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

[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.

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

They would only know that if someone advised them of such. Looking at the course catalogue they wouldn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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

They would only know that if someone advised them of such. Looking at the course catalogue they wouldn’t.

Blair for example has this info their 9th grade course selection packet.

I assume exiting 8th graders get this counseling info at every school.

[Anonymous]

Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

* regular non-magnet

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

They do.

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseDetails/Index/SCI2005A

https://coursebulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/CourseDetails/Index/SCI2006A

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

Not sure what you mean by hook. Physics is a graduation requirement. It is not optional. Students can fulfill the requirement either through Astronomy with Physics, Honors Physics or AP Physics 1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Not OP but thank you. This is what my kid signed up for and math is not his strong suit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

Not sure what you mean by hook. Physics is a graduation requirement. It is not optional. Students can fulfill the requirement either through Astronomy with Physics, Honors Physics or AP Physics 1

It makes the material more interesting so the kids are willing to engage in class.

[Anonymous]

My non-stem kid took it last year while my stem kid took Honors Physics. DH (engineer) said it was easier, but to non-STEM me, it looked challenging enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My non-stem kid took it last year while my stem kid took Honors Physics. DH (engineer) said it was easier, but to non-STEM me, it looked challenging enough.

It is easier and depending on the school and teacher, it can be a lot easier. It might be worth it to ask around at your particular school.
Honors physics is more challenging but not particularly difficult. AP Physics 1 is a big step up from Honors Physics but still doable for many students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

Not sure what you mean by hook. Physics is a graduation requirement. It is not optional. Students can fulfill the requirement either through Astronomy with Physics, Honors Physics or AP Physics 1

Physics is not a graduation requirement per se. You can get the state- required content in APES in our HS

[Anonymous]

MCPS teacher here. At my school, it’s completely stripped of math and is the on-level option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they just have on-level physics and Honors Physics like they do for chemistry and biology.

Because they already have AP Physics 1 and Honors Physics, and there aren't enough kids at a regular nagnet program who want an Astronomy variant of physics that would have enough Astronomy material to fill the class.

The astronomy is a hook to catch kids who "hate physics".

Not sure what you mean by hook. Physics is a graduation requirement. It is not optional. Students can fulfill the requirement either through Astronomy with Physics, Honors Physics or AP Physics 1

Physics is not a graduation requirement per se. You can get the state- required content in APES in our HS

There were 3 years of students, classes of 2021-23, where the state requirement was very specific about NGSS bio, chem, and physics. That changed to bio, physical science, and earth science (with more classes qualifying) when they switched from full MISA in 11th grade to just Life science MISA after bio.

[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.

This is true. HS counselor here. Each year, I have a couple kids who are at a higher level of math and taking honors and AP STEM coursework get super excited about Astronomy w/ Physics. I advise them to skip this class and check out dual enrollment science electives at MC instead.