Subject: Science

Physics

Master motion, energy, forces, electricity, and waves in this self-paced, online high school Physics course with real-world applications.

Course Type: Standard High School

Credits: 1.0

Course Description

Excel High School’s online Physics course provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles that govern the physical world. Designed for high school students, this self-paced, asynchronous course covers motion, forces, energy, fields, electricity, and waves, with a strong focus on applying concepts to real-world situations and modern technologies.

Students develop scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and systems thinking through interactive simulations, digital modeling, and engineering design challenges. The curriculum is organized into 14 modules spanning five core units, including Newton’s laws of motion, energy transfer and conservation, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, electrical circuits, motors and generators, wave behavior, and electromagnetic radiation.

Practical applications include analyzing forces in engineering structures, optimizing energy systems, designing efficient electrical circuits, and exploring cutting-edge communication technologies. Each unit integrates lab-based investigations, multimedia lessons, and NGSS-aligned assessments to ensure mastery of concepts and readiness for further STEM study. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to apply physics concepts to solve complex problems and understand the technologies shaping the modern world.

Course Objectives

Apply Newton’s laws of motion to predict and describe the motion of objects under various force conditions.

Model and analyze energy transfer and transformation in mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems.

Represent and explain gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and predict the effects of these fields on objects and systems.

Evaluate the design and function of electrical systems, including circuits and energy generation technologies, using criteria and constraints.

Use wave models to describe and analyze how energy and information are transferred through different types of waves.

Interpret and evaluate real-world technologies using scientific reasoning and engineering practices.

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Course Contents

Module Title	Module Topic(s)
Forces and Motion: The Nature of Forces	Investigate how different types of forces act on objects and influence motion using diagrams and models.
Newton’s Laws of Motion	Explore Newton’s First, Second, and Third Laws to explain how forces influence motion in everyday and engineered systems.
Effects of Forces	Analyze the combined effects of multiple forces on motion through data, graphs, and real-world examples.
Momentum and Energy	Examine momentum, collisions, and the transformation between kinetic and potential energy in systems.
Transforming Energy	Trace energy as it transfers and transforms within mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems.
Transferring Thermal Energy	Compare conduction, convection, and radiation while designing solutions for thermal efficiency.
Mass and Gravitational Fields	Model gravitational forces and orbital motion to explain planetary and satellite movement.
Electric and Magnetic Fields	Represent and predict the behavior of electric and magnetic fields and their effects on objects.
Electrical Energy in Circuits	Investigate current, voltage, and resistance while comparing AC and DC electrical systems.
Electromagnets and Induced Current	Discover how electricity creates magnetism and how electromagnetic induction powers motors and generators.
Energy System Solutions	Evaluate renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and design efficient energy systems.
Modeling and Using Waves	Describe wave properties and interactions to explain how energy moves through different media.
Electromagnetic Radiation	Analyze the electromagnetic spectrum and how radiation interacts with matter in various applications.
Optimizing Information Technologies	Explore how waves are used to encode, transmit, and receive information in modern communication systems.

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
Excel High School follows the Carnegie Credit system, a widely recognized method of measuring student progress based on instructional hours. A single Carnegie credit reflects approximately 120 hours of coursework, typically completed over a full academic year.

Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

Accreditation You Can Trust

See Our Accreditations

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.