Learn about the created universe and how things work as you dive into a rigorous, algebra-based physics experience!  This class is designed to prepare students for college-level study in physics and develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Special Notes: This is Part Two of a two-part course.

Parts One and Two of this course are part of the Franciscan University Advantage Program for dual enrollment. They align with Franciscan's PHY 111 for 3 college credits. For more information on the optional dual enrollment program and to see if your student is eligible, visit https://homeschoolconnections.com/resources/college-credit/

Course Description: 

This is a college prep course in Physics. It is algebra-based but it is rigorous. The textbook is designed for non-calculus introductory college classes, high school AP Physics classes, and students preparing for the MCAT.  Each week there will be a live class accompanied by a pre-recorded class session. This is the second part of a two-semester course. It is expected that students have completed College Preparatory Physics, Part 1: Mechanics – or have special permission from the instructor.

Students will investigate the inner workings of the universe, created by a loving and omnipotent God. The goal of the course is to build on previous knowledge of Physical Science and introductory Physics principles, to break common misconceptions, and to understand more deeply the working of the mechanical universe and how mathematics is one of the engines that drives Physics. Students will learn problem-solving strategies as they apply the laws of physics to everyday examples in their lives. Of course, students will learn that “physics is phun” as we learn what makes the universe tick!

Total class meetings: 13 live classes plus 13 pre-recorded lessons.

Class dates: Mondays, January 6 to April 14, 2025 (No class February 10 & March 3)

Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)

Duration: 60 minutes per class

Prerequisite: College Prep Physics (part 1), Physics with Lab (part 1 or 2). PLUS, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry (trigonometry is usually included in precalculus, or it can be taken as its own 6-week course in Unlimited Access).

Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade.  Advanced, engaged 10th grade student.

Suggested credit: One full semester College Prep Physics.

Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS

How to get the most out of College Preparatory Physics (part 2):

• First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

• Then have a notebook, pencil, and calculator ready and available for class notes each live session.

• Read each chapter before the live class meeting.

• Watch each week’s recordings if you need to revisit information from our live session.

• Review the Resources Section for each week (helpful links, videos, etc...)

• Do the bookwork, web interactives, written assignments, quizzes, and any other work assigned for that week.

• Participate in weekly LIVE classes and Discussion Forums.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Contact Info: tomfrederick42@gmail.com (Please try to use the Caravel messaging system to contact me. If it is time-sensitive, feel free to use email)

Course materials: (We suggest buying used to save considerable money)

Text:  Physics 5th Edition, John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson.  Published by Wiley, 2000.  ISBN 10: 047132146X  ISBN 13: 9780471321460

We will also reference College Physics 2e from OpenStax and The Physics Classroom (online).

Computer with video camera and microphone (this class is interactive).

Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets* (may require extra work on student's part).

Scientific or Graphing Calculator

PDF Scanner or smartphone with Adobe Scan (or equivalent)

Course Outline:

Week 1. Work, Power, and Simple Machines
Week 2. Conservation of Energy
Week 3. Impulse & Momentum
Week 4. Conservation of Momentum
Week 5. Rotational Mechanics
Week 6. Rotational Dynamics
Week 7. Electric Forces & Fields
Week 8. Electric Current
Week 9. Simple DC Circuits
Week 10. Solving Circuits with Kirchoff's Laws
Week 11. Fluids
Week 12. Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics
Week 13. Final Exam Review

Homework & Grading: 

This is an algebra-based course but it is fairly rigorous.  Weekly reading and completion of homework is expected.  Thirty to sixty minutes of reading/homework a few times a week is a reasonable expectation.  Individual assignments will be provided in a class Caravel with homework solutions posted so students can evaluate their understanding.  Online Interactives and simulations may be assigned to deepen student understanding and to apply concepts.  Weekly discussion forums will be part of class assignments.  Each week a quiz or test will be assigned in the Caravel interface to check student understanding. Grades are based on the following weights:

*Caravel will automatically drop the lowest Quiz score and homework grade. Students have one attempt at Quizzes and Tests. All assigned homework must be completed and submitted for grading at the start of the next class.

**Participation is based on LIVE class attendance, LIVE class participation, and weekly Discussion Forum posts.  Students are allowed to miss one LIVE class and one Discussion forum each semester without penalty.

Students and parents participating in the Franciscan Advantage Dual Enrollment Program should review important enrollment and completion info in the last section below as well as here.