Physics is taught by Ms. Chase. Physics is an engaging algebra and calculus-based course that explores key physics concepts like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, and other topics, and it is somewhat aligned with the AP Physics C curriculum. This class emphasizes the real-world applications of these concepts, and collaborative projects help enhance the learning process.
In this lab, we were able to be creative and design our own dynamics experiment that shows a linear relationship. Our group used a modified Atwood’s machine, varied the hanging mass, measured the cart’s acceleration, and saw if there was a linear relationship between the acceleration and the hanging mass. Here is our one-page project report.
This assignment was one of our Problems of the Week, where we worked as a group to model a real-world situation using physics. We developed a kinematics-based formula to determine how long a traffic light should remain yellow, taking into account realistic factors such as speed, stopping distance, driver decisions, and vehicle length. The problem helped us practice applying physics concepts to practical, real-world scenarios.