High School Physics Lab

Core Course

This one-year curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of fundamental physics concepts while drawing meaningful connections to Torah narratives and values. Each lab is designed to integrate secular learning with spiritual growth, allowing students to see how scientific principles can reflect divine wisdom.

First Semester

1. Speed and Time Perception Lab

   • Experiment: Measure and calculate the speed of different objects.

   • Objective: Understand basic kinematics and discuss perceived time in Torah narratives (e.g., the sun standing still in the battle of Joshua).

2. Vector Addition Lab

   • Experiment: Use force tables to experiment with vector addition and subtraction.

   • Objective: Learn vector operations and explore balance concepts found in Torah teachings, such as the balance of justice in the Torah.

3. Projectile Motion Lab

   • Experiment: Conduct experiments to study projectile motion.

   • Objective: Understand principles of projectile motion and relate them to the splitting of the Red Sea and the paths taken by forces.

4. Friction Lab

   • Experiment: Examine frictional forces using inclined planes.

   • Objective: Explore how different surfaces affect friction and discuss the concept of force, resistance, and spiritual struggle in Torah (e.g., Yaakov wrestling with the angel).

5. Energy Conservation Lab

   • Experiment: Measure potential and kinetic energy on ramps.

   • Objective: Investigate the work-energy theorem and connect it to spiritual work in Yaakov’s ladder dream, where spiritual energy ascends and descends.

6. Momentum Lab

   • Experiment: Collision experiments to demonstrate momentum conservation.

   • Objective: Understand momentum transfer and relate it to the story of David and Goliath, where a small object (stone) had significant impact.

7. Rotational Dynamics Lab

   • Experiment: Investigate angular momentum with rotating platforms and weights.

   • Objective: Explore rotational inertia and connect it to the dreidel’s significance during Chanukah, reflecting the rotation of spiritual energy.

8. Gravitational Forces Lab

   • Experiment: Use pendulums or gravitational wells to study gravitational forces.

   • Objective: Learn about gravitational attraction and relate it to celestial bodies in Torah (e.g., the creation of the sun, moon, and stars).

9. Sound Resonance Lab

   • Experiment: Experiment with sound waves, frequencies, and resonance.

   • Objective: Understand sound properties and relate them to the Shofar and the walls of Jericho, where sound played a pivotal role in the narrative.

Second Semester

1. Heat Transfer Lab

• Experiment: Examine heat transfer and measure specific heat capacities.

• Objective: Study energy transfer methods and discuss the concept of energy transformation in Torah, such as the burning bush that was not consumed.

1. Ideal Gas Law Lab

• Experiment: Conduct experiments validating the Ideal Gas Law.

• Objective: Explore gas properties and link them to the ten plagues in Torah, particularly the plague of hail mixed with fire.

1. Circuit Building Lab

• Experiment: Build and analyze electrical circuits.

• Objective: Learn about electrical circuits and relate the concepts to the Ark of the Covenant and the flow of divine energy.

1. Light Refraction and Diffraction Lab

• Experiment: Study light behavior through lenses and prisms.

• Objective: Investigate light properties and connect them to the guiding pillars of cloud and fire in the wilderness.

1. Photoelectric Effect Lab

• Experiment: Demonstrate the photoelectric effect.

• Objective: Explore quantum mechanics and discuss its parallels with Kabbalistic concepts of light and divine emanation.

1. Radioactive Decay Lab

• Experiment: Simulate radioactive decay and measure half-life.

• Objective: Understand nuclear physics principles and relate them to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, focusing on destruction and transformation.

1. Time Dilation Simulation Lab

• Experiment: Use simulations to explore concepts of relativity.

• Objective: Study relativity and its relation to the concept of time in Torah, such as the longevity of the patriarchs and time perception in the spiritual realm.

1. Advanced Topic Project Lab

• Experiment: Students design and conduct an experiment based on their chosen advanced topic.

• Objective: Apply advanced physics concepts to real-world scenarios, integrating Torah insights into their project.

1. Cymatics Lab

• Experiment: Visualize sound vibrations using cymatics.

• Objective: Understand the effect of vibrations on matter and relate it to Torah teachings on speech, emphasizing the power of words in creation.