Unit 1: Physics and Measurements
- Scientific Notation
- Factor label conversion
- Measures of uncertainty
- Arithmetic with significant digits
- Scientific units
Unit 2: Graphing
- Graphing data
- Fitting and linear and nonlinear curves to data
- Regression statistics and interpreting R2
Unit 3: Vectors
- Graphing vectors
- Vector trigonometry
- Adding vectors
Unit 4: Kinematics
- Describing position, velocity, and acceleration
- Graphs of position and velocity
- Equations of constant velocity
- Equations of constant acceleration
Unit 5: Gravity
- Describing the motion of falling bodies
- Projectile motion in two dimensions
Unit 6: Forces and Motion
- Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
- Friction and acceleration
- Forces and motion in two dimensions
- Interaction forces between connected bodies
- Centripetal acceleration
- Weight in circular motion: Roller Coasters
Unit 7: The Motion of the Heavens
- Retrograde motion of planets
- Copernicus and Kepler
- Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
- Orbital Mechanics
- Gravitational fields and Lagrange Points
- Newton and Einstein: The Equivalence Principle
Unit 8: Momentum and Energy
- Calculating momentum
- The Law of Conservation of Momentum in 1- and 2-dimensions
- Kinetic energy and potential energy
- The Law of Conservation of Energy
- The Concept of Power and Work
- Calculating efficiency and mechanical advantage of machines
Unit 9: Simple Harmonic Motion
- Harmonic oscillators
- Energy of harmonic systems
Unit 10: Rotational Motion and Forces
- Rotational Kinematics
- Angular Acceleration
- Torque
- Conservation of Angular Momentum
Unit 11: The Physics of Fluids
- The fluidic state
- Calculating pressure
- Fluids in motion: Pascal’s Principle
- Bernoulli’s Principle
- Buoyancy for boats and balloons
- Surface tension
Unit 12: Physics in the 20th Century
- Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity
- Time dilation and the Twin Paradox
- Black holes and Curved Spacetime
Labs
Lab list subject to change based on material, equipment availability, and time constraints
Lab 1: Pendulum Motion (Virtual Lab)
Deriving the Pendulum Equation
Lab 2: Constant Velocity and Acceleration
Can you run with constant acceleration?
Lab 3: Projectile Motion
Determine the initial velocity and height of a projectile rocket launched vertically
Lab 4: Projectile Motion Competition
Predict the range and position of a projectile rocket launched at an angle
Lab 5: Loop the Loop
Estimate potential energy and friction from a roller coaster track
Lab 6: Mechanical Advantage
Measure the mechanical advantage of simple machines
Lab 7: Force of Buoyancy
Measure the force of buoyancy of a floating object