High School Physics Homeschool Curriculum
See the full Physics homeschool curriculum for every grade, placement, and sample lessons.
Most high school physics feels disconnected from reality. Ours connects every concept to engineering, astronomy, sports, or whatever field genuinely interests your student.
About high school learners
High school physics explains how the physical world works. Students at various mathematical levels can engage meaningfully with physics concepts. The subject builds analytical thinking valuable across all fields.
- Physics explains everyday phenomena
- Strong connection to engineering careers
- Develops analytical problem-solving
- Hands-on lab work engaging
Learning objectives
- Understand motion, forces, and energy
- Study waves, sound, and light
- Learn electricity and magnetism basics
- Develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving
- Prepare for college physics or engineering
Before and after high school physics
Before starting:
- Algebra (level depends on course difficulty)
- Basic scientific reasoning
- Willingness to engage with challenging material
- Geometry helpful
Previous grade in this subject: 12th grade physics
Sample high school physics assignment
Student interest: Astrophysics
Calculate the orbital parameters needed to send a spacecraft to Mars. Account for gravity wells, transfer orbits, and fuel constraints. Design a realistic mission profile.
What good work shows: Student understands orbital mechanics, gravitational physics, and energy conservation through authentic space mission planning. Develops appreciation for real engineering constraints.
Sample projects and deliverables
Engineering Challenge
Good fit for: Engineering
Design and build a structure or machine to meet specific requirements. Apply physics principles, test your design, and iterate based on results.
Skills used: Mechanics, Forces, Energy, Engineering design
Deliverable: Working project + physics documentation + test results
Technology Deconstructor
Good fit for: Astronomy
Investigate the physics inside everyday technology. Understand how devices work at a physics level. Explain complex technology using physics principles.
Skills used: Electricity, Waves, Sensors, Applications
Deliverable: Technology analysis + physics explanations + visual guides
Natural Phenomenon Investigation
Good fit for: Video Games
Study a natural phenomenon using physics. Explain weather events, natural patterns, or geological processes through physics principles.
Skills used: Energy, Thermodynamics, Waves, Earth systems
Deliverable: Phenomenon explanation + physics analysis + predictions
Space Mission Planner
Good fit for: Sports Science
Plan a space mission using physics principles. Calculate requirements for reaching destinations, understand challenges, and design solutions.
Skills used: Orbital mechanics, Energy, Propulsion, Space physics
Deliverable: Mission plan + physics calculations + feasibility analysis
Same skills, different topics
Physics pathways for diverse interests and goals.
- Engineering Path: Engineering physics → Structural engineering → Bridge loading → Calculating maximum loads for specific beam configurations
- Technology Path: Physics in tech → Electronics → Sensor physics → How smartphone accelerometers detect motion
- Natural World: Physics in nature → Weather physics → Storm formation → Energy calculations for tornado wind speeds
- Space Exploration: Space physics → Rocket science → Propulsion systems → Calculating delta-v requirements for Mars missions
Where high school students get stuck
- Mathematical application to physical situations
- Overcoming incorrect intuitions
- Multi-step problem-solving
- Abstract concepts (fields, waves)
Teaching Approach for High School
Match mathematical level to student readiness. Build conceptual understanding before mathematical formalization. Use extensive hands-on experimentation. Connect to technology and careers students find interesting.