By Amanda Tennant, staff writer
There are many distinguished programs at Indian Trail High School and Academy. However, one science program is quickly expanding and creating buzz around the school.
Despite only existing for a few years, the IT Physics Program has made itself known across ITHS&A with conceptual and advanced physics classes as well as three AP classes.
William Krupecki, Indian Trail’s AP physics teacher, recently discussed physics, the physics program and the impact it has on students.
“Physics is the study of systems to represent them as mathematical equations, graphs, and diagrams,” said Krupecki. “Basically, it’s looking at the universe around us, and figuring out how math can be applied to make predictions or further our understanding.”
Krupecki says that physics teaches how the world works around a person.
“Everything from how to effectively throw a stone to how to put a rocket moving faster than a bullet from a gun into orbit around another planet comes from applications of physics,” said Krupecki.
Through the application of physics, modern technologies such as grocery scanners, space rockets, lightbulbs, and cars are all possible, according to aps.org. Also occupations such as engineering, air traffic controlling, and astronauting came about because of physics.
With such a wide range of information physics has to offer, AP Physics seniors Rebecca Johnson and Amelia Ruffolo shared their favorite aspects of physics.
“I think the thing I like most [about physics] is that it is everywhere,” said Ruffolo.
“It’s in everything we see and do.” Indian Trail students work on a recent physics project in William Kru- “I enjoy learning physics because it highlights the patterns and mathematical concepts in nature and motion,” said Johnson.
The physics phenomenon is not just happening in ITHS&A. According to edweek. org, in 2015, 147,000 students took the AP Physics 1 exam and 20,500 students took the AP Physics 2 exam.
As for the future of the physics program, Krupecki is optimistic.
“I’m hoping that we can move towards having all the AP classes here, even the one with calculus at some point in the future. For now, I am trying to see if we can get a unit of AP Physics 2 next year,” he said.
Johnson and Ruffolo also offered future physics students advice.
“If you are taking physics next year, make sure you are prepared for how difficult it is, but if you take it seriously, then you can learn a lot,” said Johnson.
“My advice for those going into AP Physics or [regular] physics is to pay attention,” said Ruffolo.
Overall, Krupecki’s favorite part about teaching physics is for the moment a student finally understands a concept.
“I love those ‘Oh, I get it!’ moments when I’m teaching. A student who has been struggling, and having problems getting the math to work out, then gets some help and suddenly has the idea click… that’s a great moment,” he said. “I teach for those moments.”