Physics, which is taught by Mrs. Chase, is a combination of the curricula of AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C. We use both algebra-based and calculus-based methods to solve problems and make observations about the physical world. Interactive labs, classroom activities, and collaborating to analyze challenging real-world problems are the core of this class.
Problem of the Weeks are assignments that allow us to work on communicating our group's solutions to a problem by writing out our process and solution. Despite the name, POWs are not assigned every week (so far this has been the only Physics POW). The problem required us to use our knowledge of kinematics and dynamics to find the angle of a ramp that would maximixe the horizontal distance traveled by a puck that slides off of it.
After learning about dynamics, we designed our own labs in small groups, as long as we were able to use our results to make a linear graph. I collaborated with two other classmates to determine how the weight needed for a mass resting on a table to barely overcome the static friction between the mass and the table changes as the weight of a second mass attached to the first mass by a string increases. After completing the lab, we were challenged to write our lab reports on a singular page to help improve the conciseness of our technical writing.