RMHS– AP Physics 2 (SC-80), Phy112
Mr. Edelbrock
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Instructor: Mr. Edelbrock M.Ed.
Phone: 308-5621
E-mail: bsedelbr@mpsaz.org
AP Physics
AP Physics 2 is a non-calculus approach to the principles of general physics. Including fluids,
thermodynamics, mechanical waves, electricity and magnetism.
The previous course AP-B covered 2 semesters of college physics which made it difficult to
cover the extensive amount of material to prepare for the AP test. This new course is
equivalent to a second semester university course spread out over the entire school year, so
we have less to cover. Students in this course will be expected to take the AP test which
counts for college credit at many universities. I strongly suggest that students buy one of
the many study guides for the AP test, like 5 Steps to a 5, and prepare throughout the entire
year. This is not a test you can cram for at the last minute!
DE PHY 112
In addition to AP students may also take the course for dual-enrollment credit through Rio
Salado college. The course is Phy 112 and is worth 4 university credits. Rio Salado will be
providing more information about registration or you can go to their website riosalado.edu
Prerequisite
Students should have previously completed a first year physics course like AP1.
It is best for students to be through Trig and enrolled in pre-calc or calc. Although students
may be concurrently enrolled in trig and may do fine in the course.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance and active participation in the laboratory are vital to success in this course.
Absences due to personal illness will be treated by the Mesa Public School policy regarding
such absences. A student who exceeds 9 absences in a semester may not receive credit for
the course. A student who knows he/she will miss a class due to a school-sponsored activity
or personal business must give advance notice to the instructor so that arrangements can
be made for making up the missed assignment. Failure to do so may result in loss of college
credit for work missed during this absence.
Evaluation:
Tests: There will normally be three to four major tests each quarter, and a final exam at the
end of each semester. Students who miss an exam must take the regular test within two
class days or they will receive a zero.
Quizzes: There will be at least one quiz given during each unit. Some quizzes will be announced
but some quizzes will be unannounced. Students who know they will be absent the day of
an announced quiz must take it in advance. Missed quizzes (which are not made up within
two days) will count as a zero.
Homework: homework questions or problems will be assigned for each unit. The problem
solving practice involved in doing homework is an integral part of the learning process.
Assignments must be complete, legible, neatly organized and labeled. Because homework is
a learning process, correct answers are not always expected, but full credit will be given for
demonstrable evidence of honest effort. To receive credit, the student must have their
work in class on the day it is due only. Those absent from class will not be penalized, but
will not receive credit for work. Late work will be evaluated for feedback but will receive no
credit.
Laboratory Reports: All laboratory reports must follow the lab report guidelines discussed in
class. Although a lab group will collect data and create graphs together it is expected that all
students will complete individual analysis of the data and maintain a separate notebook of
all lab assignments. A student turning in a late lab report will receive reduced credit.
Final Exam:
All students will be expected to take the final exam. Taking the AP test does not excuse
students from the final, however, if a student who takes the AP test scores a 3 or better,
then I will not count the final exam score if that works in their favor.
Grading Scale:
A = 100 – 90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 70%
D = 69% - 63%
D- = 62% - 60%
F = 59% or less.
Grade Breakdown:
Test & quizzes: 65%
Labs:
25%
Homework: 10%
Final Semester Grade:
Semester:
80%
Final Exam: 20%
What is an A?
This is a higher level course and most of the students who take this class have been high
achieving throughout their scholastic careers. But physics is difficult and every year I see
students earn their first B or even C. Many have earned straight A’s their whole lives so when
they struggle in physics they feel that it is somehow unfair. According to the district course
catalog an ‘A’ means “Consistently meets curriculum standards at an outstanding level.” To me
an ‘A’ means exceptional or exemplary. In addition to demonstrating effort and turning in
quality work an A student must demonstrate a high level of conceptual understanding on tests
and quizzes. You must remember that the grade distribution in the class is still a bell curve so
even though the class may be filled with very good students, not all will be exemplary. Just do
your best!
SC 80 AP PHYSICS 2 2015-2016
Mr. Edelbrock
Student Name (please print)
Please acknowledge that you understand the class policies and expectations by signing below. This
sheet is to be returned no later than Friday 8/21 for full credit.
Student
Parent
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Parents, if you have any comments or if you would like to leave me a phone number where you can
be contacted, please write in the space below.
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