~ David Porter gives students the leverage they need to succeed ~
"Learning AP Physics online over the pandemic as a High School Junior was challenging. However, with Mr. Porter’s clear explanations, useful examples, and guidance, I was able to gain a complete and comprehensive understanding of the subject. I really appreciated Mr. Porter’s experience as a teacher, as it contributed to my successful preparation for the AP Exam." AP Physics student in San Rafael, CA
“With the heavy load my son took this past year, you were able to give him the extra attention he needed in his physics course, helping him to focus his attention. You are very professional, devoted, and I would recommend you without hesitation You’re a great tutor!” Parent of a physics student in San Rafael, CA
What do students learn in high school physics?
In the past, high school students typically took Physics in their senior year, following a year of Chemistry in their junior year. However, since the California science framework was revised in 2016, high schools are now reversing this order, with physics being taught in the freshman year, chemistry in the sophomore year and biology in the junior year. Because freshman haven't had enough math for the more traditional math-based Physics class, Physics offered to most freshmen is Conceptual Physics. As seniors, students can take an elective science, and they may choose to take A.P. Physics.
In a nutshell, Physics is the study of force, energy, waves and particles (whether bowling balls or protons). It predicts how an object will accelerate and the path it will take (like a ball hit with a bat) or how to hold something together (like a bridge). In high school Physics waves are studied and what happens when they interfere. Students will study water waves, sound waves and light waves. Many concepts students will learn are counter intuitive, calling into question assumptions they hold. It is the counter intuitive aspect of studying Physics of every day things that often makes the course so interesting to students.
“With the heavy load my son took this past year, you were able to give him the extra attention he needed in his physics course, helping him to focus his attention. You are very professional, devoted, and I would recommend you without hesitation You’re a great tutor!” Parent of a physics student in San Rafael, CA
What do students learn in high school physics?
In the past, high school students typically took Physics in their senior year, following a year of Chemistry in their junior year. However, since the California science framework was revised in 2016, high schools are now reversing this order, with physics being taught in the freshman year, chemistry in the sophomore year and biology in the junior year. Because freshman haven't had enough math for the more traditional math-based Physics class, Physics offered to most freshmen is Conceptual Physics. As seniors, students can take an elective science, and they may choose to take A.P. Physics.
In a nutshell, Physics is the study of force, energy, waves and particles (whether bowling balls or protons). It predicts how an object will accelerate and the path it will take (like a ball hit with a bat) or how to hold something together (like a bridge). In high school Physics waves are studied and what happens when they interfere. Students will study water waves, sound waves and light waves. Many concepts students will learn are counter intuitive, calling into question assumptions they hold. It is the counter intuitive aspect of studying Physics of every day things that often makes the course so interesting to students.