Freshmen at Deerfield High School start their science journey with Physics, a unique approach that has proved to be worthwhile. Most students nationally learn formulas before ever seeing how they work, but here freshmen do it the other way around. Beginning with physics has allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of both science and mathematical concepts, paving the way for success in college-level courses.
Science teacher Mr. Stafford, who was hired at DHS to launch the Physics First program 19 years ago, explains that starting with physics allows freshmen to see how the math they are learning can be applied to real world situations. He claims , “Physics is where math comes to life. It’s right in front of you.”
Freshmen at Deerfield take either geometry or algebra, two courses that dive into material found in all Physics classes. A freshman taking honors physics and honors geometry noted, “Seeing problems with trig and angles in Physics has helped me to understand questions better in my Geometry class. It all just clicked once I understood where to use certain equations.”
Additionally, when asked if she is able to solve harder problems because she is taking both classes, she said, “Sometimes I’ll even know what my teachers are talking about before they introduce new concepts, which has made both classes way easier.” These firsthand experiences illustrate how freshmen are not only learning Physics, but also being exposed to practical connections between subjects which makes their education more meaningful.
A common concern that students have about physics is the difficulty of the course. The freshmen physics honors class is similar to the standard class that juniors took. When the class was transferred to freshmen, the math was changed to accommodate freshmen math. That being said, the class itself is otherwise the same as what it used to be. Parents may remember Physics as a challenging course from their own school years, which can create the misconception that the class is too difficult for freshmen to be taking. Physics at DHS does not, in any way, disadvantage students and can actually lead to better results in the long run.
By allowing freshmen to take physics classes they have an advantage in future years. Our school chose the order of physics, biology, and then chemistry to align biology with standardized testing. Biology is the most prevalent science course for those exams, and this way students will be fully prepared for it. Additionally, Deerfield only requires students to take four credits, or two full years, of a science class. Research shows that students get burned out or disinterested which can lead them to do the bare minimum, opting out of extra classes. . Deerfield has adapted a more sufficient science program, which allows graduates to be more equipped for college science courses, than those from other schools.
Moreover, according to Mr. Stafford, 17% of Deerfield High School graduates pursue majors in science. It is the second most selected major among students, after business. Other than health related, or pre-med majors, the National Center for Education Statistics suggests a decreased number of students going into science based fields. The importance of students going into scientific careers can not be understated, and Deerfield is helping pave the way for future opportunities.
Physics First is more than just a program, it’s the first step in shaping confident and capable students who are ready to explore future science classes. By giving freshmen a strong beginning, Deerfield is helping students build the knowledge and skills they will carry throughout the rest of high school, college, and beyond. This foundation not only prepares students for advanced science courses, but also encourages them to approach challenges with analytical thinking and creativity. In a world where scientific understanding is increasingly important, programs like these give students the tools to succeed no matter what they choose to do. At Deerfield High School, science is more than a subject, it’s a stepping stone to a lifetime of curiosity that shapes future thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers.
