Physics – Non-Calculus-Based Physics, to be exact – is new to the lineup of Math Without Borders Homeschool Companion courses. Physics is the practical application of math principles so it is a natural extension to upper level math classes. Teaching “Newtonian Physics,” it introduces the conceptual framework laid down by Sir Isaac Newton. The task is to understand the physical world not just textbook problems. The course structures the lab components – those activities that help the student observe and interact with the intricacies of the physical world – as projects, a method particularly suited to the homeschool. Course components include digital access to video presentations, plus Schaum’s Outline of College Physics. Several math courses are prerequisites for this physics course: algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and trig. It can be done alongside either calculus or precalculus but does not require either.
The course projects require a collection of tools. Economical ways of obtaining these are outlined in a document available on our website at the course listing. The list includes: a scientific calculator (author has suggestions for acceptable units), GeoGebra (a free program used with other Math Without Borders courses), a spreadsheet program, a free software program called Tracker, some enhancements for your cell phone camera, metric measurement tools, and a gizmo called Pocket Lab (somewhat expensive and a good tool but not essential).