I. Structural Engineering and Design

Students will review mechanics (motion) and dynamics (force) and apply it to their own designs.

II. Electricity

Electric charges and fields will be explored but this unit will focus on electric currents via DC circuits and corresponding instruments.

III. Magnetism

Magnets and magnetic fields will be reviewed briefly. Ampere’s Law will be applied to galvanometers, motors, and loudspeakers. Electromagnets and solenoids will be introduced.

IV. Electromagnetic Induction and AC Circuits

Faraday’s Law will be explored through moving conductors, electric generators, and transformers

V. Electromagnetic Waves

Maxwell’s equations will be applied to EM Waves. Radio and television will be used as relevant examples.

VI. Light and Optics

Geometric optics will be explored through mirrors (reflection) and lenses (refraction). The several topics concerning the wave nature of light will be demonstrated such as diffraction, dispersion, spectroscopy, and polarization. Optical Instruments will be researched and discussed. The following are possible examples: a camera, the human eye & corrective lenses, magnifying glasses, telescopes, microscopes, x-rays, CAT scans MRI, etc.

VII. Electronic Design

Students design and construct simple electronic devices.

VIII. Special Theory of Relativity

A brief review of Classical physics will lead to the introduction of Modern physics. Since this is a part of theoretical physics, learning will occur through reading, discussion, and scholarly debate. Discussion will include the following topics: simultaneity, time dilation and the twin paradox, length contraction, four-dimensional space-time, mass increase, ultimate speed, relativistic addition of velocities, and E = mc 2.

IX. Quantum Mechanics

The exploration of modern physics continues. Early Quantum Theory will be reviewed and related to current theory, Quantum Mechanics. Students will discuss famous theoretical epiphanies such as the Double Slit experiment, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty principle, and “Schrödinger’s Cat”. All information will be related to the Periodic Table and the atom.

X. Astrophysics and Cosmology

Solar and stellar astrophysics will discussed including the following: Curvature of space will be related to general relativity, the expanding universe, the Big Bang Theory, and the early history of the universe.