The Level 3 course is the continuation of the Level 2 course, going deeper and broader into physics problem solving and taking the students further in physics competitions. The curriculum will cover selected problems from areas of physics needed to succeed at the USAPhO competition: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Fluids, Relativity, Waves, Optics, and Nuclear and Atomic Physics, all at a level beyond AP physics. Each area will be covered over two weekly units with representative problems of serious difficulty. This course requires some calculus (basic differentiation and integration) and will definitely require students to be self-motivated and work very hard for each class. The TA's for this class are our former students who got medals at the USAPhO. Prerequisites: strong self-motivation, proficiency with basic calculus, our Level 2 class or at least 12 points on an earlier F=ma exam. AP Physics highly recommended.
Main goal: After taking this course, students will be ready to pass the annual F=ma competition and to actively participate at the next level of competition, the USAPhO.
| Who | Students in grades 10th - 12th, occasional 9th grader, highly self-motivated |
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| Tuiton | $495 Full payment required at the time of registration. No checks accepted. |
| Course Size | Maximum 15 students |
| New Materials Published and Homework Due |
Spring 2020 Semester:
Saturdays (9:00pm CST)
January: 11, 18, 25 February: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 March: 21, 28 April: 4, 18 No classes: Mar 7, Mar 14, Apr 11 To maximize learning, students are strongly encouraged to e-mail their questions to the instructor. Along with homework
feedback, that communication is probably the greatest benefit of this class.
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| Additional Benefits | This course will go a long way to prepare the kids for the AP Physics tests. Again, our primary goal is to prepare the kids for physics competitions; AP readiness is a side benefit. |
| Expected Prior Knowledge |
Mandatory: Level 2 course at the Academy or at least 12 points on an earlier F=ma test. Very strong math skills are needed at the level of Precalculus and some Calculus. Not mandatory, but desired: AP Physics 1 and 2. |
