Syllabus
Relativity
Afternoon Module
1/2 Physics Credit
Introduction:
Relativity is one of the most ground-breaking scientific advances ever. Albert Einstein revealed a universe that does not have the characteristics we might expect of it, exploring the nature of time and space (and eventually stitching the two together into a four dimensional fabric). The theory of relativity ultimately explains gravity, the force that Newton described which started the Enlightenment. On the path to describing gravity in terms of the fabric of spacetime, however, Einstein discovered that certain ideas that have always been taken for granted cannot be considered real.
This is an Honors Physics course, and will feature lots of math. There shouldn’t be much involved that deals with anything beyond Pre-Calculus, although there will be some calc for students who can handle it. Students should have a good basic grasp of dynamics, as relativity takes for granted knowledge of such concepts as velocity, acceleration, and simultaneity.
Assignments and Grading:
Work in this class will be based largely on reading and problems from a text. Each student will receive a copy of “Relativity: The Special and General Theory” by Albert Einstein. In addition to Einstein’s book, we will be working through math problems from various other sources.
The in-class environment will be based to a fair extent on lecturing. You will get homework in the form of reading and math-based problems, and there will be quizzes and tests along the way. Additionally, there will be artistic projects which will focus on depicting ideas and concepts in relativity.
Grades will be based on the following breakdown:
30% Homework
10% Participation
20% Projects
10% Quizzes
30% Tests
