Physics 101 (by someone who hasn't taken physics yet)

I expect to have a greater understanding of the world around me at the completion of this Physics course. I hope that I learn why elevator pulleys work and how unscrewing the lid to my water bottle and riding my bike to get frozen yogurt relate to physics.

I think studying physics is important because it helps us understand how the world around us works the way that it does. Not only that, but when we have a better understanding of physics we will be able to use that knowledge to an advantage. Finally, studying physics is relevant in life because understanding laws of nature and being able to apply them to daily life can translate into other aspects of life. Learning how to solve problems based on applied knowledge is a good skill to have in life and acquiring that skill can be done through learning physics.

I think that problem solving is being able to assess an issue and find a resolution through applying previous knowledge.

One of my questions about physics is how I can see physics around me beyond just looking at simple machines. I also want to know more about Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity. I would like to know why there is no gravity in space and whether or not that means that the laws of physics are not applicable in space.

A goal that I have for physics this year is to answer the questions I have at the beginning of the course. I would also like to become better at problem solving. Finally, I want to create a successful mousetrap car.