Mechanics

Teacher:  Jamie York  (Read more about his biography here)

Dates for 4-Week Course: October 5 to November 6, 2026

Course Description

In this Mechanics course, we begin with the historical transition from the medieval worldview and Aristotelian physics to the development of the modern scientific method brought about initially through the radical ideas of Galileo.  Our focus is then on kinematics (the study of motion), as we search for mathematical relationships between distance, velocity, and acceleration.  Through a series of hands-on experiments and analytical thinking, we follow the path of Galileo to calculate the acceleration due to gravity (on Earth) of objects in free fall.  

We come to appreciate why mechanics is known as the “most mathematical of the sciences” as we derive and use many formulas to describe and predict motion involving inclined planes, uniform acceleration, freefall, and projectiles – and we integrate trigonometry and vectors.  We use a video software application to help us analyze the data we have created, and slowly develop the skills to interpret graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration versus time.  

In the final portion of the course, we delve into the classical mechanics of Isaac Newton and the topics of momentum, force, and energy, as well as Newton’s (three) Laws of Motion.  The course culminates in solving elastic collision problems by using the principles of the Conservation of Momentum and the Conservation of Energy.

Throughout the course, students are expected to attend daily live discussions, watch recorded lectures and demonstrations, perform hands-on experiments, attend weekly group meetings (to work on problems), and write their own essays (main lesson book pages).  The course concludes with a final exam assessing the skills that have been learned during the four-week course.  

Topics Covered:

• Galileo’s life and work
• The Scientific Method
• Aspects of movement: (velocity, acceleration, gravity, etc.)
• The measurement of the acceleration due to gravity
• Free fall and terminal velocity
• Projectile motion
• Mass versus weight
• Kinetic and potential energy
• Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
• Conservation of Momentum
• Conservation of Energy