We know how lost you are. We know you’re searching for answers, mindlessly wandering down the halls.  Lucky for you, three seniors who’ve been through it all are here to help.

Erin Hanratty, Charlotte Hagerman, and Alex Bahr, the blogging trifecta of how-to knowledge, will be working together to help you discover things from how to have fun in Bel Air to how to get an A on your next paper.

We will find examples from students and faculty, as well as our own experiences, to create a How-To guide on making the most of high school.

How-To: Survive Physics

Let’s face it, Honors Physics with Lyle Brennan is notorious for being one of the hardest classes in school. Last year, 50 percent of our section received notes asking them NOT to take the class second semester. This year, nearly 100 students have voluntarily agreed to submit themselves to a year filled with vectors, position-time graphs, and boat problems.

STEP ONE: SHOW UP TO CLASS ON TIME

On the first day of school, and every day from there on out, do not enter room 212 after the tone begins. Yes, that means BOTH feet across the threshold or you will have a hot date after school with Brennan. Instead of handing out real detentions, Brennan gives late or unprepared students “dates.” Basically, you come after school to clean. And do not stand Mr. Brennan up—he is very sensitive. But there’s nothing to fear. He will happily give you a second chance with another two dates if you forget to show up for the first.

STEP TWO: BRING ALL MATERIALS TO CLASS

Remember “the big three:” notebook, textbook, and calculator. A graphing calculator is acceptable for classes, but on tests you must use a specific physics calculator. You will also at times be required to have your straight-edge ruler, protractor, and graph paper. If you forget one of these essential items, it’s a date for you!

STEP THREE: ATTENTION TO DETAIL

On physics homework, for every 1,000 things you can do right, there are 2,000 things you can do wrong. And Mr. Brennan is sure to catch every one of them. The main reason students struggle with physics is not because they don’t understand what’s going on, but because of stupid mistakes. So to avoid this, call a friend after you do homework and check it over.

STEP FOUR: MEMORIZE FORMULAS

Another problem with physics is memorizing a variety of formulas. On the exams and quizzes, you will not have the luxury of a formula sheet. Use songs, acronyms, etc. Just make sure that you know those formulas like the back of your hand. Forget more than one, and you’ll bomb the test. Guaranteed.

STEP FIVE: DO THE HOMEWORK

Every homework assignment is collected and graded. Not doing your homework in physics is unheard of. If you forget a homework, expect to be mocked by Mr. Brennan (who will encourage the rest of the class to mock you) for the rest of the year. If that’s not enough punishment, one failed homework will cause your grade to plummet and stay that way for the rest of the quarter. Also, he doesn’t accept late work. It’s pretty simple: turn work as soon as you walk into the classroom, or don’t turn it in at all.

STEP SIX: DON’T STAND OUT

Last year, I twisted my hair in class, a nasty habit I’ve always had. I was given an ultimatum—bring in a hairnet or get a date for my wrongdoing. I chose to bring in a hairnet, which Brennan kept in his desk and threatened to make me wear if I ever touched my hair in class again. Needless to say, I didn’t. Do not do anything in class to provoke Brennan. Sit quietly and do your work.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to succeed in the treacherous journey through Honors Physics. Despite all of the formulas, dates, and tests in the auditorium, you will be happy that you took it. Brennan is a quirky, yet very effective teacher, and you will not leave that classroom in May disappointed.

Charlotte Hagerman and Erin Hanratty can be reached for comment at [email protected] and [email protected]