This Conceptual Physics course is designed for high school students who want to explore the fundamental principles of physics without requiring extensive algebra or calculus skills. The course emphasizes a qualitative and intuitive understanding of key physics concepts while relating them to real-world applications. Through engaging discussions, interactive simulations, and practical examples, students will develop a strong conceptual foundation in physics. It can be taken live or in an asynchronous manner.
Topics covered include:
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Motion and Forces – Understanding speed, velocity, acceleration, and Newton’s Laws of Motion
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Energy and Work – Exploring kinetic and potential energy, work, and power
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Momentum and Collisions – Conservation of momentum in everyday situations
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Fluids and Thermodynamics – Basics of pressure, buoyancy, heat transfer, and the laws of thermodynamics
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Waves and Sound – Properties of waves, sound propagation, and resonance
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Light and Optics – Reflection, refraction, lenses, and color perception
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Electricity and Magnetism – Charge, electric circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic applications
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Modern Physics – Introduction to relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic physics concepts
The course focuses on critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and hands-on virtual experiments to reinforce learning. It is ideal for students who want to explore physics concepts in an intuitive and engaging way and who want to understand the beauty of physics in daily life without the complexity of advanced mathematics.
Class Details
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Physics | Traditional, full-year lab-science class
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Tuition & Fees:
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Tuition: $800
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Digital Resource Fee: ~$60 (eBook included)
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See all required class resources HERE.
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Instructor: Ryan Miller
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Dates: August 18, 2025 to May 8, 2026
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Weekly Classes: Live or asynchronous option (choose one or the other at registration)
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Live option: Tuesdays @ 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern
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Students attend and actively participate in live classes weekly with cameras on.
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Asynchronous option:
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Students watch the recording of each week's live class and complete weekly assignments.
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Please note:
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The asynchronous option is NOT a self-paced class.
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The instructional content, assignments, and deadlines are the same for live and asynchronous.
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Students will register for one mode (live or async) and stay in that mode during the year.
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Office Hours: By appointment only
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Grade level: 9th-12th
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Prerequisite: This course is designed for students of all backgrounds, and no prior physics experience is required.
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Recommended background:
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Basic Math Skills – A general understanding of arithmetic and simple algebra (no calculus required).
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Curiosity &; Problem-Solving – A willingness to think critically and apply physics to real-world situations
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Comfort with Technology – Ability to use a computer for virtual labs, online, simulations, and recorded lectures.
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- Class size: 30
- See our FAQs for:
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a complete list of days, times, and breaks
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a list of CA charter schools where this course is a-g approved
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Average weekly time estimate: 8-10 hours
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This course is designed to be flexible but requires consistent engagement each week to ensure success.
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Coursework includes:
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Live or video lectures & readings (2-3 hours): Attending live meetings or watching recorded video lectures and reviewing textbook readings or supplemental materials.
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Homework & Conceptual Assignments (2-3 hours): Completing practice problems, discussion posts, and conceptual exercises to reinforce learning.
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Lab Activities (2-3 hours): Conducting virtual or hands-on experiments, analyzing results, and writing lab reports.
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Quizzes, Exams, & Review (1-2 hours as needed): Preparing for assessments and reviewing key concepts.
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All Blue Tent science courses are NCAA-approved.
Virtual and Hands-On Labs
This course includes a combination of virtual and hands-on lab experiments, designed to enhance conceptual understanding through individual and teamwork-based activities. The labs will focus on exploring physics principles using interactive online simulations and simple, everyday materials to encourage creativity and problem-solving.
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Virtual Labs: Conducted using free online simulations and interactive platforms accessible via a computer, allowing students to visualize and manipulate physical phenomena in a virtual environment.
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Hands-on Labs: Students will perform experiments using common household items or recycled materials (e.g., paper, plastic bottles, string, cardboard) to investigate real-world physics concepts in an accessible and engaging way.
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No specialized lab equipment is required, and students will receive guidance on setting up experiments with readily available materials. Collaborative experiments will encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Digging Deeper
Teamwork Projects: This course includes two collaborative teamwork projects spread throughout the school year, designed to enhance students’ understanding of physics concepts through real-world applications, problem-solving, and group collaboration. These projects will allow students to:
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Apply Physics to Real-World Scenarios: Use conceptual physics principles to analyze and solve practical problems.
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Develop Critical Thinking & Communication Skills: Work with peers to discuss ideas, analyze data, and present findings.
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Engage in Hands-On Exploration: Conduct experiments or simulations together, reinforcing key concepts through active learning.
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Enhance Collaboration & Teamwork: Gain experience in working with a team, dividing tasks, and combining efforts to achieve a common goal.
Projects will be completed remotely using shared online tools, and students will have flexibility in scheduling virtual meetings with their groups. These teamwork projects are a great opportunity to build problem-solving skills, creativity, and scientific reasoning while making physics more interactive and engaging.