The course is developed for middle school students who have no prior exposure to physics and have limited or no advanced math skills (such as trigonometry and geometry). It is for developing basic but broad, simple but correct understanding of physics concepts in mechanics, electricity, circuit, magnetism, thermal science, fluid, wave, optics, atomic physics, and special relativity, and for stimulating students' curiosity towards exploring the world around them with physics intuitions.
Middle School Physics: It will introduce basic concepts in force, motion, work, energy, charge, electricity, circuit, magnetism, heat, behavior of gas and liquid, waves, optics, atom and special relativity, and help to learn the basic problem-solving skills in those subjects. Real world examples and applications will be introduced and discussed to develop students' interest in physics and help to construct their analytical skills with scientific logic.
It is perfect for rising 6th up to 9th grade students who want to have a clear understanding of some very basic physics concepts and want to be fully prepared for taking high school AP level physics courses. It covers also everything needed for students who want to participate in or do better in physics related events in the popular middle school Science Olympiad or to take part in physics-related competitions, such as Physics Bowl and Science Bowl. It also prepares students, with the early bird advantage, for participating in the prestigious national level physics competition, USAPhO (similar to the better known USAMO, USA Math Olympiad) once they get into high school.
The course runs through Fall, Spring and Summer semesters each year to cover all the listed topics. It is strongly recommended to register in Fall and sequentially register in Spring and Summer to complete the study in order. If for certain reasons it is not possible to take the course in the arranged order, you may take the course in any order you can as the course is structured to fit the learning style of typical middle school students and is prepared with such circumstances in mind to help every students to learn all materials.
Is there a prerequisite for the course?
No. It is for rising 6th to rising 9th grade students, or 9th grade students who want to clear up some confusions they have learned in school.
In what format will the course be provided?
It will be provided through a live, interactive online instruction in English.
How long is each lecture?
Typically 1.5 hours eachlecture.
How big is the class size?
Usually less than 20 students.
Are there homework assignments?
Yes, it will be assigned after each lecture.