SAMOHI HOME I SCIENCE DEPARTMENT


Physics


Physics P
Grade Level: 11-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in Intermediate Algebra or written consent of instructor. Recommended concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus.

Physics is the study of fundamental laws of nature applied to how things work, from the atom to the universe. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the world in which we live, using the laws of physics.

This is an Algebra-based physics class. The major emphasis of this course is to develop scientific attitudes and skills used in critical thinking, and develop the use of general prinicples of problem-solving through laboratory investigations.

Topics include motion; energy and matter; sound; electricity and magnetism; optics; elementary circuitry; wave theory, and relativity.

Physics AP
Grade Level: 11-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in Chemistry and concurrent enrollment in Calculus, or consent of instructor.

Physics AP is a two-semester calculus-based physics course and forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.

During this year course we cover topics in classical mechanics. These topics are covered at the calculus-based level and use of calculus in problem-solving increases as the course progresses.

Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus, and there is emphasis on analysis in the laboratory as well as in the classroom.

Students are required to take the AP Physics exam in May.