Introduction to High School Physics for All Students (1st Semester)

In this class students will learn the basics of high school physics by looking at  real life examples and examples of superheroes from their favorite books, movies and television shows. The class is highly interactive and students are encouraged to ask questions. Students will practice solving equations and reflecting on what they have learned. Students  will also participate in a review game at the end of every class. No prior knowledge of physics is necessary but some knowledge of basic algebra is needed.

Week 1 
- Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
Students will learn the difference between vectors and scalars and how to calculate speed, velocity and acceleration

Week 2
-Force (Net and Combination), How to draw Force diagrams
Students will learn the the definition of force and net force
 
Week 3 
-  Newton's Laws and Friction
Students will learn and practice Newton's Laws and calculate mu

Week 4
-	Gravity (Newton and Einstein's Theories), How to Calculate the Universal Law of Gravitation
Students will calculate the gravitational pull between each other

Week 5 
-	Projectile Motion 
Students will use a simulation to calculate projectile motion

Week 6 
-	Momentum and Collisions
Students will calculate momentum and impulse

Week 7  
-	Work, Power, Efficiency and Calculating Horsepower
Students will calculate the work done on an object

Week 8
- Kinetic and Potential Energy 
Students will examine energy in a roller coaster


Week 9
-	Conservation of Energy
Students will examine energy transfers  in a roller coaster

Week 10 
- Periodic Motion
Students will build and test a pendulum

Week 11
-	Waves -Wavelength, Frequency, and Speed 
Students will make waves and measure them

Week 12
-	Sound, Doppler Effect, Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, Absorption
Students will investigate sound waves and how they interact

Week 13
-	Electromagnetic Waves and Radiation, The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Students will complete the wave town

Week 14
-	Visible Light,  Colors and Optical Illusions
Students will see how light interacts and how it is different than pigment

Week 15
-	Reflection and Refraction 
Students will learn how light interacts with objects

Week 16
-	Lenses and Lasers 
Students will learn how lasers and lenses work