Physics is the science course taught at MAMS, as many of the students coming in have already taken Biology and Chemistry. The class itself aligns most closely with AP Physics C Mechanics and E/M. Topics are clearly and intuitively presented to students, and ample opportunity to apply and practice them is provided. In addition, students follow the scientific process with laboratory activities. Both algebra and calculus methods are employed. Students are exposed to the practical application of abstract concepts, which makes the class very engaging.
This lab combined concepts related to the four fundamental kinematic equations and linearizing graphs. The goal was to experimentally prove the theoretical acceleration of a cart down a ramp. Theoretically, this is equal to the universal gravitational acceleration multiplied by the sine of the angle at which the ramp is inclined. However, experimentally, there are factors that can lead to error. Hence, in addition to algebraically manipulating the experimental variables to produce a linear function in the form of one the fundamental kinematic equations, a major skill students had to develop was reporting about the numerical impact of lab errors. This was to be done in conjunction with providing proper data display, analysis, and conclusions. This was a solid and enjoyable introductory lab for the course. If you are unable to see the file, click here.
For this lab, students were able to develop their own models related to dynamics, that is, the forces behind the motion of objects. True to the scientific method, by varying one aspect of the model, another variable was to be measured. In this case, the incline of a frictionless ramp was varied, and the acceleration of the carts in the system was the variable measured. Similar to the previous labs, manipulating variables to produce easy-to-understand linear functions, using the scientific method, and describing the impact of lab errors were major components of the assignment. For my own enjoyment, using my AP Statistics knowledge, I performed an upper-tail t-test for linear regression to solidify the analysis of laboratory results. This has been my favorite assignment in Physics by far. If you are unable to see the file, click here.