In this class, the primary goal is to learn about various Physics topics and build off upon previous equations and strategies we have learned throughout the year to be able to mathematically solve more and more complex situations. It is structured in a way where we spend class time taking notes and learning new concepts, and then we practice the skills through our homework assignments. Throughout these lessons, we often have demos and labs that help us to visualize and better understand the topics we are learning. Throughout the course of the year, our curriculum aligns with the content of AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C Motion. Below you can find some examples of the work we have completed in this course.
For this lab, we were tasked with proving a hypothesis that we usually assumed was true while solving other problems in our dynamics unit. My group mates and I investigated if the amount of friction changes based on the mass of an object. This required us to do a few tests to measure the average pulling force required to pull a wooden block with a velcro surface and different masses at constant speed on a wooden plank. Then, we utilized our knowledge of different dynamics equations we have used before to support that the coefficient of kinetic friction will remain the same regardless of the mass of the object.
During our Kinematics unit, one of the topics we learned about was how to calculate the trajectory of projectiles launched at angles. This built off of our previous studies regarding one-dimensional movement (in a straight line) by challenging us to measure the horizontal and vertical components separately. To solidify our understanding of this strategy, we were given the task of finding the specific height a hoop should be placed based on its distance from the launcher so that the ball would pass through it during its trajectory. Each group was given a different distance, so we placed our hoops accordingly. First, we tested it out with the hoops, and then we had students stand right under the hoops to test our measurements a second time.