Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based homeschool curriculum.
Models, calculations, and lab work connect motion, forces, energy, and momentum.
A personalized lesson from the course
A physics model earns trust when diagrams, equations, measurements, and assumptions agree closely enough to explain a real motion.
- Lesson
- The Model Meets the Motion
- Goal
- Compare a mechanics model with measured behavior and use uncertainty to explain the mismatch.
How a lesson works
An 11-minute reading
This example lesson comes from the unit on mechanics, energy, rotation, and experimental reasoning. It moves from “Represent before calculating” to “Mismatch has causes” and builds to one idea: the gap between prediction and measurement is not failure; it is where the model tells us what it left out.
Help inside the reading
Our Always-On Mentor stays beside “The Model Meets the Motion” the whole way through, answering questions about any highlighted line and, during the Reading Check, clarifying a question without giving the answer away.
A check halfway through
Your child answers “Why is a diagram useful before writing a physics equation?” before reading on, and the Reading Check at the end asks new questions.
A project your child hands in
Measure a moving or rotating system, compare it with an algebra-based model, and explain the mismatch.
- Task
- Use a data table, graph, and uncertainty statement to decide whether the model needs revision
- Hand in
- Physics lab report with diagram, model, graph, uncertainty, and revision
From investigation to evidence
Geometry is recommended, and Algebra II should come before or alongside the course. Each unit pairs models and calculations with lab work. Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based runs through 22 units and 66 skills, starting with kinematics; force and translational dynamics; and work, energy, and power.
- Supervised investigation records
- Diagram, graph, equation, and verbal translations
- Experimental-design and quantitative free responses
Units and skills
Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based22 units · 66 skills
Kinematics3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Kinematics
- Apply mathematical routines to Kinematics
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Kinematics
Force and translational dynamics3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Force and translational dynamics
- Apply mathematical routines to Force and translational dynamics
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Force and translational dynamics
Work, energy, and power3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Work, energy, and power
- Apply mathematical routines to Work, energy, and power
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Work, energy, and power
Linear momentum3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Linear momentum
- Apply mathematical routines to Linear momentum
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Linear momentum
Torque and rotational dynamics3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Torque and rotational dynamics
- Apply mathematical routines to Torque and rotational dynamics
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Torque and rotational dynamics
Energy and momentum of rotating systems3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Energy and momentum of rotating systems
- Apply mathematical routines to Energy and momentum of rotating systems
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Energy and momentum of rotating systems
Oscillations3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Oscillations
- Apply mathematical routines to Oscillations
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Oscillations
Fluids3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Fluids
- Apply mathematical routines to Fluids
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Fluids
Experimental design3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Experimental design
- Apply mathematical routines to Experimental design
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Experimental design
Data and uncertainty3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Data and uncertainty
- Apply mathematical routines to Data and uncertainty
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Data and uncertainty
Scientific argumentation3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Scientific argumentation
- Apply mathematical routines to Scientific argumentation
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Scientific argumentation
Cumulative mechanics investigation3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Cumulative mechanics investigation
- Apply mathematical routines to Cumulative mechanics investigation
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Cumulative mechanics investigation
Safe experimental practice3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Safe experimental practice
- Apply mathematical routines to Safe experimental practice
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Safe experimental practice
Inquiry design and variable control3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Inquiry design and variable control
- Apply mathematical routines to Inquiry design and variable control
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Inquiry design and variable control
Raw data, uncertainty, and error3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Raw data, uncertainty, and error
- Apply mathematical routines to Raw data, uncertainty, and error
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Raw data, uncertainty, and error
Laboratory notebook and scientific communication3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Laboratory notebook and scientific communication
- Apply mathematical routines to Laboratory notebook and scientific communication
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Laboratory notebook and scientific communication
Multiple quantitative representations3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Multiple quantitative representations
- Apply mathematical routines to Multiple quantitative representations
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Multiple quantitative representations
Graph construction and interpretation3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Graph construction and interpretation
- Apply mathematical routines to Graph construction and interpretation
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Graph construction and interpretation
Written mathematical justification3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Written mathematical justification
- Apply mathematical routines to Written mathematical justification
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Written mathematical justification
Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based cumulative assessment3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based cumulative assessment
- Apply mathematical routines to Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based cumulative assessment
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based cumulative assessment
Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam-mode practice3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam-mode practice
- Apply mathematical routines to Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam-mode practice
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam-mode practice
Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based reflection and transfer3 skills
- Create and connect physical representations of Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based reflection and transfer
- Apply mathematical routines to Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based reflection and transfer
- Design an investigation or construct a scientific argument about Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based reflection and transfer
Questions parents ask
How does Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based prepare my student for AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based?
- Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based follows the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based framework unit by unit, as its skill tree shows. Your teen explains and applies the ideas in written responses and projects, so the work shows which skills are secure and which need more practice.
How does a homeschooler register for an AP exam?
- An AP coordinator at an AP-authorized local school arranges registration. Use College Board’s homeschool exam guidance to find a host school. That school sets its deadlines and outside-student policies; its coordinator orders the exam, collects fees, and tells your child where and when to test.
Which course title goes on a homeschool transcript?
- Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based, not AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based. The AP designation requires College Board Course Audit authorization of the course, which framework alignment does not give. We generate the transcript with that title, ready for you to sign as homeschool administrator.
How can AP scores earn college credit?
- Colleges award credit under their own AP score policies. College Board reports scores on a 1–5 scale, separately from our coursework grades; check the college’s required score and whether it grants credit, placement, or both.
Who arranges the labs and equipment?
- We provide the lab sequence, instructions, and analysis questions, grade each investigation report as soon as it is submitted, and keep it with the course record. Your family supplies the equipment, a safe workspace, and an adult present for hands-on work.
Advanced Physics 1: Algebra-Based, with the teaching and records handled
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