Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Click here to get Home School Heartbeat's daily e-mail transcripts

Why Physics?
Volume 102, Program 17
1/25/2011

With the plethora of college-prep courses out there, what classes might be right for your teen? Is there value to studying college-level math and science during high school? Stay tuned as Mike Farris talks with an expert in a rare field—physics—on today’s Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Farris:
With me today is Dr. Michael Kucks, who’s going to be teaching AP Physics (with lab) for Patrick Henry College Prep this fall. Dr. Kucks is our physics professor at Patrick Henry College. I was with some students this last weekend and I asked them who their favorite professors were, and you were tied for the top of the list. Mike, it sounds like you really enjoy this difficult subject.

Dr. Kucks:
I do. It’s something that grabbed my attention early in elementary school: I wanted to know how things worked, so physics seemed to be the best shot at learning that.

Mike:
Not everybody loves physics as much as you do. So, why would a high school student decide to take on college-level physics?

Dr. Kucks: Well, physics, like any subject, is an exercise in logic and pattern recognition. And every subject has those elements. And physics is a field where, if you want to know (looking at the physical world), why there is some order underneath the apparent chaos, physics looks for those patterns, and then uses logic to try and explain what those patterns mean. And from a Christian perspective, physics allows us to see some things into the spiritual realm that you can’t get in other fields. God reveals Himself in His creation.

Mike:
Mike, I know from talking to students here at PHC that you really impart passion in your subject matter. I’m sure the students would enjoy this course. I’m Mike Farris.

PHC Prep

Registration for fall 2011 courses at Patrick Henry College Preparatory Academy begins this week. To learn more about the variety of quality courses being offered, the PHC Prep instructors, or how to sign up for fall classes today, please click the link above. Don�t miss this chance to help your student hone those skills they will need in college—while being taught from a Christian perspective!

Whether you want to stay abreast of homeschooling news and legislative issues, hear about the latest @home e-vent webinar, or get specialized help for teaching your high schooler—or struggling learner—or elementary student, HSLDA’s e-lert service has something valuable for you. Sign up here!