Biology or Chemistry (B+ or above), Biology Honors or Chemistry Honors (B or above) and
Advanced Algebra (B+ or above) or completion of Advanced Algebra Honors
Honors Physics is an introductory physics course that explores the topics motion, forces, momentum, energy, gravitational and electric fields, electric current, magnetic fields, waves and information. Student capacity for independent problem-solving, mathematical reasoning and higher-level critical thinking is expected. Students will be expected to exhibit independence and perseverance in their study habits and to have a genuine interest in physics. The scope of this course includes Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-PS2-1 to HS-PS2-6, HS-PS3-1 to HS-PS3-4, HS-PS3-5, HS-PS4-1 to HS-PS4-5 and include deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.
Students will:
- Develop an appreciation of the role of physics in everyday life.
- Make observations, design investigations or solutions, analyze and interpret data, and present scientific arguments based on experimental results.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical relationships in physics and apply them to everyday situations.
The course will include core unit formative/summative assessments. Understanding of concepts will be developed through collaborative lab experiences, tests and projects.
“Honors Physics is an amazing class for someone who enjoys comprehensive hands-on learning. Almost every class is a lab that builds on a different concept covered and basic topics are built from ground up (comprehensive but for some can be confusing/excessive). Concepts are mostly foundational but require trigonometry and intuitive mathematics. If you like more direct/memorization courses, this may not be the best for you. When revising, review the presentations! Sometimes one slide contains CRUCIAL summative information. Half of the summatives are projects, which can help your grade if you do badly on tests. However, everyone goes very try-hard on projects (12 page reports and such).”
- Anonymous (2022)
“Honors Physics is packed with labs and CERs that make learning concepts interesting and fun. It is really heavy on concepts of physics rather than working with numbers, so just because you aren't the strongest in math, it doesn't mean you can't succeed in this class. With that said, the concepts can be difficult to comprehend, so reach out to your teacher whenever something is unclear.”
- Anonymous
“Honors Physics is a great introductory physics course that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in science. The curriculum involves hands-on labs in nearly every class that help build your understanding of the topics covered in each unit. There is a strong emphasis on concepts rather than memorization or practice problems, so be sure to keep your anchor guide updated and be able to explain the relationships you learn! The workload is quite minimal compared to other courses, so don't stress too much”
- Asha Gill (Class of 2023)