The
goal of the Pre-AP Physics program is to prepare students for success
in a first year college level course whether that be an AP course
at the high school or one taught on campus at University. Consequently,
the requirements of such a course are greater than those of a regular
high school physics class. The primary goal of this course will
be to teach your student how to “think” – to
solve problems they have never seen before using the tools
they have acquired during their school years. This will help prepare
them to compete in a global society.
Physics is often viewed as one of the most difficult of
the sciences because of its extensive use of mathematics. Even though
mathematics is an integral part of any physics course, it is neither
the goal nor the focus. This course will take a conceptual approach.
During the year, the student will re-evaluate the world they live
in and learn to see it in a whole new way. The student will find
that even though they have an "instinct" for physical
concepts tey also have certain misconceptions. The value of teaching
physics conceptually is not in minimizing mathematics, but in maximizing
the use of a student’s personal experiences in the everyday
world. |
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The course
is not easy, but neither is it impossibly difficult. Meeting the
demands of an advanced physics course is an investment of effort
that will be amply repaid. In order to succeed, your student needs
to be willing and needs to be able. “Willing” means
motivated to study and learn on a more advanced level. If (s)he
is committed to participating actively in the advanced class and
doing the out-of-class problem solving, they will have met the major
prerequisite for success. The student must also be "able"
to do the work. Their record in earlier science and math courses
is the most obvious indicator of that ability.
The goal of this course
is for the student to glimpse what they are actually capable of
doing if they apply themselves and do not quit. While your student
will find this course intellectually demanding, (s)he will find
that they have the ability to master more than they ever thought
they could. Seeing the student’s confidence in their own abilities
build and their pride in their accomplishments grow is one of the
reasons I thoroughly enjoy teaching this course.
Feel free to contact me at any time.
My door is always open |