Course Details

In this online, live physics course students will ask: “What keeps a bridge from falling?” “Why does the moon orbit the earth?” “Does the sun move, or do we?” The answer to these questions is one powerful and unifying concept: physics. We will dive into mechanics, the study of energy, forces and motion. Using these potent concepts and a healthy dose of math, to describe the world around us, from everyday occurrences like throwing a ball or driving a car, to the paths of the stars and distant galaxies of the night sky. Using a combination of online and virtual labs, students will get a hands-on feel for these concepts and test the ideal situation of an equation against the messy real world. A holistic view combining a deep conceptual understanding, quantitative math problem solving skills and theory testing experimentation will allow us to journey through the most fundamental science, answering the questions of how Physics works and why we should be interested in its study!

Honors option: Students who choose the Honors option will be presented with supplementary instruction and practice specifically in the mathematical side of physics that will reinforce and expand on topics covered in the class. Those choosing the Honors option should plan to spend an additional 1-2 hours per week on classwork; however, some students find they can master the material more efficiently than that. An additional project will also be required for these students. Students choosing this option should have already completed Algebra II or should be taking it concurrently with this course.

Format

• Expectations

  • Students share an interactive online classroom and meet live via Zoom.

  • Attendance is required for live classes,

  • Cameras must stay on during live classes.

  • Students will need to come to live class prepared having done the assigned reading/work.

  • Come to class with curiosity–ask the questions.

  • Average weekly time estimate: 6-8 hours including live class

    • Estimated breakdown:

      • 1-2 hours before class on reading and preliminary problem sets

      • 2-4 hours spent on homework assignments and labs after class.

      • Honors students: plan to spend an addtional 1-2 hours/week

• All Blue Tent science courses are NCAA-approved.

• See our FAQs for:

  • age/grade guidelines, prerequisites, and class fit recommendations

  • a complete list of days, times, and breaks

  • a list of CA charter schools where this course is a-g approved

Foundational Elements

• Topics covered include:

  • About Science - Why do we study it?

  • Newton’s First Law of Motion - Inertia

  • Linear Motion

  • Newton’s Second Law of Motion

  • Newton’s Third Law of Motion

  • Momentum

  • Energy

  • Rotational Motion

  • Gravity

  • Projectile and Satellite Motion