Taught by Mrs. Chase, Physics at MAMS is modeled pretty closely after the AP Physics C: Mechanics curriculum. In this class, we learn about the fundamentals of motion through concepts like (but not limited to) kinematics, dynamics, and energy. While we use a combination of algebra and calculus-based methods to solve problems, the class environment is very accomodating for a variety of mathematical backgrounds.
This was the first formal essay we wrote this year. After studying the evolution of public education in the United States, we were assigned to create our own prompt and write a short (maximum of 5 pages, not including references) research paper responding to it. I went with: "Write an essay in which you evaluate whether core classes take precedence over the arts". As a musician and a STEM student, I've always been interested in the relationship between art and the so-called core classes. However, I wanted to explore other perspectives other than my and delve into the financial and logistical considerations that go into deciding what students have access to, especially in light of the post-COVID world.
After completing kinematics and dynamics, we were given our first Physics POW. Similar to The Rocket (see above), The Ramp was really just a multi-part question combined into one word problem. A huge part of successfully completing POWs is understanding what they're asking of you; after that, it's smooth sailing. My group, made up of Aansh Patel and Ashwin Sivagaminathan (and myself), worked really well together. I don't have much programming experience, so it was cool to see the way that Aansh and Ashwin tackled the Python version of our solution.