Honors Physics

Description:

Current for 2026–27

This Honors Physics course is designed to provide a rigorous and in-depth study of classical mechanics, while also introducing students to a broader range of physics topics.

Depth-Focused Core (Primary Emphasis)

A strong emphasis is placed on developing a deep understanding of foundational mechanics. The following topics will be explored in greater depth, with extended problem-solving, conceptual analysis, and laboratory work:

• Kinematics (motion in one and two dimensions)
• Forces and Newton’s Laws
• Work, Energy, and Power
• Linear Momentum and Collisions
• Circular Motion, Orbits, and Gravitation
• Rotational Motion (torque and rotational dynamics)
• Energy and Momentum in Rotating Systems

Students will engage in multi-step problem solving, modeling, and analytical reasoning, building both conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency.

Breadth Extensions (Selective Exposure)

After establishing a strong foundation in mechanics, the course will introduce select topics to broaden students’ understanding of physics. These units are designed to provide conceptual exposure to interesting topics in physics.

• Introductory Fluids
• Introductory Waves
• Introductory Thermodynamics (heat, temperature, energy transfer)
• Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (charge, circuits, fields)
• Introductory Optics (light, reflection, refraction)
• Introductory Modern Physics (atomic and quantum ideas, special relativity, as time permits)

Laboratory Component

Laboratory work is an important part of this course and is used to reinforce conceptual understanding and develop scientific skills. Students will participate in both guided experiments and student-designed investigations.

Students will learn to:

• Design and carry out their own experiments
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data
• Identify sources of error and evaluate results
• Maintain a structured lab journal documenting procedures, observations, and reflections
• Write and submit formal lab reports that clearly communicate methods, analysis, and conclusions

Emphasis is placed on developing independence, critical thinking, and clear scientific communication.

Students should plan to average about 5 hours per week of homework for this Honors Physics course.

Optional AP Preparation Track

Students who wish to prepare for the AP Physics 1 exam may opt into an additional, optional, AP-aligned homework supplement. This material is for motivated students who wish to take the AP Exam. It will include recommended assignments (aside from the regular class assignments) consisting of AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions. While class instruction will focus on conceptual understanding through the Honors curriculum, AP students will need consistent exposure to problems that focus on nuanced analysis. This will help them develop the accuracy, speed, and familiarity of format needed to finish the timed exam. Students should expect an additional time commitment of approximately 3–5 hours per week (for a total of 7 to 10 hours of homework per week average for the course). This supplement is optional and not required for success in the Honors course.

For materials, students in the AP track can supplement with a subscription to the Ultimate Review Packet and videos found on Flipping Physics. Details will be sent out at a later date. No additional textbook is required for the AP Prep Track beyond the course text already listed for the main Honors course below.

Corequisite: Physics students must be concurrently enrolled in Pre-calculus or higher math and must enroll in both the Lab and Lecture components of the Honors Physics course.

Prerequisites: Physics students must have already completed Algebra 2 with Trigonometry. (BHSC Algebra 2 includes Trigonometry.) Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, prior enrollment in BHSC/Novare Physical Science and/or ASPC (or equivalent) is required. Enrollment requires teacher approval or successful completion of the placement exam.