High School Physics Course

How do fundamental physical principles explain and connect the diverse phenomena we observe in the universe, from everyday occurrences to cosmic events?

Resources for Science Learning

Arizona Physical Science Standards - High School (PDF)

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During the first quarter, we embark on an exciting journey into the world of physics, where we'll explore how the world works through engaging, real-world examples! We'll start by thinking like physicists, learning to use tools like measurements and graphs to understand data. Then, we'll unravel the mysteries of motion, discovering how GPS pinpoints locations and why train tracks need cleaning. We'll investigate projectile motion, exploring why basketballs curve through the air, and delve into the forces behind circular motion. We'll even take to the skies, examining the physics of flight and how acceleration affects pilots. Throughout our explorations, we'll use mathematical tools to solve problems and analyze data, making physics accessible and sparking curiosity. We're looking forward to an engaging and wonder-filled learning experience together! 

This quarter, we will embark on a thrilling journey through the world of motion and forces, exploring everything from the physics of extreme sports to the mechanics of space travel. We will explore the dynamic interplay of forces and motion, beginning with the physics of wing suits and how BASE jumpers manipulate drag to control their velocity using Newton's Laws and free-body diagrams. We will launch into space, investigating rocket propulsion through the lens of impulse, momentum, and recoil, understanding how these principles drive acceleration in a vacuum. Students will learn the theoretical aspects of physics but also apply them to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of how these principles shape our world. We've combined visual representations, problem-solving, and conceptual exploration to build a strong foundation in mechanics, preparing them to tackle more complex scientific concepts in the future. 

Next, we will embark on an exciting exploration of waves and oscillations, delving into phenomena that shape our world and beyond. We began by investigating how pendulums can act as earthquake dampers, uncovering the principles of periodic motion and resonance. From there, we will explore the fundamental properties of mechanical waves, including amplitude, wavelength, and frequency, and examine how waves interact through reflection, refraction, and interference. The study of sound waves leads us to understand the Doppler effect and the physics behind musical instruments, while our exploration of light waves reveals how we can analyze distant stars and supernovae using the Doppler shift. Finally, we investigate the practical applications of light, exploring how mirrors, lenses, and fiber optics enable communication and form images, from the human eye to complex optical networks. Through these investigations, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of wave phenomena and their profound impact on our lives. 

Lastly, students will illuminate the invisible forces that shape our world, from the static cling of charged objects to the vast gravitational dance of planets. We will begin by demystifying electricity, exploring how charged rods bend water and delving into concepts like Coulomb's Law and electric fields. Next, we will venture into magnetism, unraveling the secrets of electromagnets and how they surpass typical magnets, while also investigating how magnetic fields influence moving charges in motors and galvanometers. We will shift our focus to the cosmos, we will explore gravity's dual role, understanding how it governs both falling objects and orbiting moons through Kepler's laws and Newton's law of universal gravitation. Finally, we will trace the path of energy from power plants to our homes, mastering circuit diagrams, Ohm's Law, and Kirchhoff's rules to understand how electricity is transferred, transformed, and safely used in our daily lives. Through hands-on investigations and conceptual exploration, students will gain a profound understanding of electromagnetism and gravity, and their practical applications.