Novare Physics: Modeling Nature

Description

Written to prepare students for college level STEM programs, this vector-based physics course meets the needs of advanced and honors students. Emphasizing mastery, integration and a kingdom perspective, the scope of material is narrow, covering what advanced physics students should master during the high school years. Topics covered with more complexity include mathematics and vectors, uniform motion, forces, fields and Newton's Law, static equilibrium and torque, energy, rotating systems, pressure and buoyancy, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, simple harmonic motion, electrostatics, geometric optics, nuclear physics and more. Students will also learn the basics of quantum mechanics that includes outside class readings of In Search of Schrodinger's Cat by John Gribbin. Pre-requisites include one year of introductory or first year high school physics, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. Students may take this course concurrently with Trigonometry once mastery of right-angle trigonometry and triangle laws has been accomplished.

Embracing the same philosophy as other Novare science courses, the goal is for students to learn, master and retain what they are learning. This means students will cover fewer topics with more depth. The author also integrates learning by combing skills in the areas of science, math, history, and English Language usage. Additionally, the Kingdom perspective is evident, as students study the complexity of God's magnificent world and current scientific claims. Lab experiments and fully documented lab reports are expected at this level and detailed in the Experiments for Physics: Modeling Nature or Favorite Experiments for Physics and Physical Science. Students completing this course will be well-prepared to take the AP Physics test. Also included are two supplemental (optional) chapters to prepare students for the SAT subject test, the DSST test and the CLEP test, if appropriate.

Components include the Physics: Modeling Nature student text with background information for the teacher, introductory student instructions, and the student textual readings. The text content is well-constructed and understandable, with helpful diagrams and illustrations. Chapter objectives, examples and exercises are also included, along with helpful appendices and an index. 542 pgs, hc.

Experiments for Physics: Modeling Nature contains five upper-level physics experiments that have been adapted from Favorite Experiments of Physics and Physical Science. Background teaching information, learning objectives, and student instructions are laid out in the introduction. Following are the five experiments. Each experiment includes learning objectives, materials list, purpose, overview, pre-lab discussions, additional details about the experiment, and thorough step by step instructions. Labs should be easily replicated at home. Parents/teachers will want to obtain many of the supplies ahead of time as they may not be readily available at local retailers. The back of the book includes a material list with purchasing resource and product number. A review of measurement basics is also included. 87 pgs, pb.

Solutions Manual to Accompany Physics: Modeling Nature contains fully detailed solutions for all the problems in the textbook. 263 pgs, pb.

Also available are the downloadable Digital resources which include quizzes, chapter and semester assessments, and all related answer keys. It also includes study questions for In Search of Schrodinger's Cat, as well as a lesson schedule.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.