Applied Physics - Overview


Applied Physics, also known as Principles of Technology and often mistaken as AP Physics, involves actual hands-on work with the tools in the workshop (located between the music classes and the new computer lab) and covers several basic Physics concepts. This is a yearlong course available to all Sehome students (freshmen to seniors are all welcome) but students are required to have 1 year of Algebra. The class counts for Science, Math, OR Occupational Education credits.

Catalog Description

Applied Physics or Principles of Technology is an interdisciplinary course, which combines Math, Science and Technology. In the one-year course, there are five units of study: force, work, rate, resistance and energy. Each unit has four related systems: mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal principles of technology. The class also includes a focus on robotics; students will design and construct a special-purpose robot. Applied Physics is designed for students interested in technical careers and other secondary students wishing to further their understanding of the physical principles underlying modern technology. Principles of Technology/Applied Physics meets a lab science requirement at most colleges/universities.

Class Activities

Applied Physics follows a chain of activities throughout the year. In the beginning of each unit, students will be given a text for studies of the Unit. When students finish a chapter of the book (finished reading the chapter and completed the chapter assignments), lab assignments will be given out and students will work in groups to complete the lab activities. Students will fill out a lab worksheet as they progress through the labs, followed by a write-up after each lab. After the labs, students will be given a pre-test assignment that will be due on the day of the test. When the test is finished, the class will move onto the next chapter. Such a pattern will repeat until the book is finished. Upon completion of a book, a project will be given out and students will be free to work on the project at their own pace. The actual workshop will then be opened to the students and materials will be provided for the project. Students will receive credit as long as they're making progress and meet the project deadline with a completed work that reaches the project requirements. A new book will be given out after the project deadline and the whole process will repeat.

Brief Timeline of the Year's Activities