Lynbrook High School
25-26 AP Physics C: Mechanics Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Thanh Nguyen
Room: 020
Email: thanh_nguyen@fuhsd.org
Welcome to AP Physics! As we explore the infinite worlds of physics, our course goals will be to:
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Engage in the scientific practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards;
Develop into self-directed learners;
Make informed judgments about issues, scientific and otherwise;
Build critical thinking and inquiry skills through designing, implementing, and analyzing labs;
Effectively communicate ideas through speech and writing;
Actively and cooperatively participate and enforce a safe, scientific community.
Course Description: The focus of this course is to prepare students to successfully take the Advanced
Placement Physics C - Mechanics Exam. Students will learn to build detailed mathematical models of the
physical universe using Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus. Accompanying the lectures, the
course will include laboratory experiments, class discussions, practice AP Physics exams, quizzes, tests,
and computer-based graphing. This year’s instructional approach may include occasionally flipping the
classroom. That means time traditionally spent at home doing homework could instead be spent
watching the prepared lesson via the internet. Class time traditionally spent listening to lectures can
now be used to solve physics problems in a collaborative and supportive setting. Internet lessons are
prepared by me, your instructor, and include lectures by me and other professors, demonstrations,
simulations, and real-world examples of the topics at hand.
Materials:
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Textbook: Sears and Zemansky’s University Physics, 15th Edition: Freedman and Young
Daily supplies: writing utensils; writing paper; 3-ring binder, folder, or organizer
Assessment Policies:
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All assignments, homework, and lab reports are due at the beginning of class.
Assignments turned in past a day late will earn a maximum score of 50%.
Each student must write their own lab report. It is understood that data and discussion are
common within your lab group, but the analysis, questions, and graphs must be written
individually. Use of other data or work will be considered an academic violation.
If absent on the day an assignment is due, the student will have the same number of class
meetings as they missed to turn in assignments for full credit.
If absent on the day of a quiz or test, a make-up date must be arranged with the teacher within
a week’s time of the student’s return.
There will be no corrections, retakes, or other redemptive opportunities for Final Exams.
Students will not have the opportunity to make up work, quizzes, tests for unexcused absences.
Original work is expected for all classroom assessments. Regurgitation of unoriginal work on
exams will be considered an academic violation.
Academic Honesty:
Lynbrook’s Academic Code of Conduct will be enforced. It can be found on our school’s website at
https://lhs.fuhsd.org/about-us/general-information/attendance-and-policies
The use of AI-powered text-generating tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard is not permitted in this
class. The use of these tools for any purposes will be treated as plagiarism with no exceptions.
No use of cell phones is allowed during quizzes and examinations. Using cell phones during an exam or
quiz will be viewed as use of unauthorized materials as set forth in the academic honesty policy.
Grading:
Unit Tests……………………………………………. 40 %
Quizzes………………………..…………..…………. 20 %
Lab Reports……. …………..…………..…………. 25 %
Classwork…..….. …………..…………..…………... 5 %
Homework………………………………..…………. 10 %
A ..…….. …………. 89.50 – 100%
B ..…….. …………. 79.50 – 89.49%
C ..…….. …………. 69.50 – 79.49%
D ..……..…………. 59.50 – 69.49%
F ..…………………. 59.49% and less
General Expectations:
1. Upon entrance into the classroom, students will turn in any assignments due for the day, take
their assigned seat, and start on the warm-up activity.
2. Each student will be responsible for:
• Checking the assignments and items written on the posted agenda in the classroom.
• BE ON TIME TO CLASS.
3. Personal electronic devices used for music, video, internet, email, texting or gaming are
prohibited during instructional time.
4. To comply with the new Phone-Free Schools Act (AB 3216), FUHSD now requires that devices
must be turned off during instructional time, with specific exceptions for emergencies, medical
needs and other specific circumstances (FUHSD School Board Policy 5131.8).
5. Unless authorized by your teacher, cell phones and other mobile devices must be turned OFF
and kept in backpacks at all times during class. If seen during class, you will first be given a
warning and if seen again, a written referral will be submitted, and you and your parents /
guardians may be required to meet with an administrator.
6. No food or drinks in work area.
7. Any interference with the learning processes of others be they many or individual will not be
tolerated. This holds true also for any endangerment of classroom safety.
8. All members of the class will be expected to uphold the organization and cleanliness of the
classroom. This is a shared learning space and we must all work together to maintain it.
Office Hours / Extra Instruction / Tutorial Periods:
Students should never hesitate to seek additional help. I will always be available during assigned tutorial
hours and by student appointment. Students can also seek assistance during designated physics
Homework Center hours.