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Scholars Middle School Physics (Part 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)
CLOSED
Monday
Jun 1 - Sep 21
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Jun 1 - Sep 21
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
Wednesday
Aug 26 - Dec 16
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Aug 26 - Dec 16
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
Friday
Oct 2 - Feb 5
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Oct 2 - Feb 5
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, December 21 ‐ January 3, and February 13 - 15 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 Honors or Scholars Math 6: Prealgebra (Part 2) 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

As someone who is a first-time olympiad taker, WOOT was very helpful. I was introduced to using general techniques like induction, which was very helpful to me. I have also learned subject-specific methods for solving problems, such as, for instance, the nine-point circle. The practice olympiads and AIMEs were very helpful, especially the olympiad, where I got to try solve original olympiad problems that I didn't see a few months ago on the forums. The feedback was also very helpful, giving me advice on how to present my solutions and word my arguments. Overall, I am very impressed with WOOT. I will definitely be taking it in future years to broaden my mathematical knowledge and improve my problem solving skills. Thank you all for the wonderful experience!