Physics in a Nutshell: An Ongoing Class Exploring Physics Equations

Completed by 19 learners

Ages 11-16

Live Group Class

In this ongoing class, students will explore essential physics ideas both conceptually and mathematically

Ian Nelson

Average rating:

4.7

Number of reviews:

(2,523 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week

1-12 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9

Physics is all around us, and math can help us understand more by extending our ability to make observations and predictions. In this on-going class, we will discuss the concepts behind the equation of the week while practicing our mathematical problem solving skills.

This is an on-going class so learners are invited to join at any time. Upcoming topics include:
-- Speed, distance, and time (Week of Feb 26)
-- Force, mass, and acceleration (Week of March 5)
-- Gravity and falling objects (Week of March 12)
-- Circular motion (Week of March 19)
-- Work and power (Week of March 26)
-- Kinetic and potential energy (Week of April 2)
-- Impulse and momentum (Week of April 9)
-- Torque (Week of April 16)
-- Angular momentum (Week of April 23)
-- Pressure, force, and area (Week of April 30)
-- Ideal Gas Laws (Week of May 7)
-- Temperature (Week of May 14)
-- Thermal energy (Week of May 21)
-- Electrostatics (Week of May 28)
-- Voltage, current, and resistance (Week of June 4)
-- Waves, frequency, and wavelength (Week of June 11)
-- Light energy (Week of June 18)

Our class will feature teacher-facilitated discussion and mathematical problem solving. Learners will benefit from having some previous exposure to exponents. Students should bring paper, a pencil, and a calculator with them to class. No trigonometry is required. Example equations include v = d/t and GPE = mgh. Additionally, each week will include some ideas for hands-on labs that can be done using common household supplies to extend students' learning.

Other Details

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Ian Nelson

Joined October, 2017

4.7

2523reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hello! I'm an engineer committed to giving students amazing experiences in math, science, and engineering. I believe that learning happens when kids ask questions and explore their interests. I look forward to helping your kids leverage their curiosity and see math, science, and engineering at work in the world around them.

I purposefully design classes around real-world projects to engage students more deeply in learning. I believe that kids learn best when they have the opportunity to create. As much as is possible, I encourage students to use their hands and build their own models. 

As a kid, I was constantly looking for new experiences with math, science, and engineering. I conducted every experiment from Mr. Wizard's Supermarket Science and begged my parents for more math practice. I took all the advanced math and science course offered by my high school, attended Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy, competed in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair three years in a row, was a semi-finalist in the Science Talent Search, and graduated magna cum laude from Boston University while majoring in mechanical engineering. I also hold a MS in Engineering Education from Purdue University.

I currently teach math, science, and engineering courses to kids ages 6 and up. When I'm not teaching, I love to play with my cat, curl up with a good book, visit historic places, or watch a movie.

If you have any thoughts about a class you wish I would offer or a time you hope I can schedule a class, please send me a message. All of my best teaching ideas have come directly from my students as we learn and explore together.