of the two topics (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) and those who attain a passing score on the respective AP exams (normally a 3 or higher) should receive college credit (up to 10 semester hours in total, depending on the university) entering most fields requiring physics, including engineering or pre-medicine.
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Mechanics (the 1st semester of the course)
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (the 2nd semester of the course)
This course is the equivalent of college calculus-based physics courses in both Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism following the prescribed curriculum as published by the College Board. Engineering and pure science majors may use this course to deepen their understanding of college physics principles and procedures. AP Physics will emphasize higher order thinking and problem solving skills in the laboratory and theoretical settings. Students will need to be highly motivated and self-directed in both individual and team based work. Advanced Placement courses are demanding and require daily work outside of class. Topics in the Mechanics part of the course include advanced study of kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion and forces; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation along with moment of inertia; and oscillations and gravitation.
The Electricity & Magnetism part of the course will highlight an advanced study of electrostatics and electric fields; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits (both DC and AC); magnetic fields and forces; and electromagnetism including RLC circuits and Lenz’s Law. Students will take an AP exam for each of the two topics (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) and those who attain a passing score on the respective AP exams (normally a 3 or higher) should receive college credit (up to 10 semester hours in total, depending on the university) entering most fields requiring physics, including engineering or pre-medicine.
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Mechanics (the 1st semester of the course)
Link to the College Board's website of frequently asked questions about AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (the 2nd semester of the course)
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Below are lists of careers and majors for students who've taken AP Physics courses. The lists are certainly not complete - for example, astronaut and astronomer aren't even listed. They're a great place to start though!
Click the link above to find colleges and universities that offer credit or placement for AP scores. Begin your search by entering the name of the institution. For the most up-to-date AP credit policy information, be sure to check the institution's website.
A cool photo taken by an AP Physics C student demonstrating circular motion!
