Rocky students need three science credits to graduate, and while Earth Systems Science and Biology are required, that third science credit is all up to you. What most people don’t realize is that you have options — and Physics might just be your hidden gem.
After talking with Mr. Flygt, I’ve gathered everything you would need to know about all the physics classes offered at Rocky.
Let’s start with General Physics. “General Physics is the perfect high school physics class that applies math to solve problems in mechanics, the branch of physics concerned with the motion of objects and systems, and the relationship between motion, forces, and energy,” Mr. Flygt says.
This class strikes a great balance between hands-on projects and math-based problem solving. It will help you better understand how you move around the Earth.
The only negative is that earning a C or better in Algebra 2 is vital for your success.
Take General Physics if you enjoy using math to understand how the world works, are planning to attend college but haven’t settled on a major yet, or simply want to know why things move the way they do.
General Physics helps you see how math applies beyond the classroom–from explaining how a skateboard picks up speed to why a car slows down when you stop pressing the gas. It’s a great choice for students who enjoy problem-solving, thinking critically, and connecting what they learn to the real world.
BUT, if you prefer doing instead of memorizing, Engineering Physics 1 and 2 might be more your lane. Think of it as Physics meets shop class–you’ll use 3D printers, hand tools, and creative problem-solving to understand how mechanical, electrical, and even hydraulic systems work.
Mr. Flygt describes his classroom as “Santa’s workshop,”. I’d say that’s an understatement, considering you’ll build, test, and experiment your way through Physics without a ton of written homework or big tests.
“This is a great class if you do not want a traditional science class; it is about doing and making,” Mr. Flygt says.
You should take this class if you like engineering and have already taken Physics or AP Physics, and would likely enjoy this class if you have taken other classes in woods or metals. Engineering Physics 2 is like Engineering Physics 1, but taken to the sky for flight.
Sadly, according to the science teachers, there hasn’t been enough interest actually to teach it. So, take it if you like working with your hands, enjoy classes like Woods or Metals, or want to see how engineering works in real life.
Engineering Physics is ideal for students who prefer hands-on experimentation over memorization. It’s a good choice if you like solving problems and want to learn how things are made and why they work.
Finally, have you looked at these and want more of a challenge? Let’s dive into AP Physics. AP Physics mimics a first-semester, Algebra-based Physics class one would take in college. You’ll tackle complex math problems, run lab investigations, and apply math to understand the motion of everything from falling apples to orbiting planets.
AP Physics is a challenging course for students who want to study something like science, engineering, or medicine in college. This class will help you build strong problem-solving and analytical skills while showing how math and science explain the world around us. Whether you’re interested in how machines work, how the human body moves, or how energy affects motion, this class gives you a solid foundation for college and future careers in STEM.
A con of this class, like General Physics, is that students must have earned a C or better in Algebra 2 to be successful here.
Physics isn’t just about numbers and formulas; it’s about understanding how the Earth, and beyond, works all around us. Whether you’re calculating equations, building gadgets and doodads, or exploring flight, each Physics class gives you a different lens to look at the world.
So, if you’re still deciding on your third science credit, maybe it’s time to think bigger–or rather, think Physics.
