This course is a one-semester exploration of the physical world, built around the theme of understanding objects and processes which surround us. Themes to be explored may include conservation of energy and momentum, principles of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, the relativity of time and space, and the quantum mechanical description of nature. Students will explore these and other ideas, with student interest driving the specific topics covered. Experiment and direct observation will reinforce the conceptual understanding of topics, and allow the students to further discover the limits of their application to specific phenomena and devices. Through the preparation of written and oral reports, students will develop skills in the communication of technical themes. Six contact hours each week. This course partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a Natural Science with laboratory. Offered alternate years. C21:NS,SP.