Poop-Loops said:Geometry and trig never hurt, but I don't remember doing anything besides algebra in my physics class in high school. Of course, I'm in the US, so we spent over a week on Aristotle and then the teacher said "Yeah, everything he said was wrong."
Would it have been so hard to just teach me what was correct right from the beginning?
robphy said:That's a [pseudo-]historical approach... which has some value.
At the other extreme, one could skip Newton's Laws and jump straight to relativity and/or quantum mechanics... which are arguably more "correct"... however, the typical student would probably have trouble with this approach [at least the way it is currently taught now].
I do sympathize with your comment, however.
Poop-Loops said:Newton's laws are an approximation. Aristotle's laws are a fabrication. :(
robphy said:It's easy to say that now.
The best time for high school students to take physics is typically during their junior or senior year. This is because most students have already taken algebra and geometry, which are important foundations for understanding physics concepts. Additionally, many colleges and universities require at least one year of high school physics for admission, so taking it during junior or senior year allows students to have this requirement completed before applying.
It is recommended, but not required, for students to have taken algebra and geometry before taking high school physics. This is because physics involves mathematical concepts and equations, and having a strong foundation in these subjects can make it easier to understand and apply them in physics. However, if a student is motivated and willing to put in extra effort to catch up on any math concepts they may have missed, they can still be successful in high school physics without advanced math courses.
Taking high school physics can have several benefits. It can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. It can also prepare them for college-level science courses and careers in STEM fields. Additionally, many colleges and universities view high school physics as a challenging and rigorous course, and it can help students stand out on their college applications.
This depends on the individual student's goals and abilities. AP physics is a college-level course and can earn students college credit if they pass the AP exam. It is a more rigorous and fast-paced course, so it may be more suitable for students who excel in math and science and want to challenge themselves. Honors physics, on the other hand, is still a challenging course but may move at a slightly slower pace and cover less material. It may be a better fit for students who want to take physics but may not feel ready for the intensity of AP.
Yes, many high schools and online education platforms offer high school physics courses online. This can be a good option for students who have scheduling conflicts or prefer to learn at their own pace. However, it is important to make sure that the online course is accredited and meets the same standards as an in-person course. It is also important for students to have access to hands-on lab experiments and activities, as these are an essential part of learning physics.