Exploring Creation with Physics, Second Edition

Sample Module
Table of Contents

Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. is pleased to present the second edition of its Exploring Creation With Physics course. The first edition, originally published in 1996, was the second science course written by Dr. Wile. Now, this award-winning physics course is even better!

The second edition of our physics course has several features that enhance the value of the course:

• The illustrations are in color instead of black and white.
• When Dr. Wile wrote the first edition of the physics course, he did not think he could assume that students who were taking the physics course had already taken his chemistry course. Thus, he decided to include a discussion of measurements and units as the first module of the physics course, even though it was also the first module of the chemistry course. After seven years of experience, we have found that the vast majority of students who are taking physics have taken chemistry. As a result, Dr. Wile has removed that module from the physics course. Instead, there is a four-page summary of what the student needs to know about measurements and units. If the student has not had chemistry or needs to review those concepts, the student is directed to a website that contains the first module of the chemistry course. Because this first module has been removed, there is room for more physics topics, such as a detailed discussion on the physical nature of light as well as additional topics on optics.
• Dr. Wile has been answering student questions on the course for seven years. Those questions have allowed him to realize what sections of the book could be written more clearly. Thus, this edition of the physics course is even more understandable than the first edition!
• For students who need more practice, there are extra practice problems for each module as well as detailed solutions to those problems in the solutions and tests guide.
• The student text has graphic icons that tell the student when there is a related multimedia presentation on the optional multimedia CD.
• There are 50% more experiments as compared to the first edition of the course.
• There is a special website available only to users of the second edition. This website will contain links to web resources such as animations and graphics which will enhance the material in the text.
• Advanced students who have the time and the ability to learn additional material will be directed to online resources which contain advanced subject matter.
• The tests in the solutions and tests guide contain a point system that will aid the parent/teacher in grading the tests.
• There are also cumulative tests in the solutions and tests guide if the parent/teacher wants to give the student quarterly, semester, or final exams.
• Finally, even though the module tests are found in the solutions and tests manual (so that the parent/teacher always has a copy of them), a second set of tests is also provided in a perforated booklet. This will allow the student to be given the tests without referring to the solutions and tests manual.

Please note that because of the differences between the first and second editions, students in a group setting cannot use both. They must all have the same edition. Because of this, the first edition of the course will still be available for those in schools or support groups that use the first edition.

Here are some comments we have received from the students and parents who have used the first edition of the physics course:

• “ My son...loved [your] physics so much that he picked a course of study that would require him to take physics in college. [He] chose Electrical Engineering at [a major university]… and was accepted to the Honors college…His honors class for this semester is physics. He just loves it. He has not seen anything so far that he has not already been exposed to in your book.” --parent
• “My oldest homeschooled student - who LOVED your course - has just finished his first year as an engineering student at [a major university] honors program, and his professors really enjoy him. He is just shy of a 4.0…He still says your physics was the best course he took in homeschool. He is planning on getting his masters and seeking a Ph.D. in his field…As the mom, I have to say 'thanks' to you - your course made the difference!” --parent
• “On my very first test in college physics, I got the highest score in the class. My professor said that I must have had an excellent high school physics course. He was right!” --student
• “This semester, I have been taking an introductory physics course -- it's fascinating, but the teacher moves very fast and doesn't really explain why he's doing what he's doing with equations…The class average for the first test was 59, and I got a 70….Mother got me your physics book. (I used your chemistry book and enjoyed it.) I read through the modules that dealt with what was going to be on our second test (work/energy, gravity, circular motion, waves) and did the Practice and Review problems. It was fascinating -- you explained everything so clearly, and I understood why I had to use certain equations and how to use them…On the second test, the average fell to 52, but I got a 100!” -student
• “After trying [another company's physics course], my son was so discouraged I didn't know what to do. When I heard you speak, I decided to give your course a try. Physics is now my son's favorite subject. I don't know how I can ever thank you!” -- parent
• “[My son] is engaged in self-directed study and . . . has mastered principles and concepts which I would have felt helpless to even present to him . . . Physics was the only college course I dropped, and I've lived in dread of attempting to teach it to my children. You have armed us with a new confidence and competence that is a direct answer to many, many prayers.” -- parent
• “Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to create a physics curriculum that is approachable and understandable for homeschoolers whose parents are not familiar with physics.” -- parent

1. The first book, hardbound, is the student text, which contains all student material, on-your-own questions and solutions, laboratory exercises, and chapter study guides. Color illustrations and diagrams.
   
2. The second book, softbound, is the solutions and tests manual, which contains answers to chapter study guides, tests, and test solutions. B&W.