Physics · Semester 1

Mechanics Foundations

Semester 1 covers the mathematical language of physics, one- and two-dimensional motion, force analysis, equilibrium, circular motion, and gravity.

Semester Themes

  • Measurement, units, and scientific notation
  • Kinematics in one and two dimensions
  • Vectors and projectile motion
  • Newton\'s laws, torque, and equilibrium
  • Circular motion and gravity

Module Range

  • Introductory Remarks
  • Module 1 through Module 7
  • Includes experiments 1.1-7.1
  • Weekly review and practice-problem emphasis

Detailed Pacing

Module 1: Motion in One Dimension

This pacing block is organized for a homeschool student who works independently during the week and meets on Friday for guided review, discussion, and experiments.

Week 2

Motion in One Dimension I

Student work before Friday

  • Read the first half of Module 1 on motion, position, distance, displacement, speed, and velocity.
  • Define each new term in a notebook and draw simple motion diagrams on a number line.
  • Complete practice problems comparing distance vs. displacement and speed vs. average velocity.

Key ideas to master

  • Explain the difference between scalar and vector quantities.
  • Calculate distance, displacement, speed, and average velocity from simple examples.
  • Interpret motion in words, diagrams, and basic graphs.

Friday overview

Review the language of kinematics, model one-dimensional motion on a board, and walk through representative examples before checking student reasoning.

Friday experiment

Experiment 1.1: Measuring Average Velocity.

Discussion / assessment

Discuss the practice set, correct misunderstandings, and assign a short oral or written check on distance, displacement, and velocity.

Week 3

Motion in One Dimension II

Student work before Friday

  • Read the second half of Module 1 on instantaneous velocity, relative velocity, and acceleration.
  • Work practice problems involving changing velocity over time and signed quantities.
  • Prepare at least two questions or worked examples to discuss during the Friday meeting.

Key ideas to master

  • Distinguish average velocity from instantaneous velocity.
  • Use relative velocity in simple one-dimensional situations.
  • Calculate and explain acceleration, including positive and negative values.

Friday overview

Connect displacement, velocity, and acceleration, then review how the ideas fit together across the whole module using worked examples and student questions.

Friday experiment

Experiment 1.2: Measuring an Object's Acceleration.

Discussion / assessment

Finish with a cumulative Module 1 review, discussion, and short quiz or verbal assessment before moving into Module 2.

1

Introductory Remarks

Scientific Foundations and Measurement

Topics: Metric system, factor-label method, units in equations, measurements, accuracy, precision, significant figures, and scientific notation.

Lab / activity: Measurement practice and unit-conversion drills.

2

Module 1

Motion in One Dimension I

Topics: Distance and displacement, speed and velocity, average and instantaneous velocity.

Lab / activity: Experiment 1.1: Measuring Average Velocity.

3

Module 1

Motion in One Dimension II

Topics: Relative velocity, acceleration, and average versus instantaneous acceleration.

Lab / activity: Experiment 1.2: Measuring an Object's Acceleration.

4

Module 2

Motion Equations and Free Fall I

Topics: Relating velocity, acceleration, time, and displacement in one dimension.

Lab / activity: Equation setup and problem-solving workshop.

5

Module 2

Motion Equations and Free Fall II

Topics: Free fall, reaction time, terminal velocity, and air resistance.

Lab / activity: Experiments 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3.

6

Module 3

Two-Dimensional Vectors I

Topics: Vectors, graphical addition and subtraction, and vector components.

Lab / activity: Experiment 3.1: Vector Components.

7

Module 3

Two-Dimensional Vectors II

Topics: Analytical vector addition and applying vectors to physical situations.

Lab / activity: Experiment 3.2: Vector Addition.

8

Module 4

Motion in Two Dimensions I

Topics: Navigation in two dimensions, projectile motion, and the range equation.

Lab / activity: Experiment 4.1: Rubber band projectile flight.

9

Module 4

Motion in Two Dimensions II

Topics: Non-ideal projectile situations and measuring horizontal speed experimentally.

Lab / activity: Experiment 4.2: Measuring horizontal speed without a stopwatch.

10

Module 5

Newton's Laws I

Topics: Newton's first and second laws, inertia, mass, and weight.

Lab / activity: Experiment 5.1: Inertia.

11

Module 5

Newton's Laws II

Topics: Normal force, friction, friction equations, and Newton's third law.

Lab / activity: Experiment 5.2: The Frictional Force.

12

Module 6

Applications of Newton's Second Law I

Topics: Translational equilibrium, measuring weight, and rotational motion with torque.

Lab / activity: Experiments 6.1 and 6.2.

13

Module 6

Applications of Newton's Second Law II

Topics: Rotational equilibrium, inclined planes, and multi-object systems.

Lab / activity: Experiment 6.3: Static friction on an inclined surface.

14

Module 7

Uniform Circular Motion

Topics: Centripetal force, centripetal acceleration, and sources of circular-motion forces.

Lab / activity: Experiment 7.1: Centripetal Force.

15

Module 7

Gravity and Planetary Motion

Topics: Gravity, circular motion terminology, fictional forces, and planetary motion.

Lab / activity: Problem set synthesis and orbital-motion applications.

16

Cumulative Review

Semester 1 Review and Assessment

Topics: Review of modules 1-7 with cumulative problem solving, concept integration, and exam prep.

Lab / activity: Semester exam, project wrap-up, or targeted reteaching.

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