Do you ever wonder why some things are the way they are? The entirety of science in the world is based on this simple concept, but as far as high school science courses go, there isn’t much to learn. Chemistry only teaches you the barebones of the periodic table, as well as how to make salts you’ll never use. Biology explains the inner workings of our bodies that are unobservable without a microscope. The Punnett squares taught in school have zero application to real-world genetics. The only use of these classes is to fulfill graduation requirements or to lead into further study of respective subjects, which yield actual intelligible results in prestigious college courses. Above all of the rest of the science courses lies one subject so practical, so innovative and magical, yet so mysteriously conceptual at the same time. I’m, of course, talking about Physics.

Now, you might be wondering: “Why Physics? That class made me depressed: I failed every test.” Please hear me out: Physics is the most crucial science class on a high school level that one could take. Here’s why:

Application to other classes

Physics is used extensively in Calculus, and kinematics is an advantageous way to master the concepts of derivation and integration. Displacement, Position, and Velocity are the primary units used in AP Calculus AB, and having previously discussed the topics within Physics, I slept through Calculus lectures and did fine on the test. My friend currently takes engineering and can derive an alternative method to calculate equivalent resistance for Physics. Chances are you already know some physics, thus making it easier to jump into for anyone.

Prove real-world scenarios

Do you ever wonder how those karate masters effortlessly chop through boards? Or why boxers lean their heads back upon taking a hit to the face? You might assume, “Oh, they’re just super strong” or “Oh, they’re just scared of being hit, so they retreat back,” but no! Both of these scenarios are explained through simple formulas. Those fighters aren’t just combat experts: they’re physicists! The impulse of a hit is equal to the force times the contact time of the hit. With this knowledge, a karate master reduces contact time between his hand and the board, and the force will be applied at a much greater magnitude. Conversely, a boxer leaning alongside a punch to the face will reduce the amount of force needed to equal the impulse of the base mass and velocity of the fist, subsequently “dampening” the strength of the blow. And this barely scratches the surface of what is possible using physics.

Understand the universe

We are all bound by the physical limitations of this universe. Learning physics is the first step to understanding, discovering, and eventually exploiting these limitations to go beyond what the universe thinks we are capable of. As Dutch astrophysicist Siebren de Kuiper once said: “To understand gravity, is to comprehend the shape of the universe and to hear the harmony that lies beneath.” Physics has unlocked such high gates for humanity, including that of space exploration. And it all begins with learning a concept as simple as gravity. Just as a kilogram of steel isn’t heavier than a kilogram of feathers, physics is just as essential as any other science class that this school can offer.

So before you start a witch hunt to kill me because you hate Physics, consider the magnitude of the possibilities the subject reveals.