Why take Physics ?!

For the Practical Reasons:	For the Fun of It:  (Yes, Physics is fun!)
· Physics is a fundamental science like Biology and Chemistry	· Do interesting laboratory experiments involving moving objects
· Physics will help prepare students for college courses in science, engineering, medicine, technology, manufacturing, architecture, and mathematics	· Use some interesting scientific equipment:  Calculator Based Ranging and Motion Detection, optical gates, oscilloscope, stopwatches, voltmeter, ammeter, etc.
· Fulfill graduation requirements with a solid academic course that looks great on your transcript	· Physicists have the best TOYS! – (take the class and see for yourself)
· Physics has many practical applications:  automobiles, airplanes, buildings, structures, machines, electrical and magnetic devices, optical equipment, musical instruments & equipment, etc.	· Learn how all that stuff you learned in math classes (that you thought you would never use again) is very useful in real world applications

What level of Physics should you take?

	Prerequisites	Description
Physics	You must successfully complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II It is recommended you take Chemistry before taking Physics.	Solid introduction to Physics with focus on the following topics: Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, waves, sound, light, interference, static electricity and simple electric circuits
Honors Physics	Same as above but no grade less than a B in math or science	Same as above but at a faster pace with greater depth and additional topics such as simple harmonic motion, Hooke’s Law, and more complex electric circuits
AP Physics C: Mechanics	Completion of Physics or Honors Physics with high marks.  Concurrent enrollment in Calculus.	Focus on Newton’s Laws and Conservation of Energy and Momentum – with applications including rotational motion and systems of particles. The instruction involves use of calculus and provides much more depth on these topics. This is a college level course that prepares students for the AP Mechanics Exam.
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism	Completion of AP Physics C: Mechanics and Calculus.	Focus on Electricity and Magnetism topics: electrostatics, fields, potential, circuits, resistance, capacitance, inductance, magnetic fields, induction, etc. This is a college level course that prepares students for the AP Electricity & Magnetism Exam.