The F = ma Basic course introduces the student to physics. The mechanics topics required for the F = ma Exam will be taught from a beginner level. Any math topics needed beyond Algebra 1 will also be taught from the beginner level.
Target Competitions
Target Grades
7-9
Who should Take This Course
Course Prerequisites:
- Mathcounts Year-round Advanced*
- or Mathcounts Summer Camp*
- or Algebra 1 equivalent
(* Indicates an Alphastar Academy course)
Exam Weeks
Practice Exams will be given/solved.
Homework
There are weekly homework sets.
Resources
Lecture notes and problem solutions will be available on the learning management system (LMS).
Curriculum
F=ma Basic is a year-long course with the first half in the fall and the second half in the spring. F=ma Basic is also offered as a 3-week long Summer Camp with 15 instructional days.
As a year-long course:
| Weeks | Fall (Part A) | Winter (Part B) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algebra | Work & Energy Part 1 |
| 2 | Trigonometry | Work & Energy Part 2 |
| 3 | 1-D Kinematics | Momentum Part 1 |
| 4 | 2-D Kinematics | Momentum Part 2 |
| 5 | Dynamics Part 1 | Exam Week |
| 6 | Dynamics Part 2 | Rotations & Torque Part 1 |
| 7 | Dynamics Part 3 | Rotations & Torque Part 2 |
| 8 | Exam Week | Angular Momentum Part 1 |
| 9 | Circular Motion Part 1 | Angular Momentum Part 2 |
| 10 | Circular Motion Part 2 | Periodic Motion; Fluids; Error Propagation |
| 11 | Gravity | Exam Week |
| 12 | Exam Week | Exam Week |
As a Summer Camp:
| Day | Lesson |
|---|---|
| 1 | Algebra; Trigonometry |
| 2 | Kinematics |
| 3 | Dynamics |
| 4 | Circular Motion |
| 5 | Gravity |
| 6 | Exam |
| 7 | Work & Energy |
| 8 | Momentum & Collisions |
| 9 | Rotations & Torque |
| 10 | Angular Momentum |
| 11 | Periodic Motion; Fluids |
| 12 | Extra Day |
| 13 | Exam |
| 14 | Exam |
| 15 | Exam; Award Ceremony |
High School Analog
| AlphaStar Course | High School Analog | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| F = ma Basic | First-year high school physics course | |
| F = ma Advanced | AP Physics 1 without DC Circuits | Though the curriculum is similar, F = ma Advanced problems are more challenging than AP Physics 1 problems. |
