Physics Courses

Physics

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry

Elective: NCAA

1 Credit

This course is a study of complex experimentation, data analysis, using reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. The use of mathematics is important, but conceptual understanding of the physical systems is the primary concern. Key areas include force and motion, energy transformations, wave phenomena and electromagnetic spectrum, light, electricity, fields, and non-Newtonian physics. This course stresses practical application of physics and problem solving. 

AP Physics 1 - Algebra-Based

The appropriate course code (AP or AP/DE) will be used based on availability.

AP Course Code:

AP/DE Course Code:

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry

Recommended Corequisite: Algebra II

Elective: NCAA

1 Credit

This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, mechanical waves, and sound.

This course may be dual-enrolled. A final grade and/or credit for this course will be earned at the end of the year. Students may have the opportunity to earn four college credits through Laurel Ridge Community College (PHY 201), pending eligibility and meeting enrollment criteria. Additional fees may apply for college credit. 

AP Physics 2 - Algebra-Based

The appropriate course code (AP or AP/DE) will be used based on availability.

AP Course Code:

AP/DE Course Code:

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 - Algebra-Based

Elective: NCAA

1 Credit

This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

This course may be dual-enrolled. A final grade and/or credit for this course will be earned at the end of the year. Students may have the opportunity to earn four college credits through Laurel Ridge Community College (PHY 202), pending eligibility and meeting enrollment criteria. Additional fees may apply for college credit. 

AP Physics C (Mechanics)

The appropriate course code (AP or AP/DE) will be used based on availability.

AP Course Code:

AP/DE Course Code:

Corequisite: Calculus and AP Calculus

Elective: NCAA

Grades 11-12

1 Credit

This course serves as the foundation for students planning on majoring in science or mathematics in college. The course is structured to mirror the topics a 1st-semester calculus-based physics class would cover in college.  These topics include rectilinear kinematics, the motion of rigid bodies in multiple dimensions, fundamental concepts of vectors, Newtonian mechanics, simple harmonic oscillators, dynamics of systems of particles, conservation of mechanical energy, and gravitational forces.  

This course may be dual-enrolled. A final grade and/or credit for this course will be earned at the end of the year. Students may have the opportunity to earn four college credits through Laurel Ridge Community College (PHY 241), pending eligibility and meeting enrollment criteria. Additional fees may apply for college credit.