What is Physics First?

Post date: Oct 14, 2011 9:59:16 PM

• Calvary Schools of Holland has adopted the Physics First program for its high school students.

  • Physics First came about from the recognition of two major changes in our society.

    • First, is that the world is fast transitioning into a digital society requiring new skills in quantitative analysis.

    • Second, that biology has evolved from a purely observational endeavor to a very quantitative science that applies all aspects of chemistry and physics. In addition, many other disciplines such as earth science, astronomy, music, art and humanities are changing rapidly due to the applications of physics and chemistry in these fields. All these disciplines now view physics and chemistry as foundational for quantitative analysis.

  • Finally , the ACT test is an important benchmark for high school students desiring to further their education.

    • The ACT focuses on quantitative analysis skills. Therefore, it is important that high school students receive as much practice in quantitative analysis as possible prior to their ACT testing, attending college and/or prior to taking any job. It is important that we adjust our curriculum to meet the needs of students for the good of their future.

• The new plan involves a solid foundation of quantitative science classes early in their education that continues throughout the high school experience.

  • Previously biology was taught, at Calvary much like other high schools, in 9th or 10th grade prior to taking physics and chemistry because physics and chemistry required higher math skills than biology. However, biology now involves those same math skills plus applications of chemistry and physics. Therefore, in the Physics First Program, physics and chemistry are taught, prior to biology, as the foundational sciences for all other disciplines. Biology then becomes a more rigorous, quantitative analysis course that ties together and applies the physics and chemistry that was learned in the previous years.

  • The Physics First program is supported by NSTA.

• After two transition years (2011-2012, 2012-2013), the curriculum sequence will look like the following:

  • 8th Grade: Physical & Space Science

  • 9th Grade: Physical & Earth Science & Chemistry Introduction

  • 10th Grade: Chemistry & Biochemistry

  • 11th Grade: Biology (includes some physics and biochemistry applications)

  • 12th Grade: Electives