Are you a grade 12 student in Canda struggling to understand the relevance of Physics as a subject? Are you maybe finding it hard to comprehend certain topics? Or maybe a parent of a grade 12 student who is having issues with this particular subject and grades? Well, you are not alone.
Physics is one of the hardest subjects that high-school students both in Canada and the rest of the world have to encounter as part of their academic journey. From formulas to equations, to learning how to think in a certain manner, physics is no piece of cake.
But that doesn't mean you should despair. Learning physics can be made fun, insightful and quite enjoyable in the right setting. If you want to learn more about the importance of physics in life, and why grade 12 students in Canada can benefit from taking on a physics tutor, keep reading!
If you want to learn more about the grade 12 physics curriculum in Canada and what college physics looks like, check out our article on grade 12 physics here.
Why Should You Learn Physics?
First things first, why is it important to learn physics and take physics class as part of the grade 12 curriculum?
Grade 12 physics enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. It is designed to help students continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, as well as investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation.
Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity and will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related
to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Finally, students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
That said, is it really important to learn all those things for a grade 12 student? Well, it all depends on what your plans are for the future. If you’re planning to go into an engineering, computer science, or physical sciences stream, most often physics is on the required list of courses. So, if you’re even considering entering one of those streams, physics is a must-have.
Physicists are typically quite curious and ambitious since their aim is to understand the fundamental principles that describe and govern all physical aspects of the universe. They investigate by means of controlled experimentation and mathematical analysis. Physics plays an important role in many of the liberal arts disciplines and contributes to society’s understanding of such areas as energy, weather, medical science, and space exploration. A good background in physics (and the associated problem solving skills obtained therein) will prepare you well for a multitude of careers.
Students who study physics or engineering physics are prepared to work on forefront ideas in science and technology, in academia, the government, or the private sector. Careers might focus on basic research in astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, atomic physics, photonics or condensed matter physics, or in more applied research in areas such as renewable energy, quantum information science, materials development, biophysics, or medical physics.
Some other benefits of studying grade 12 physics are:
- Physics teaches you to think: Many people who have studied physics report it helps them develop critical thinking.
- It is evolving all the time: the subject is very broad and constantly evolving. This means that stuff is constantly changing, new things are being invented, and new discoveries are waiting for you to learn all about them. It is one of the more dynamic subjects that keeps you on your toes.
- It can help you get better at math: To put it simply, physics without math simply doesn’t work. Before getting into it, you will have to become a great mathematician as this is essentially what the subject bases on. While many consider math to be more complex, it is more like the stepping stone. You cannot become a physicist without being an excellent mathematician.
- Physics is the basis for most modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering and medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology.
- Physics is challenging: This is one aspect that scares off many students. But it is precisely one of the most important reasons why you should study physics. Pyshics courses require students to master the many concepts and skills that make training in physics so valuable in such a wide range of careers.
- It will make you a problem-solver: Physics can help you in any situation that involves analyzing and even theoretically solving a problem. As a matter of fact, critical thinking, analyzing, and theoretical problem-solving are key skills that every physicist has to have.
- Majoring in physics provides excellent preparation for graduate study not just in physics, but in all engineering and information/computer science disciplines; in the life sciences including molecular biology, genetics and neurobiology; in earth, atmospheric and ocean science; in finance and economics; and in public policy and journalism.
Some degrees and fields that you can look at in the world of physics are:
- an engineering degree.
- a chemical physics degree.
- a maths degree.
- an physics degree.
- a computer science degree.
- a chemistry degree.
- a medical physics degree.
Do you want to find more in-depth tips to study physics? Check out more tips for grade 12 physics students here!
What is AP Physics?
Have you heard people mention the concept AP Physics? Are you considering enrolling in AP Physics?
Advanced Placement or AP programs offer college-level classes and exams to high school students. The goal is to connect students to college success through allowing them to take college classes while still in high school.
The AP program was developed by the College Board, in the United States, to help high school students prepare for college by taking advanced courses, with no set program of courses. Students could take just one or even a dozen AP classes, depending on their school, schedule, and goals. The course work in a given subject is generally equivalent to a first-year college course. As a result, a student who achieves a 4 or 5 is usually permitted to skip the corresponding course as a freshman in college.
There are 38 AP courses available to high school students, including Physics and AP exams are scored on a scale of one to five, as follows:
- No recommendation
- Possibly qualified
- Qualified
- Well qualified
- Extremely well qualified
And what about AP Physics specifically? There are various AP physics courses offered by the CollegeBoard: AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.
AP Physics will most likely be a very challenging course, but it will also be very rewarding. If you can score high enough, you will be able to save time and money by receiving credit for physics classes while you are still in high school. Even if you don’t get credit, taking college-level physics in high school will make your college physics classes much easier.
Another benefit of AP Physics is that Colleges like to look at a high school student’s most challenging courses when considering their transcripts. With AP courses on their transcript, students can stand out as candidates.
That said, taking AP Physics is a big decision. If you’re going to do it, you need to make sure to prepare properly. Keep reading to find out how you can connect with a Physics tutor with the help of Superprof and reach your academic goals.
If you want to learn more about homework resources and how they can help you with your physics class, head to our article here.
How to Find a Tutor for Physics?
Superprof is a platform designed to help students and tutors all over Canada connect and help each other reach their academic and professional objectives.
If you feel like you need physics help, you will see that finding a physics tutor near me is easier than you imagined. All you need to do is conduct a quick search to find the ideal physics tutor in your area and check out the available options.
From seasoned and experienced physics teachers to academics, you will find that the profiles of the physics tutors available are quite diverse. This is why it's important that you conduct a thorough search and look at things like:
- What is the tutor's professional experience?
- What is the tutor's educational background?
- How many years has he been a physics tutor?
- Does he have experience with AP Physics?
- What is their hourly rate?
- Are they available for online tuition or only in-person tutoring?
- What is their tutoring method or methods?
Once you have more information about them, you can ask for a first lesson or take physics lessons online. A lot of tutors typically give these lessons for free since they are a great way to get to know their prospective students and establish common goals.
Don't wait any longer, get the physics help that you need and start taking private lessons with a Superprof tutor!
Find physics help here on Superprof.
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