What to expect in Astronomy with Physics? Is it easier than regular Physics?

[Anonymous]

DD struggles in math and found chemistry extremely challenging. We’re trying to decide between Honors and on-level (which she does not want to do). What might she expect in Astronomy with Physics? Is it a bit easier than regular Physics?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

They have overviews of the units covered in each of the courses here:

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/science/hs/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have overviews of the units covered in each of the courses here:

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/science/hs/

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

They are described as exactly the same thing, but the units are very different.

Some docs says it is an elective. Super unclear.

NGSS Astronomy with Physics Course Overview


This NGSS aligned course investigates physical laws and theories, relationships of physical phenomena, and the interrelationships of physics to other fields of human endeavor through the lens of astronomy. Topics include traditional physics subjects (Newtonian mechanics: dynamics, momentum, energy; electricity and magnetism; waves) along with related subjects in earth and space science (plate tectonics; earthquake activity, planetary orbits, solar evolution).

NGSS Physics Course Overview

This NGSS aligned course investigates physical laws and theories, relationships of physical phenomena, and the interrelationships of physics to other fields of human endeavor. Topics include traditional physics subjects (Newtonian mechanics: dynamics, momentum, energy; electricity and magnetism; waves) along with related subjects in earth science (plate tectonics; earthquake activity) and astronomy (solar evolution).

[Anonymous]

I’m not familiar with those MCPS classes, but I am a physicist. The math is unlikely to be significantly more or less challenging for either the physics or the physics + astronomy option. If your kid is interested in space, stars, space flight, or even science fiction definitely go with the astronomy option.

[Anonymous]

It satisfies NGSS requirements for 3rd science. I teach the class and the math component is significantly less and less challenging than for Honors physics.

[Anonymous]

NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

What about the kid who is actually interested in studying Astronomy? Your statement is exactly why I keep saying students need better advising, because there is going to be some kid that actually wants to go to a rigorous college and study astronomy who is going to think taking Astronomy w/Physics looks better for that aim as opposed to taking regular or Honors Physics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

What about the kid who is actually interested in studying Astronomy? Your statement is exactly why I keep saying students need better advising, because there is going to be some kid that actually wants to go to a rigorous college and study astronomy who is going to think taking Astronomy w/Physics looks better for that aim as opposed to taking regular or Honors Physics.

I would still do honors physics given that the astronomy option is not honors.

[Anonymous]

Most of the greatest physicists in history were astronomers.

If it's an NGSS Honors course, Astronomy is as challenging as regular honors physics. If it's not honors, it's less challenging.

[Anonymous]

At my high school, we have Honors Physics.
Astronomy with Physics is the on-level option.
We don’t have a regular on-level physics.
Honors Physics is taught at a higher level than Astronomy with Physics

[Anonymous]

Astronomy with Physics is non-Honors, Alg 1 coreq.
So it’s kind of a decoy class.
Honors physics has Alg 2 coreq.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

What about the kid who is actually interested in studying Astronomy? Your statement is exactly why I keep saying students need better advising, because there is going to be some kid that actually wants to go to a rigorous college and study astronomy who is going to think taking Astronomy w/Physics looks better for that aim as opposed to taking regular or Honors Physics.

The kid who is actually interested in Astronomy will always be taking honors courses, so would not take this class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

What about the kid who is actually interested in studying Astronomy? Your statement is exactly why I keep saying students need better advising, because there is going to be some kid that actually wants to go to a rigorous college and study astronomy who is going to think taking Astronomy w/Physics looks better for that aim as opposed to taking regular or Honors Physics.

The kid who is actually interested in Astronomy will always be taking honors courses, so would not take this class.

Because it is a dumbed down class and the kid will be bored.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here and I also teach both. NGSS Physics and Astronomy with Physics both cover the same NGSS performance expectations, but with very different emphases. Physics feels like more traditional physics with some Earth and Space Science, and includes more mathematical analysis. Astronomy with physics has an astronomy focus with some conceptual physics embedded in astronomy topics. It is intended for students who struggle with math as their 3rd NGSS course, OR as an engaging, but low workload science elective.

What about the kid who is actually interested in studying Astronomy? Your statement is exactly why I keep saying students need better advising, because there is going to be some kid that actually wants to go to a rigorous college and study astronomy who is going to think taking Astronomy w/Physics looks better for that aim as opposed to taking regular or Honors Physics.

They will know that this class is designed for kids who are bad at or uninterested in math to meet a requirement