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Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

Physics Courses

(Including AP and Physics Electives)

Physics

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have successfully completed Integrated Math 2.
  • Course Number: 04030202

This course is designed to provide students with a broad-based knowledge of physical phenomena with an emphasis on application of principles learned in class through experimentation and real-life samples. It is intended mainly for students whose major interests lie in fields other than science or mathematics, but it will give an adequate foundation for those who wish to explore the possibility of future study in science. Topics studied include most of those in the Physics H course but are presented in a less mathematical manner. Electricity and magnetism are presented only if time permits.

Physics H

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have a grade of "A" or "B" in Integrated Math 2 H.
  • Course Number: 04030303

Topics studied include kinematics, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, gravitation, optics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Students are encouraged to develop their ability to ask as well as answer questions, to develop techniques of critical thinking, and employ the use of microcomputers. Students are expected to perform experiments and write formal lab reports. These reports are intended to develop the students' written communication skills.

AP Physics 1

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry Honors and successful completion or concurrently taking Integrated Math 3 H.
  • Course Number: 04030414

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course in which students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Students establish lines of evidence and use them to develop and refine testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena. About twenty-five percent of instructional time will be devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Investigations require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously completed a Pre-Calculus or Calculus course.
  • Course Number: 04030504

AP Physics Mechanics is a calculus-based course for students who have a high interest in science along with a strong mathematical background. Topics include kinematics, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, rotational kinematics and dynamics, and simple harmonic motion. Students will be expected to perform experiments and write formal lab reports. These reports are intended to develop the students' written communication skills. This class is designed for students who wish to be prepared for further study of science or science related disciplines. Completion of the course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics C – Mechanics Examination.

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have a grade of "A" or "B" in AP Physics 1, or AP Physics C: Mechanics, and "A" or "B" in AP Calculus AB or BC.
  • Course Number: 04030604

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism a calculus-based course designed to provide the students with an understanding of the principles of electricity and magnetism and their interaction. It is generally considered to be a follow-up course to AP Physics Mechanics. Students apply advanced techniques of calculus, including surface integrals and path integrals. Lab activities are also an important part of the course, including the writing of formal lab reports. There are experiments which all students perform, plus there may be independent labs which are individually selected and performed by students. This class is designed for students who wish to be prepared for further study of science or science related disciplines. Completion of the course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism examination.