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Middle School Physics 1

This course introduces students to two areas of physics: geometric optics and waves. Grounded in real-world phenomena, students develop skills in making observations, building and testing hypotheses, recording and analyzing data, and mathematical problem-solving in physics contexts. Students conduct experiments independently using common household materials and conduct virtual experiments through simulations and pre-recorded data.

16 weeks

Diagnostics

ARE YOU READY? DO YOU NEED THIS?

Documents

SYLLABUS
16 weeks ARE YOU READY? DO YOU NEED THIS? SYLLABUS  

Schedule

Monday
Apr 6 - Jul 27
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Apr 6 - Jul 27
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$495 (~$31/lesson)
$495 (~$31/lesson)
ENROLL

AoPS Holidays

There are no classes May 23 ‐ 25, July 3 ‐ 5, September 5 ‐ 7, October 31, November 23 ‐ 29, and December 21 ‐ January 3, 2027.

Who Should Take?

This course is ideal for middle school students who have a solid foundation in mathematics at the prealgebra level or higher. If your student has completed our Prealgebra course or demonstrates equivalent mathematical proficiency, they're ready to dive into the fascinating world of physics.

No prior science coursework is required to succeed in this class. However, students with experience at the elementary science level will find that background provides a helpful springboard for the concepts explored in this course.

Lessons

1 Shadows
2 Light and Matter
3 Sight and Images
4 Color
5 Mirrors
6 Curved Mirrors
7 Speed of Light
8 Refraction and Lenses
9 Sound as Vibration
10 Loudness
11 Musical Instruments
12 Interference
13 Doppler Effect
14 Sound in Different Media
15 Water Waves
16 Light as a Wave

I really liked this course because the approach to math was much more interesting than in school. The explanations were thorough. I liked that the course touched on a lot of different topics that are based more on logic and applying concepts we have already learned. Also, the online classroom idea is more convenient than attending an actual class. This was my first course, but I will want to do more now.