Gonna be away from physics for 1 year

[iRaid]

Well here is my problem.. I decided I would take AP Physics B (trig/algebra based) in my junior year of high school. My high school doesn't have AP Physics C so I will essentially be without physics for a year (until college). During that time I feel like I'll lose a lot of knowledge. Any suggestions of what to do or has anyone taken an extended break from physics before? Do you get your "knowledge" back after time or what :p?
Also, I will be taking AP calc AB (Calc I) so I was wondering if I should buy a book and self-study, if so what book.

Thanks for reading.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

Do you have some sort of dual-enrollment program with your local university or community college?

 

[Ryker]

I took a break from Physics for 7 years after high school, and while you obviously forget things, when you revise them, it comes back to you fairly quickly. So don't sweat it, especially over merely a year.

 

[mege]

I think you'll be fine with the year off of Physics - esspecially since you're taking Calculus (which will have a lot of physics-related story problems). Once you get to University, if you're going into any field where Physics is importaint, you'll be taking a Calc-based Physics anyhow. Much of the specifics you learned from the AP-Physics B class will likely be irrelevant as you'll learn new techniques to solve the problems.

As for self-studying Calc I - I wouldn't suggest it (if you're going to take the class). There is a lot of foundational learning that is done with Calculus at all levels and each of the building blocks, in order, are very importaint. Getting ahead of yourself will ruin some of those 'ah ha!' moments that makes math fun ;) Once you get closer to the AP test, look for a self-study book to use as review for the AP test.

Take this for what it's worth, as your mileage may vary (As your school may not fit this mold), but many High School Calculus classes cover nearly enough to prepare students for the Calc BC test (which will be good for a college level Calc II). I only took the AB test out of school, and was deathly bored in my University Calc II as 3/4 of it was review from high school. Talk with your teacher about making work towards the BC test (probably starting after Christmas) if you're really wanting to do something extra Math related.