Khan Academy is excited to announce major updates to two of our most popular science courses: AP Physics 1 and our NGSS-aligned Middle School Physics course. Whether you’re guiding high school students through algebra-based mechanics or helping younger learners build foundational physics knowledge, these redesigned courses are built to meet the needs of today’s classrooms.

With standards-aligned content, engaging multimedia, and interactive practice, these courses support meaningful learning and make it easier for educators to deliver high-quality instruction.

Updated AP Physics 1: aligned to the latest CED

Our updated AP Physics 1 course is aligned with the College Board’s updated Course and Exam Description (CED). Covering eight comprehensive units, from kinematics and forces to rotational dynamics, oscillations, and fluids, this course supports AP students, college learners, and anyone interested in Newtonian mechanics. Students can practice with rigorous, exam-style questions while building key skills in data analysis, mathematical modeling, and proportional reasoning.

New interactive articles allow students to derive relationships and test their understanding in a supportive, engaging format—ideal for deepening conceptual knowledge. These features help educators save time while preparing students for success on the AP exam and beyond.

Enhanced Middle School Physics: NGSS-aligned and classroom-ready

We’ve also enhanced our Middle School Physics course to better reflect the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with a focus on three-dimensional learning: Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). Organized into four clear units—Motion and Forces, Non-Contact Interactions, Energy, and Waves—the course helps students understand real-world phenomena while building scientific literacy.

New engaging videos and interactive articles use relatable contexts and animations to clarify complex topics, while “Understand” and “Apply” exercises support vocabulary development and deeper critical thinking. A novel set of hands-on activities help learners make sense of familiar phenomena through inquiry, modeling, and analysis.

Why educators should dive in

These revised courses provide high-quality resources to support educators in implementing high-quality, NGSS-aligned learning experiences in physics. Whether you’re preparing students for college-level exams or building curiosity and competence in middle school classrooms, Khan Academy’s free, flexible, and rigorous physics resources make it easier to engage every learner. Check out our Middle School Physics course and AP Physics 1 course today!