August 24,2014
AP Physics 1 2015-2016
Myers Park High School
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Mr. Scott G. Shoaf
Email: scottyg.shoaf@cms.k12.nc.us
School Phone: 980-343-5800
After School Tutoring: Tuesday and Thursday 2:20 -3:20
Email is the most efficient way to contact me. Thank you.
Course Objectives: (as given by the College Board)
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Read, understand, and interpret physical information.
Describe and explain the sequence of steps in the analysis of a particular physical phenomenon or
problem.
Use basic mathematical reasoning in a physical situation or problem.
Perform experiments, interpret the results of observations, and communicate results, including
uncertainty assessment.
CLASS WIKI
Information for parents & students can be found at www.myersparkphysics.cmswiki.wikispaces.net .
Upcoming due dates, guided notes, class assignments, and online help can be found on the class wiki.
Remind 101
Students should and parents can get text reminders for class by signing up through Remind 101. Send the
text @1stshoaf to 81010.
Textbook
Textbooks are new be careful with them. They are to be used as a resource at home and you do NOT need to bring
it each day.
Grading Policy
Formal Assessments 70%
Test (5)
Formal Lab (3)
Quiz (1)
Informal Assessment 30%
Informal Lab (3)
Homework and class work (1)
A formal assessment is a test, quiz, project, or formal lab. An informal assessment is homework, class
work, and informal labs. In each category the assignments will be weighted differently.
Grading scale:
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
below 60
Course Topics
Kinematics in 1-D and 2-D
Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion
Work, Power, and Energy
Linear Momentum
Circular Motion and Gravitation
Rotational Motion
Oscillations and Simple Harmonic Motion
Mechanical Waves and Sound
Electric Charge and Circuits
Tests & Quizzes
There will be a test at the end of each unit. Test dates will be announced and posted on the class wiki
at least seven calendar days before the test. Tests will be formatted to mimic the AP test; there will be
multiple-choice and free response questions. Some questions will be based on lab experiments.
Quizzes may be dispersed throughout the unit. The Midterm Exam will be between January 12-20,
2016.
Homework
These assignments will be on handouts, online (only online homework assignments will be graded),
and students will need internet access to obtain the work and turn in your answers. You DO NOT,
however, need to be on a computer to work on the assignment, nor do you need to answer the questions
in order or all at once.
Homework is an extension of the class lesson and is vital to successfully mastering advanced physics
material. You need to work on problem sets every evening, not just the day before it is due. At least
one class period per unit will be devoted to homework discussion. On those days you will work in
small groups to write a comprehensive solution to an assigned problem. Since you will have different
values for your variables you will have to demonstrate your ability to work with variables. These
solutions will then be presented to the class as a whole to help others with their homework. On these
days I will provide some feedback on your solutions, but you should be prepared to work with each
other to develop solutions on your own.
UT Homework Information
Getting Started
a) Log on to the following address
http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student/ or go to the class wiki and use the provided link.
b) Get your UTEID by following the instructions at the given link. Then log back in to the system.
c) When you view "My Courses", if you don't see any courses listed, click "Enroll in new course".
Obtain the unique number for your class from your instructor and enter this when prompted. Your
instructor will be notified that you want to register, and you will see a status message indicating that your
enrollment is pending.
Your number is 08151
d) Viewing and submitting your assignment
Choose My Courses to view your course listings, and then choose a course to see the assignments
associated with that course. Click on an individual assignment to see problems and a form to submit your
answers. Problems have many different variations, so your assignment will be different from another
student in your class. All assignments have due dates and your instructor has the option of displaying a
solution after the due date has passed.
Information on how to choose and enter answers along with a scoring sheet is located on the class
wiki.
Laboratory
Lab experiments will be conducted throughout the year. Most labs will take 45-180 minutes to
complete. Thus at least 25% of instructional time is devoted to lab.
Labs begin with a presentation of a question or problem. A class discussion then takes place during
which students develop hypotheses. Students then form groups and create procedures to test their
hypotheses. At this point, groups proceed to the laboratory and are able to carry out their procedures
and collect data. Next students analyze their data and form conclusions. Each student will generate
their own original lab report for each lab experiment.
Lab Reports
A lab report must be written for each lab. Some reports must be typed and should follow the format of
the Formal Lab Report Format. Reports will be kept in a neat, organized, folder as a Lab Portfolio.
Absences
In the event a student is absent, it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to find out about and turn in any
assignments missed – I will not remind you. You have five days from the date you return to school to
turn in make up work. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn in the
assignment on the day you return. If you miss a lab, test, or quiz due to an excused absence, you must
make arrangements with me to make up the work after school. Students will not be allowed to make
up work during class time.
AP Test
Students will be expected to take the AP Physics test which is scheduled for May TBA, 2016.
Class Materials
These items must be brought with you to class every day:
 Folder or binder with paper
 Pens and pencils
 Scientific calculator
 4 X 4 quadrille (grid) notebook for lab write reports
Grade Updates
Parents can view their child’s grades at any time on the Power School Module. If you are unable to
access this program, please feel free to contact me at any time.
HAVING TROUBLE AND NEED HELP?
1. Try reading the section in your textbook that corresponds to the material being covered in class.
2. Go to the class wiki and link to the online review for topic that corresponds with the material
being covered in class.
3. Come to tutoring afterschool on Mondays or make an appointment.
If you have tried these three things and are still having difficulty, please see me as soon as possible to
explore other alternatives.
Behavioral Objectives
I expect you to adhere to the following rules while in our classroom:
 Be on time: in your seat and ready when the bell rings
 Be prepared: have necessary supplies and completed assignments
 Be respectful: raise your hand to speak and listen when others speak
 Be attentive: listen and follow directions the first time
 Be honest: follow the school’s academic honesty code
 Be safe: always follow all lab safety rules and directions
Students who do not follow the safety rules in the lab will be removed from the lab and will receive a
zero for the activity. If you cause an unsafe situation for yourself or others, further consequences may
also result.
If you break a piece of lab equipment out of carelessness, or because you were not following
directions, you will be held responsible for that equipment.
AP Physics 1
Name: _________________________________________________________ Block: ______
Course Guidelines / Grading Policy:
My signature below indicates that I have been provided with a copy of the course syllabus for
AP physics. My teacher has reviewed these policies with me and I understand what is expected
of me to be successful in this course. I also understand how my grade for this course will be
determined. I agree to abide by these rules and guidelines.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________
To the Parent / Guardian:
It is important that you are also familiar with these guidelines given to your child for use in the
science classroom. Please review these policies carefully with your student and sign the
statement below.
I have read the guidelines on course expectations and grading that were provided to my child. I
understand these guidelines and will support their use in ensuring my child’s success in AP
physics class this year.
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________