“I’m so dead. This physics is so hard.”

“I am so not prepared for the physics midterm!”

Branson ninth-graders have uttered these comments for years. Many Branson upperclassmen widely regard ninth-grade physics as Branson’s most challenging ninth-grade class. Physics by itself is a difficult subject, but ninth-grade physics at Branson proves especially difficult because the course focuses on “experiential learning” and doesn’t use traditional lecture notes or textbooks that many students may be used to.

But there is no reason to worry. For your best chances at passing ninth-grade physics with flying colors, read the following quick tips:

1. If you do not understand a physics concept from class, meet with your physics teacher during flex block or open block. Branson’s teachers are very approachable!
2. If your physics teacher is not available, try asking for help from a different physics teacher. They’re all great!
3. Take notes on important classes, even if you are unaccustomed to note-taking. You may not even understand your notes when you initially take them, but as you become better acquainted with the topic, those notes will prove helpful for study guides.
4. Create a physics group chat with classmates. This will save you countless hours, because you may know how to do one or two problems, a classmate will understand another two problems, and a third may know how to do the last question. Collaborate and work together!
5. Mark down physics quizzes on your calendar. There are many physics quizzes, so it can be easy to lose track of them. Marking down quizzes will also help you stay on top of your physics homework.
6. Create a group chat for any physics small group project. You might need to share data late at night through FaceTime or text, and convenient communication will save time.
7. Complete physics homework earlier rather than later so you can email your teacher questions during the daytime when your teacher checks their email.
8. If your physics teacher does not respond to your email, ask your questions in person (which again, requires starting your physics homework early).
9. If you have difficulty finding your teacher during a flex or open, they might be elsewhere. Try these locations: the library, science offices under Richardson Hall, physics classroom, or the commons.
10. Be respectful of your teacher’s time and always thank your teacher for any help.
11. Finally, if you struggle with a physics concept and need extra practice, create practice questions using ChatGPT or ask your teacher for additional practice problems.

These tips reflect the experience of generations of upperclassmen who were in your shoes only a few years ago. Hopefully these tips will help you smoothly transition into ninth-grade physics. Best of luck!