Live Physics

Areteem offers different courses, workshops, and reviews for students learning physics and preparing for physics competitions (Physics Bowl, F=ma, and Physics Olympiad) and the AP Physics 1, 2, and C exams.

Core Courses

Areteem offers two core physics courses that cover the central knowledge needed as a foundation in physics.

• Physics Fundamentals is an algebra based physics course that covers mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, and modern physics. This course is ideal as a first course in physics, covering material similar to the AP Physics 1 and 2 exams. It also provides the background knowledge for students preparing for the Physics Bowl.
• Physics Challenge II is a calculus based physics course that covers mechanics and electricity & magnetism at a deeper level than Physics Fundamentals. This course is ideal as a second course in physics, covering material similar to the AP Physics C exams in Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism.

Physics Competitions

The two most common physics competitions are the Physics Bowl and the Physics Team (starting with the F=ma exam and leading to the Physics Olympiad competition).

• Physics Bowl is a 45 minute, 40 question multiple choice exam held each Spring in March or April. This exam is algebra based and covers questions and covers basic knowledge from all areas of introductory physics. Click here to visit the Physics Bowl website.
• F=ma and Physics Olympiad are calculus based and cover advanced knowledge in physics. The F=ma exam is a 75 minute, 25 question multiple choice exam held each January. It covers only mechanics. The Physics Olympiad is a 3 hour free response exam held each April. If covers all areas of physics and many questions require calculus to justify answers. Click here to visit the Physics Team website for more information about F=ma and Physics Olympiad.

Preparation for Competitions

• Physics Bowl: Students preparing for the Physics Bowl should take Physics Fundamentals to build the background knowledge needed for the exam. Areteem Physics Bowl workshops throughout the year will provide an extra boost and build problem solving techniques.
• F=ma: Students preparing for the F=ma exam need to be comfortable with advanced mechanics and reasoning with calculus. The summer and fall terms of Physics Challenge II provide this background.
• Physics Olympiad: Students who have passed the F=ma exam and want to succeed in the Physics Olympiad need to be comfortable with advanced calculus based physics covering a range of topics. Those who need a refresher in mechanics and electricity & magnetism should take the summer, fall, and winter terms of Physics Challenge II.

Students already comfortable with the background knowledge above can see the Physics Competition Prep courses available below or by clicking here.