Physics is Taught at Many Different Levels

Myth 1:

You have to be naturally good at physics and math to be successful in high school physics.

Fact:

Physics is taught at many different levels, including classes that introduce physics topics and allow students to build problem-solving skills.

According to the American Institute of Physics (AIP) data, national enrollments have been growing rapidly in high school courses taught at both conceptual and advanced levels. Students may not realize how interesting they might find physics, so trying out a class and asking a physics teacher for support on choosing the right class is a good tactic.

AIP: Physics Enrollments in U.S. High Schools by Type of Course, 1987-2013

5myths Meghan Anzelc

"The first semester of college physics was really hard, being surrounded by classmates who had taken AP Physics in high school which I hadn’t, but I enjoyed the material. I went on to do predictive modeling and now work at an executive search and leadership advisory firm."

Meghan Anzelc, PhD
Chief Analytics Officer

Download the Brochure

APS and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) have created a shareable “5 Myths” brochure for teachers, counselors, and students to download. Check it out!

5 myths brochure cover

Download the Brochure

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