Why This Class

As complex as it seems, the physical world runs according to a simple set of natural laws. You want your student to be aware of these rules and how they impact daily life, in everything from transportation to global politics. This course helps by introducing your student to the mind-bending, reality-defining laws of physics.

Mentors in this course guide students to apply advanced math concepts including significant figures, scientific notation, unit conversions, radians, and trigonometry to investigate real-life physics problems. Students then explore questions involving vectors, acceleration, and Newton’s laws of motion. In class discussions and debates, they also dig into the physics behind social issues such as warfare, energy, and nuclear power, strengthening their critical-thinking skills in the process.

By completing this course, students gain an increased awareness of the ever-present influence of physics in their lives. They are more informed about how the world works—and more motivated to use that knowledge to make a positive impact.

Overarching Questions

How do triangles and trigonometry help solve physics problems?

What types of velocity and acceleration problems can I solve using vectors and trigonometry?

What does physics tell me about the threat of terrorism? About energy and nuclear weapons?

Why is a large force required to create a significant acceleration?

Why do the planets orbit the Sun?