THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course will cover the science of physics and the principles that govern the physical world.

Course Highlights:

• The Atom: The course will begin with a discussion of the general nature of forces and the principles that create our physical world. The electrostatic force, static electricity, and surface tension will be presented as examples of introductory forces.
• Electricity: Next, students will explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism. They’ll learn about circuits, batteries, and the workings of electromagnets, generators, and electric motors.
• Energy: After that are the topics of potential and kinetic energy. Students will also learn the law of conservation of energy and how energy can be converted into different forms, as well as the role of the pendulum in the history of science and the accomplishments of Galileo.
• Air Resistance and Friction: Students will learn about the force of friction and how the presence of an atmosphere affects the motion of moving objects. They’ll view demonstrations that show air pressure, terminal velocity, Bernoulli’s principle, and the force of lift.
• Newton’s Law’s of Motion: Students will study Newton’s three Laws of Motion and relate these laws to motion on Earth and in space. They’ll learn the difference between speed, velocity, and acceleration. They will also appreciate the concepts of inertia, momentum, and the transfer of mechanical energy through collisions.
• Thermal Energy: Students will explore the movement of thermal energy and the nature of heat. They’ll learn about the Kelvin scale, absolute zero, and the surprising behavior of matter at extreme low temperatures, as well as both the Bose-Einstein condensate and the principles of superconductivity.
• Sound and Electromagnetic Radiation: The course will then cover sound energy and how the Doppler effect applies to both sound and light waves. Students will learn how light can reflect and refract and how spectrographs are used to detect red shifts in stars.
• Gravity: Students will study both Newtonian and Einstein’s theories of gravity and appreciate how Einstein’s eclipse of 1919 proved that gravity bends light. They will view the variety of stars in the universe and examine the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
• Stars: Finally, students will learn about the strong force and how stars are powered by fusion. They will then identify the advantages and disadvantages of fusion and nuclear fission.

Along the way, students will be exposed to the scientific method, the metric system, and inquiry-based science. The live class meetings will include interesting demonstrations.

Class Meetings: Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: August 22 – December 19, 2024
Spring Semester: January 16 – May 15, 2025

Student Expectations: Optional activities, readings, and experiments will be provided for the students each week.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need a notebook for notes and to complete assignments. Occasionally they will need certain easily obtainable materials that are available at most common local stores. In addition, in order to complete assignments, they will need to purchase a printable middle school physics (physical science) workbook packet, available here.

Prerequisites: None