About the Course
This course covers material typically included in a year-long, algebra-based introductory course in high school physics, a usual prerequisite for advanced physics courses like AP® Physics 1, or IB Physics. The course is divided into two parts: mechanics; and electricity and magnetism. You and your classmates will explore elements of mechanics including kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Then you'll move on to electricity and magnetism topics including electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. In labs, you'll measure and analyze error; determine gravitational acceleration; and experiment with simple circuit analysis and the magnetic deflection of electrons. Lab time constitutes at least 20 hours.
Typical Class Size: 18-20
Learning Objectives
- Apply kinematics and Newton’s Laws to justify the motion of objects
- Employ mathematical computations appropriately for work, energy, and power, and apply the work-energy principle or conservation of mechanical energy
- Analyze and determine the momentum, energy loss, and impulse in colliding systems
- Calculate torque and apply static equilibrium problem-solving strategies to various conditions
- Explain the relationship of buoyancy, pressure, and density of fluids by producing a small model boat that supports extra weight
- Derive and apply simple harmonic motion and wave mechanics to various applications
- Apply optics rules by interpreting mirror and lens diagrams to solve problems involving light passing through a lens
- Analyze, calculate and interpret current, electric potential energy, voltage, and resistance
- Utilize Ohm’s law for circuits and electric power to design a flashlight
- Construct a magnet by calculating magnetic forces and fields and apply them to moving charges
- Determine heat transfer from temperature changes and apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics to calculate the efficiency of a heat engine
- Justify evidence for the wave-particle duality of light
About Extreme Acceleration courses
These courses offer topics condensed into a highly concentrated and accelerated learning experience, and are best suited for advanced learners craving a truly intensive challenge. In online Extreme Acceleration courses, students progress at their own pace with guidance from instructors. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Technical Requirements
Students must bring a laptop computer with at least Windows 10 or a recent version of Mac OS for use during the session. Students may be asked to install simulation software once onsite; detailed instructions will be provided.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Physics: Principles with Applications, by Douglas Giancoli
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid