IB Physics Teachers:

Mr. Ralph Rogers

Mr. Garrett Mott

What topics are covered in SL/HL year 1? 

There are 8 topics in SL Physics. Some but not all of these will be taught in the first year. Measurement, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Particle Physics, and Energy Production.

The four options are Imaging, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics, and Relativity. Typically, the optional topic has been Astrophysics.

Finally, 1st year students interested in the AP Physics 1 exam will have an optional topic of Torque and Rotational Motion, which may require some independent study. 

What topics are covered in SL/HL year 2? 

The HL course will cover the 8 topics listed for SL, as well as 4 additional topics: Wave Phenomena, Fields, Electromagnetic Induction, and Quantum and Nuclear Physics. HL Students will cover one of the 4 options like SL students, though HL students will cover additional content. These 4 topics are largely an extension of some of the SL topics. In some cases, they may be taught in year 1 so that they best align with the SL topics. In other cases, they may be taught separately in the second year.

Students interested in the AP Physics 2 exam will have the option to study Fluids and Optics, which may require some independent study.

What makes your class unique?

IB Physics is a wonderful subject for inquiry based learning using practical, hands on equipment and simulations. Students regularly get design their own lab procedures to test physical relationships in hands-on and virtual labs, where their learning is defined by the results of their experiment, and the lecture slides add onto and reinforce the student-discovered knowledge. The Physics IA (Internal Assessment) is a chance for students to conduct an experiment of their own design using the quantitative skills we develop in class. The IA and course in general is a great introduction to research methods.

My course also focuses on collaborative learning modes, where the students regularly work in and discuss physics in groups. IB learners will have ample opportunity to develop collaboration and communication skills that will translate well to college or other higher learning settings.

How much homework is required in your class? 

Approximately 1 hour for each class block. 

What is your favorite thing about teaching IB? 

I love getting to help students do practical experiments and their own IA experiments. IB students are curious and knowledgeable, so they always come up with the most interesting and challenging questions. 

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Course Syllabus

Which AP test does your IB Course align with? What percentage of the AP test is covered in your course. Please list topics students would need to self study if they choose to also challenge the AP exam.

All IB Physics students may take the AP Physics 1 test at the end of the first year and AP Physics 2 at the end of the second year. Since the courses are not strictly compatible some personal study will be required. Personal study topics for AP Physics 1 include Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion. For AP Physics 2 students will need to self study Unit 1: Fluids and Unit 6: Optics, and Electromagnetic Induction for SL students.