Understanding Physics: Waves & Optics FLEX (14 - 18)

This 9-week course is the 4th of 6 classes in the "Understanding Physics" series. This class will focus on waves, sound, and optics. Along with the conceptual topics of waves and optics being covered, I will be teaching the students how to use, apply, and rearrange formulas when solving for wavelength, frequency, wave speed, angle of refraction, focal length, and magnifying power. Each week a new lesson will be uploaded, along with a note sheet the students can print to follow along with, and an assignment to practice what they've learned. This class will utilize both Nearpod and Flipgrid. These platforms will allow students to experience online simulations for "Labs" and be able to interact withe each other and myself, through discussion boards, video messages, games, etc. Lessons will include videos, polls, a collaboration activity for students to share ideas, articles for students to read and refer to, open-ended questions, and lots of pictures! Each week, students will be sent an optional at-home lab OR an online simulation they can do to see the concept of the week in motion and gauge understanding of given materials. There will be an optional quiz given during the 6th week for students to gauge what they've learned through the course. 

Week 1 
 Students will use mathematical models to explain how mechanical and electromagnetic waves are a disturbance that transfers energy.

Week 2 -
Students will describe and calculate the interference and diffraction of waves.

Week 3 -
Students will analyze wave phenomena related to sound, such as 
the Doppler effect, standing waves, wave amplitude, frequency, resonance, and pitch.

Week 4 - 
Students will investigate the behavior of electromagnetic waves.

Week 5 -
Students will investigate light in terms of color, media, polarization, and spectral composition. 

Week 6 - 
Students will learn to draw optical ray diagrams during reflection and refraction, and how to use and apply the thin lens equation.

Week 7 -
Students will investigate the behavior of light using Snell's Law and Law of Total Internal Reflection.

Week 8 -
Students will describe diffraction patterns in terms of geometry and wavelength for mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

Week 9 -
A review of all concepts covered thus far in the course, and then an assessment will be given to show mastery of the subject matter.  


Upon  parental quest, I will provide grades for assignments completed and the quiz. Successful completion of all 6 "Understanding Physics" courses mean the student has completed an entire high school physics class.