Course Overview

Honors Physics B is the second course in the honors-level physics sequence, designed to deepen students' understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and their applications to the modern world. Building on the foundation of Honors Physics A, this course emphasizes the study of waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Students learn to describe physical phenomena using a small number of core assumptions, concepts, and equations while applying these principles to real-world scenarios. The course's accelerated pace and rigorous academic standards prepare students for advanced physics coursework and STEM career pathways.

Key Learning Focus

• Waves, Sound, and Light: Exploring wave properties, interference, reflection, refraction, and applications of optics.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Understanding electric charges, electric fields, current, circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic interactions.
• Electromagnetic Waves: Examining how electric and magnetic fields interact to produce light and other waves.
• Modern Physics: Introducing concepts of atomic physics, quantum theory, and nuclear physics.
• Scientific Reasoning: Using mathematical models and experimental data to predict and explain physical outcomes.
• Real-World Applications: Relating physics concepts to technologies, engineering, and everyday life.

Instructional Approach

The course emphasizes active, project-based learning supported by laboratory investigations, simulations, and problem-solving activities. Approximately 40% of the course involves virtual labs, many of which use simple household items such as rulers, marbles, string, and meter sticks. Students may design and test electric circuits, model magnetic field interactions, conduct wave interference experiments, and explore modern physics concepts through inquiry and research. Critical thinking is fostered through comparing multiple examples, making broader generalizations, and tackling complex conceptual relationships.

Academic Alignment and Progression

Honors Physics B is aligned with state and national science education standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). As the second part of a two-course sequence, it builds directly on Honors Physics A and provides a strong foundation for AP Physics, college-level science courses, and STEM competitions. The course also connects to STEM career clusters, preparing students for fields such as physics, engineering, computer science, and applied research.

Outcomes

By the end of Honors Physics B, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.
• Construct and analyze electric circuits and predict electromagnetic behavior.
• Apply principles of wave motion to sound, light, and electromagnetic phenomena.
• Explore foundational concepts of atomic, quantum, and nuclear physics.
• Conduct laboratory and virtual experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings effectively.
• Be well-prepared for AP Physics, college-level coursework, and future careers in STEM fields.