This course does not presuppose a prior background in the sciences or mathematics. Inquiry activities are used to promote the development of process and critical thinking skills.
Emphasis is placed on the application of science to the real world.
In many activities computers are used to acquire data and to facilitate data manipulation and graphing. An associated laboratory, using inquiry-oriented activities, allows students to experience the process of science. Emphasis is placed on process and critical thinking skills as well as on environmental issues. Lecture four hours, laboratory three hours per week for traditional sections or an equivalent amount of time for activity oriented sections which integrate lecture and laboratory. Topics include electricity, magnetism, light and an introduction to modern physics.