Physics

We will be using Physics: Principles with Applications 6/E by Douglas Giancoli, from Prentice-Hall. This is a college level introduction to physics for non-physics majors and requires some algebra and trigonometry, but no calculus. It is supported by a Companion Website at the publishers complete with quizzes and links on related subjects.

I am looking at simulation software for some aspects of the course, but have not yet selected a specific text and CDROM.

Much of the difficulty in learning physics lies in learning how to apply the concepts, usually through mathematical manipulation, to hypothetical and real situations. Pay attention and work through the examples in the test! If you don't understand how the examples work, email me or ask during chat, or compare the problem to another homework practice problem solution that you do understand.

Like all teachers, the author of your textbook needs to present a lot of material as succinctly as possible. Consequently, he sometimes presents as straightforward and simple fact generalizations which ignore special cases and exceptions. Part of my job will be to offer alternatives to this presentation, or to expand it with more examples, so you see some of the complexity behind Giancoli's summaries. This doesn't mean that we will cover it all! If you run across a topic you want to investigate more, let me know. We may try to work it into the course if there is time, or I can work with you on an independent project.

You may order all texts through Scholars Online Bookstore.

A real asset to learning the physics of motion is a good simulator, such as Interactive Physics from Knowledge Revolution. I am not requiring this software for this course, since the full-fledged version (which allows you to design your own simulations) is fairly expensive. The Interactive Physics Player Workbook previously used in this course was based on this program, as are many publically available website demonstrations, which we will look at.

© 2010 This course is offered through Scholars Online, a non-profit organization supporting classical Christian education through Internet-based courses. Permission to copy course content (lessons and labs) for personal study is granted to students currently or formerly enrolled in the course through Scholars Online. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.