Why take Physics ?!

For the Practical Reasons:	For the Fun of It:  (Yes, Physics is fun!)
· Physics is a fundamental science like Biology and Chemistry	· Do interesting laboratory experiments involving moving objects
· Physics will help prepare students for college courses in science, engineering, medicine, technology, manufacturing, architecture, and mathematics	· Use some interesting scientific equipment:  Calculator Based Ranging and Motion Detection, optical gates, oscilloscope, stopwatches, voltmeter, ammeter, etc.
· Fulfill graduation requirements with a solid academic course that looks great on your transcript	· Physicists have the best TOYS! – (take the class and see for yourself)
· Physics has many practical applications:  automobiles, airplanes, buildings, structures, machines, electrical and magnetic devices, optical equipment, musical instruments & equipment, etc.	· Learn how all that stuff you learned in math classes (that you thought you would never use again) is very useful in real world applications

What level of Physics should you take?

	Prerequisites	Description
CP Physics	You must successfully complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II It is recommended you take Chemistry before taking Physics.	Solid introduction to Physics with focus on the following topics: Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, static electricity and simple electric circuits
AP Physics 1	Same as above but no grade less than a B in math or science.  Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus (or higher math).	Same as above but at a much faster, college level pace with greater depth and additional topics such as rotational mechanics, simple harmonic motion, Hooke’s Law, waves, and interference.
AP Physics 2	Completion of AP Physics 1 or equivalent course(s)	Designed as a follow-up to AP Physics 1 to provide complete coverage of all major physics topics.  This is a college level algebra-based course with focus on fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, circuits and capacitance, electromagnetism, optics, and particle physics.
AP Physics C: Mechanics	Completion of a prior course in physics.  Concurrent enrollment in Calculus (or higher math).	This is a college level course focusing on Newton’s Laws and Conservation of Energy and Momentum – with applications including rotational motion and systems of particles.  The instruction involves use of calculus and provides much depth on these topics.
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism	Completion of AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Physics 1 and Calculus.	This is a college level calculus-based course focusing on Electricity and Magnetism topics:  electrostatics, fields, potential, circuits, resistance, capacitance, inductance, magnetic fields, induction, etc.