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Do I need to buy a physics kit?


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I'm trying to work on budget for next year. My current plan is to do integrated science (physics, chem, bio) for three years. The physics study would break down like this:

 

Year 1: Force and Motion

Year 2: Conservation Laws, Properties of Matter, Oscillations & Waves

Year 3: Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics

 

Is a kit more important in a certain area of physics?

 

Is there a decent book on designing your own physics labs?

 

My dh is a carpenter, we have access to lots of tools. My dad is into electronics, HAM radio gear, so we have access to lots of electronic equipment (although it's mostly older gear).

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No. A magnifying glass would be nice. Some balls. Various bottles and jars. A baking pan with water for waves. If you're really motivated, a pulley or lever, or a rocket :D. A flashlight. Let dc rewire a lamp and play with a string of lights.

 

I'm guessing you already have most of this.

 

The only thing we don't own is a pulley and a rocket. I did ask dh about the pulley this morning. We might have a rocket stored somewhere, that wouldn't surprise me.

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You can find lots of cool stuff for science labs at The Home Depot, Lowe's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight Tools, Radio Shack, Toys R Us, etc. You often don't need kits, but a few choice parts here and there.

 

I like to look through science supply catalogs and figure out how to make similar equipment much more affordably. It sounds like your husband could do something similar.

 

For instance, a friend was able to give me a couple of large empty wire spools from his work, which I was able to use to make a force table. I did purchase the clamp-on pulleys for $6 apiece, but saved something like $150.

 

HTH

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I'm trying to work on budget for next year. My current plan is to do integrated science (physics, chem, bio) for three years. The physics study would break down like this:

 

Year 1: Force and Motion

Year 2: Conservation Laws, Properties of Matter, Oscillations & Waves

Year 3: Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics

 

Is a kit more important in a certain area of physics?

 

Is there a decent book on designing your own physics labs?

 

My dh is a carpenter, we have access to lots of tools. My dad is into electronics, HAM radio gear, so we have access to lots of electronic equipment (although it's mostly older gear).

 

 

Paula, may I ask what text you are using for physics? What will you do for physics labs? IOW, which labs will you do?

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You can find lots of cool stuff for science labs at The Home Depot, Lowe's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight Tools, Radio Shack, Toys R Us, etc. You often don't need kits, but a few choice parts here and there.

 

I like to look through science supply catalogs and figure out how to make similar equipment much more affordably. It sounds like your husband could do something similar.

 

For instance, a friend was able to give me a couple of large empty wire spools from his work, which I was able to use to make a force table. I did purchase the clamp-on pulleys for $6 apiece, but saved something like $150.

 

HTH

 

And Ace Hardware. They have incredible customer service and will patiently help you find what you need. They have even helped me put some stuff together in the store.

 

I like your idea of looking through the catalogues then putting the projects together yourself!

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And Ace Hardware. They have incredible customer service and will patiently help you find what you need. They have even helped me put some stuff together in the store.

 

I like your idea of looking through the catalogues then putting the projects together yourself!

 

The Pitsco catalog is very cool. I might have to request a new one.

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