This an algebra-based introductory college level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound.
Students will participate in one authenitic hands-on learning experience per week for 1 hr each, and on average 15 wet labs throughout the durration of the course. These labs may include but are not limited to:
Measuring Acceleration Due to Gravity Using Free Fall
Investigating Newton’s Second Law with Dynamics Carts
Conservation of Momentum in Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Determining Friction Coefficients on Various Surfaces
Centripetal Force and Uniform Circular Motion Lab
Energy Conservation Using Inclined Planes
Spring Constants and Hooke’s Law Investigation
Simple Harmonic Motion with a Mass–Spring System
Rotational Inertia Using a Rotational Dynamics Apparatus
Torque and Rotational Equilibrium Lab
Angular Momentum Conservation with Rotating Systems
Projectile Motion
Impulse–Momentum Relationship Investigation
Work–Energy Theorem in Mechanical Systems