AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE: AP Physics C: Mechanics
TEACHER: Mr. Schwarz
TEXTS: Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday & Resnick 10 th Edition
COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Physics C: Mechanics is taught according to Keyport
High School’s “A-B Block” schedule. Classes are 80 minutes per day, every other day
for the full duration of the school year. Labs will be performed once every two
calendar weeks, or once out of every five class periods. Unit exams will follow the
format of the AP exam, with a timed multiple choice section and free response
section. These exams will be scored in the same manner as the AP exam.
COURSE CONTENT: AP Physics C: Mechanics is an Advanced Placement science
course equivalent to an introductory college physics course that uses a calculus
approach to study the topics in Newtonian Mechanics of kinematics, Newton's Laws,
energy, momentum, gravitation and rotation. Methods of calculus are used wherever
appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical
problems. This course is designed for students aspiring to be physics or engineering
majors. All enrolled students must have previously earned a minimum average of 88
in physics and be concurrently enrolled in calculus. A teacher recommendation is also
required.
OUTLINE OF TOPICS
a.
Kinematics – 5.5 weeks
i.
Measurement
ii.
Motion in one dimension
iii.
Motion in two dimensions
iv.
Test
b.
Newton’s Laws of Motion – 6 weeks
i.
Static equilibrium
ii.
Dynamics of a single particle
iii.
Systems of two or more bodies
iv.
Friction
v.
Test
c.
Work, Energy, Power – 4 weeks
i.
Work and work-energy theorem
ii.
Conservative forces and potential
energy
iii.
Conservation of energy
iv.
Power
v.
Test
d.
Systems of particles, linear momentum – 3.5 weeks
i.
Center of mass
ii.
Impulse and Momentum
iii.
Conservation of Linear Momentum,
collisions
iv.
Test
e.
Circular Motion – 5.5 weeks
i.
Uniform circular motion
ii.
Torque and rotational statics
iii.
Rotational kinematics and dynamics
iv.
Angular momentum and its conservation
v.
Test
f.
Oscillations and Gravitation – 5.5 weeks
i.
Simple harmonic motion (dynamics and
energy relationships)
ii.
Mass on a spring
iii.
Pendulum and other oscillations
iv.
Newton’s law of gravitation
v.
Orbits of planets and other bodies
vi.
Test
g.
Review and AP Exam – 3 weeks
h.
Final Project – 6 weeks
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This is the method on how your final marking period grade will be determined.
- Major Assignments
(50%)
- Minor Assignments
(35%)
- Homework
(15%)
1. AP EXAM – The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is scheduled for May 9,
2016 at Noon. It is required that you take the AP Physics exam. You have
signed up to take an AP course so you should take the AP exam. Generally,
a score of three, or higher on the AP exam can translate into college credit.
Regardless of your score, the AP course and exam will help prepare you for
college. The AP exam is your final exam.
2. Notebook – AP Physics is a subject that is challenging. Organization will be
your best friend. You are required to keep an individual binder, or notebook,
which should be neat, organized and should contain the following:
A. Daily class notes
B. In-class problems and activities
C. Completed homework assignments
D. Graded quizzes and tests
E. Laboratory reports
Keeping an organized binder/notebook allows you ease of studying for tests,
quizzes and exams.
3. Tests – Tests are a major assignment. Tests are a cumulative assessment
based on a specific unit in mechanics. Tests will, generally correspond to
multiple chapters in the text book. Tests are primarily comprised of questions
right from past AP exams. Tests will be administered, and graded, in the AP
format. Tests will always be announced at least three days in advance. There
will be two tests per marking period. Using a cell phone during a test results
in an automatic zero on that test for cheating. Based on previous experience,
each test will comprise at least 10% of your marking period grade.
4. Quizzes – Quizzes are considered minor assignments. Quizzes are short
assessments designed to show your understanding of a specific item of
importance. Quizzes do not have to be announced, and can come in any
form. You should expect a quiz at least once per week. Using a cell phone
during an in-class quiz results in an automatic zero on that quiz for cheating.
Additionally, each unit will have a corresponding proficiency unit assigned in
WileyPLUS. Your proficiency score at the end of the unit will be a quiz grade.
This WileyPLUS work will be done on your own time, and at your own pace
within the in-class unit.
5. Laboratory Work – Individual labs are minor assignments. You will have a lab
once per five day period. Every Friday, we will be performing lab experiments.
Friday will be dedicated to labs. At the end of the marking period, your total lab
average will count as a major assignment.
Lab Day: Friday
Lab Report Due: Thursday
This is the principle method to discover, test and/or illustrate the basic concepts of
physics we will be discussing throughout the year. Most of the laboratory activities
we will be doing have printed directions which will be distributed before the activity.
A few labs will be online simulations. You are expected to read all materials, prepare
any tables and charts, and/or pre-lab sections of the lab report and be ready to
discuss all aspects of the directions prior to work beginning at the lab table.
During the lab period, you will be required to keep a lab notebook. This will keep all
of your data gathered, your observations, as well as a brief summary of what you
discovered. Your lab notebook will be collected once per marking period. Your lab
notebook will be graded as two quiz grades. Failure to turn in your lab notebook at
the end of each marking period will result in a zero for the lab portion of your grade.
A written summary, or report, of the information gathered will follow each laboratory
activity. This lab report shows that you have an understanding of both the scientific
method and the principles behind the lab. You will be given a specific procedure to
follow for the lab report. This procedure is standard throughout all sciences. The
data will be collected in the lab, but presented neatly in your lab report. The report
should be typed at home, and will be due according to the schedule above. Lab
reports must be submitted via Google Classroom, unless otherwise discussed. For
each day late, a 10 point deduction from the grade will occur. Labs will be accepted
up to three days late. Lab reports will not be accepted after that. Additionally,
absence on the day a lab report is due is not a valid excuse for not turning in your lab
report on time. This is due to the fact that you have one week to type your lab report.
A lab report is considered late if it is not submitted according to the Google
Classroom set timeframe. If you are absent on the day a lab is performed, an
alternate assignment will be given.
All lab activities and demonstrations are NOT to be tried on your own outside of the
classroom, unless specifically instructed. Some demonstrations and lab activities
could be potentially dangerous if not done under the proper supervision.
Inappropriate behavior during lab will result in immediate removal from the class for
the year.
Your lab skills will be tested at the end of the course through your final project.
6. Homework – You can expect a homework assignment in addition to your daily class
work preparation every night. Homework will be due the next school day, without
exception. Homework might include, but is not limited to:
A. Written assignments
B. Laboratory reports
C. Reading assignments
D. Practice problems
E. Preparation for tests or quizzes
Homework will be assigned, in some form, just about every night. Homework will be
either “checked” or “graded”. For checked homework, you will NOT be graded on
whether or not the homework is right; rather, you will be graded on whether or not
the homework is done. Incomplete homework will receive no credit. Missed
homework CANNOT be made up. Everyone will start off the marking period with a
100 as their checked homework grade. Each incomplete will result in a 5 point
deduction. This “checked homework” grade will count twice. Additionally, one
homework per five day period will be collected and graded. Students may be called
on in class to answer/explain homework questions. Failure to be able to answer
homework questions will result in an automatic 0 for this homework assignment.
7. Participation – Participation will be considered a major assignment. You are
expected to participate daily in class discussion and activities. To be fully prepared
to do this, it will be expected that prior to class each day you will have reviewed your
notes, laboratory observations and conclusions, read the corresponding section,
and/or written homework assignments from the previous day. Your notebook will
partly reflect your participation.
In addition to working diligently, you must also be present. You will start the marking
period with a grade of 100. Each late you have during a marking period will result in
a 5 point deduction from your participation grade. Every absence past 2 absences
will result in a 5 point deduction. Unauthorized cell phone usage results in a 15 point
deduction. A class cut will result in a 25 point deduction, as well as a mandatory
meeting with guidance and your parents/guardians.
Coming prepared to class ready to pursue information each day is essential to your
success in this chemistry class. Each day, you will be expected to bring:
A. Your physics notebook
B. Pen and/or pencil
C. Completed assignments due that day
D. Your physics textbook (as instructed)
Being unprepared for the day is defined as not having your notebook or a writing
utensil. You will receive 1 point deduction from your participation grade for every two
unprepared grades you receive. Participation makes up approximately 10% of your
marking period grade.
8. Attentiveness – If you read this section, put an “X” over the number seven
that precedes the word “attentiveness” at the beginning of this section.
Failure to “X” this section indicates that you give your consent to being
required to sing a song in front of class. Each Monday, one lucky student
(who did not “X” the seven) will be required to sing a song for the class.
9. Grading – All collected work will be graded and given a weight relative to its
importance. Under most circumstances, you will have your quizzes returned
to you the following class, tests within two days and with all other graded
material being returned within a week. Grades will never be curved.
Additionally, there will be no scheduled extra credit given. You receive
the grade you have earned, which reflects your understanding of the physics
concepts taught. Do not even ask for extra credit.
10. Work missed – It is your responsibility for making up work missed when you
are not in class, regardless of the reason. You must see me before or after
class, or after school on the day you return. I will not chase after you to give
you your make-up work. Assignments missed due to absence are due in the
following manner:
A. Homework/In Class Assignments: the day following your return
B. Quizzes: made up after school within two days of return
C. Tests: Alternate test made up after school within three days of return
D. Labs: A 3-page paper will be assigned in lieu of missed lab; due one
week within return
Failure to make-up work missed will result in zero credit for those items. All
missed work must be made up during your own time, never during class.
There are no exceptions.
11. Additional help – From time to time, you may find yourself in need of
additional assistance. Do not hesitate to seek help. I am available after
school on most days. Students must use the After School Help Request form
found on my website to schedule after school help. If a student does not use
the form, I cannot guarantee individualized assistance. Students are also
welcome to email me. You can email me at sschwarz@kpsdschools.org.
Feel free to email me anytime with any question you may have. Questions
can also be posted to their Google Classroom. This will allow other students,
as well as the teacher, to provide assistance.
Classroom Expectations
1. No pagers, phones, toys, or electronic devices of any kind are allowed to be used in
class. Gum, candy, food and open beverages are not permitted.
2. Immature behavior/disruption has no place in the classroom. During lab these actions
are also considered dangerous.
3. Do not abuse hallway/bathroom pass privileges. Cell phone must be left behind on
teacher’s desk for hall/bathroom privileges. Lying about possession of cell phone will
result in termination of hall/bathroom privileges. Other school personnel should give you
a pass to see them before class; you cannot leave class without a pass.
4. Barring emergencies, do not take up class time with matters not involving the whole
class. See me off class time or write a note.
5. Don’t be late. Don’t hang out in the hall between classes. Be in your assigned seat
and ready to work before the late bell rings. You will be considered late if you are not in
the room once the bell rings.
6. All students involved in copying HW (and other assignments) will not get credit. No
excuses will be accepted by any party involved.
7. Be respectful of one another. Do not talk over a fellow classmate. If you have a
question, raise your hand and you will be called on.
8. Do not touch lab equipment that is not specifically for your class. This is for your
safety.
Internet/Computer/Technology Usage:
9. Accessing inappropriate web sites, e-mailing, hacking, changing computer settings,
playing games or any other unauthorized use result in disciplinary action, and possible
loss of computer privileges. Additionally, a variety of technology may be used by
students or the teacher to accomplish educational goals within the classroom. Students
must handle all equipment with respect and only when told to do so.
10. Students are not permitted to record, audibly, visually, or by any other means, the
teacher and/or the class. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in removal from the
class.
11. In addition to the previous, all school rules/policies apply to the classroom/lab.
Students should be familiar with them.
12. New rules may be added at anytime should the situation arise.
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY
Please be aware of the following should an emergency arise.
1. FIRE DRILLS: You are to quietly, yet quickly, leave the room in an orderly
fashion. Upon exiting the building, you must be certain I check you off in
my grade book. This is for your safety should a real fire occur in the
building.
2. LOCK-DOWN DRILLS: You are to move yourself to the designated lockdown area. You are to remain silent for the duration of the drill. In the
case an evacuation is ordered, you are to quietly, yet quickly, as a class,
proceed along the designated route that will be described at the time.
Upon reaching the evacuation area, you must be certain I check you off in
my grade book.
3. FIRES: In the case of a gas fire in the class-room, there is an “Emergency
Shut-Off” button for the gas in the front of the room. In the case of a
chemical fire, there is a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the front of the
room, both rated for chemical fires. In the case of ANY fire, tell the
teacher immediately.
4. CHEMICALS: In the case of a chemical spill, do not touch it, or attempt to
clean it up until directed by your teacher.
5. RESPONSIBILITY: Most emergency situations can be avoided through
acting responsibly. Any irresponsible behavior that potentially may put the
entire class in a hazardous situation will result in your IMMEDIATE
dismissal from the class and failure for the year. When in doubt about a
situation, no matter how “dumb” or “simple” it may seem, always ask your
teacher about it. It is often the “simple” and “dumb” situations which go
untended to that can cause the most trouble.
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand all the sections of
the AP Physics C: Mechanics Course Description.
______________________
(Student’s Name, printed)
____________________________
(Parent /guardian Name, printed)
______________________
(Student’s signature)
_________________________
(Parent /guardian signature)
______________________
(Date)
Please list any email address, home phone number and/or address where I can
reach you when needed:
Parent E-mail Address:_______________________
Parent Phone Number (day):___________________
Parent Phone Number (other):_________________
Address: __________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
***THIS FORM MUST ALSO BE COMPLETED ONLINE AT
MR. SCHWARZ’s PAGE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE
www.kpsdschools.org***