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PHYSICS

2017-2018 homeschool class for grades 9-12. 
Comprehension of concepts before calculation is the key to understanding.

This class will not be offered in the 2018-2019 school year.

Curriculum

Course content will be based on the popular textbook "Conceptual Physics" by Paul Hewitt.

Class Experience

We will use a flipped-classroom model where instructional time is spent demonstrating and applying the concepts through labs and solving problems.

Instructor

Margo Jones is the lead educator at 907 Education. As both a homeschool mom, and an experienced teacher of homeschool workshops, she is committed to making her classes both educational and fun.

Fall Semester - Mechanics

(aka: why things move)

  • Forces
  • Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Momentum
  • Work
  • Energy
  • Things falling, rotating, and orbiting!


Spring Semester - Everything Else

(aka: things related to energy transmitted by waves)

  • Sound
  • Light
  • Electricity
  • Magnetism
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics



"Conceptual Physics" emphasizes thinking about  Physics concepts and asking "why does?" and "what if?" questions. After the concept is understood, formulas and mathematical problem solving are introduced. This approach has an obvious benefit to the student who is Math-phobic. But, it also prepares those who plan to take Calculus-based Physics in college. They will become well grounded in the ideas of Physics, not just rote computation. And, for everyone inbetween, it teaches a deeper appreciation for the rules that govern the physical world.

For more information about the textbook "Conceptual Physics," click here to go to the author's website.

Class Information

When: Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, starting date September 6, 2017. First semester: no class Thanksgiving week, last class on December 13. Second Semester: start January 10, Spring Break on March 14 & 21, last class on May 9.


Where: Crosspoint Community Church, 1920 W Dimond, Ste K (between Joanns and Planet Fitness. For a schedule of other classes for high school being taught by vendors at Crosspoint this year, click here.


Class Option: Students enrolled as a “class” will receive a recommended grade based on graded homework, tests, and classroom participation. Assignments will receive a penalty if not turned in on time. Students must purchase and use the textbook “Conceptual Physics.” The fee for participation as a class is $700 for the year, billed quarterly.


Workshop Option: Students enrolled as a “workshop” will participate in all the same classroom activities and labs. Homework and tests are optional. They will be graded and returned, but records will not be kept. They may select an alternate textbook, but should consult the syllabus carefully to be prepared for class. Parents will recommend the grade based on their own criteria. Workshop students pay for the quarters they attend: $140 per quarter in Fall, $160 per quarter in Spring. Discount for continuous enrollment. ($570 total for the year)


Credit: Taken for a full year, this class would be eligible for one credit in Physics.


Textbook: Students must purchase their own copy of the textbook "Conceptual Physics" by Paul G Hewitt. Please be careful to purchase the high school edition and the most recent printing: the fourth edition, published in 2009. (ISBN: 978-0-13-364749-5) It can be purchased new from Prentice Hall/Pearson, or often used copies are available. Please read chapters one and two before the first class. For more of my thoughts on the merits of the "Conceptual Physics" textbook, see the FAQ page.


Homework: Students must come to class with assigned reading in the textbook completed. Additional homework and quizzes will be assigned to be completed at home. Please read Chapters 1 and 2 before the first class.


Math Skills Required: All students should have successfully completed Algebra I, and Geometry is helpful. Students who are ready for the challenge should complete "honors" homework problems and test questions that use higher levels of Math. Students who are not ready for these problems will not be penalized. 

Billing: The class fee includes the cost of instruction and all lab supplies except a calculator. Textbooks must be purchased separately. Direct billing is available to IDEA and Family Partnership. (ASD vendor approval will be in place soon.) Other direct billing arrangements are a possibility; please ask. As always, parents are ultimately responsible for payment. Please be sure that this class is covered by your learning plan, meets the guidelines of your program, and that you have sufficient funds available in your allotment.


Questions?: Please click here to send us a message. Or, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.