Welcome to Physics
AP Physics C
What is physics?
• Driven by “big ideas” and key concepts
• Mathematical description of the physical
world (mathematical models)
• Standard nomenclature, with subscripts
• Algebra, trigonometry, geometry,
dimensional analysis, calculus (AP physics
C), etc., will all be used
• Units on numbers are ESSENTIAL
What is AP Physics C?
• College level, calculus based, intended for
future engineering majors
• Weekly afternoon labs – MANDATORY
• Two AP tests: Mechanics, E&M
• Both tests administered on 5/09/16
• Both tests are comprehensive
What is AP Physics C? (cont’d)
• Each AP tests consists of 3 FR questions
and 35 MC questions
• 45 minute time limit on each test
• Both tests allow a calculator and equation
sheet, graded with a STRINGENT rubric
What AP Physics Isn’t
• It isn’t the content that can be learned on
class room time alone
• Minimal retesting
• No extra credit
• Re-teaching is done during tutorials and
AP test prep
Why AP Physics Exists
• College professors see increasing
numbers of unprepared freshman students
• Steps are often taken to “weed out” the
unqualified (UH freshman chem class)
• AP Physics lets students see college level
difficulty before college
My Goals For Students
• Teach students how to:
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Think analytically
Improve math ability
Improve study habits
Improve long-term memory
Improve science reading comprehension
In other words, I want to prepare students for
success at the college level
My methods
• IGUESS method for problem solving
• Emphasis on units, dimensional analysis,
factor/label method
• Symbolic mathematics
• Memorize and derive equations
• Inquiry labs
• A detailed course syllabus
My Expectations
• Follow posted classroom rules
• Follow my instruction regarding physics
• Students take personal responsibility for
meeting deadlines
• Students stay actively engaged in the
learning process
• All AP students will take the AP test
My Expectations (cont’d)
Students adhere to the items listed in the
student physics contract:
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Recognize that for AP physics, the student’s schedule must allow
substantial time for thinking about new and subtle concepts, and a full
schedule of other AP classes will hinder success in this area
Diligently follow the physics syllabus and turn in all work on time
Diligently follow teacher instruction regarding course content and methods
of learning difficult course material
Attend practically all regularly scheduled classes
Make up any class time and work that was missed
Pay close attention during lectures and demonstrations
Take notes in class every day
Review class notes after school on a daily basis
My Expectations (cont’d)
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Carefully read the assigned textbook material before the lecture on that
material
Come to class fully prepared, and ask physics questions over the topics that
will be discussed that day in class
Regularly attend physics tutorial sessions
Attend lab sessions after school or on Saturdays as needed
Take all steps necessary to commit previously learned material to long term
memory (e.g., flash cards, periodic review of “old” material, etc.). In
essence, each chapter in a given physics book is used as a “stepping
stone” to later chapters, so much of the material is cumulative in nature, and
must be remembered if the student is to have success in later chapters
Study for physics tests over a several-day period, and avoid the practice of
“cramming” for a test at the last minute
Format Of My Class
• We will strictly follow a published syllabus
• Homework is assigned via QUEST, and
must be attempted for best results
• Weekly after-school labs (Physics C)
• Tests cover one chapter at a time
• Tests alternate between FR and MC
• FR tests MUST meet all of the AP rubric
criteria
Format Of My Class (cont’d)
• MC tests contain questions from previous
chapters
• End of year – special topic
– AP Physics C: Solver
Issues That Will Lead To AP
Test Failure
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Low algebra skills
Low work ethic (senioritis)
Too much dependence on technology
Lack of critical thinking skills
Low maturity level / lack of focus
No metacognition
Issues That Will Lead To AP
Test Failure (cont’d)
• Copying peers’ homework
• Waiting until the night before a test to read
the text book and/or study (cramming)
• Cell phone or personal device usage
during my lecture or when the “red flag” is
posted
• Too little time outside the class room
devoted to AP physics
Students’ Role
• Diligently follow ALL of the
recommendations on the AP physics
contract
• Do some physics outside of class time
every day
• Memorize equations
• Practice deriving equations
• NEVER attempt to “cram” for tests
Students’ Role (cont’d)
• As I make students aware of weaknesses,
practice working problems in those areas
• Commit to competing with class mates
Closing
• For medicine or engineering majors, this is
the correct class
• To be successful, students will have to
perform at a higher level than ever before
• If students follow instruction, there is a
very good chance that they will pass the
AP test