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Judging by the number of Saxon Physics books we sell in a year, physics must not be a very popular course among homeschoolers. But this book could change that. Just as in Dr. Wile's other science books, he does a wonderful job of explaining complex ideas in simple, understandable terms, using common household items for experiments instead of expensive lab equipment, and discussing science from a creationist standpoint. The course comes in two parts. The "mass"ive part is the student text, which also includes "On Your Own" questions with accompanying solutions and discussions, lab exercises, end-of-chapter review questions and practice problems. Color drawings help to illustrate points on all the concepts covered, which include Measurement and Units, Motion in One Dimension, Two-Dimension Motion, Newton's Laws, Circular Motion, Work and Energy, Momentum, Periodic Motion, Waves and Optics, Electrostatics, Electrodynamics, Electrical Circuits, and Magnetism. The second part is Solutions and Tests, which includes answers to review questions, answers to practice problems, chapter tests, and test answers. This manual does include the perforated tests listed separately below. Each of the 16 chapters, or modules, is designed to take about two weeks if done daily for 45 to 60 minutes per day. Since physics involves some higher-level math, Algebra I, geometry and basic trigonometry are prerequisites for this course. The author also suggests taking other science courses, like biology and chemistry, before this course. This book was revised in 2004, and the new edition features many useful updates. Module 1 is no longer a review of chemistry, so if a student has not already taken chemistry, he will be directed to an online version of the first module of the chemistry course. This way, students can learn the basic skills needed for the physics course even if they have not taken chemistry. More topics have been added to this edition, as well as extra practice problems; cumulative tests for those who wish to assign quarterly, semester, or final exams; ten more experiments; as well as a directory of online resources for students who have the time and desire to access advanced subject matter. What do students think of the course? One wrote, "On my very first test in college physics, I got the highest score in the class. My professor said that I must have had an excellent high school physics course. He was right!"
Even though the module tests are found in the solutions and test manual (so that the parent/teacher always has a copy of them), a second set of tests is provided in a perforated booklet. This allows the student to be given the tests without using those in the solutions and test manual.