Honors and AP Physics 2013-14
Dr. Leber
The study of physics provides a systematic understanding of the fundamental laws that govern physical, chemical, biological,
terrestrial and astronomical processes. Many issues of public concern, such as energy, nuclear power, national defense, pollution, and
space exploration involve physical principles. This course will look at how the world works in terms of matter and energy at a level
equivalent to a full year of introductory algebra-based college physics. The content covered in the course will address standards set by
the College Board for AP Physics-B, including mechanics (motion, forces, mechanical energy, momentum), fluid statics/dynamics,
thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, waves & optics, atomic & nuclear physics. Honors students have the advantage of exposure
to all topics of the AP class without the strict AP testing procedures. The topics covered in the course are:
Unit
Major Topics
1. Kinematics—One Dimension
Measurement, Data Analysis, Kinematics
2. Kinematics—Two Dimensions
Vectors, Projectile Motion
3. Forces—Dynamics
Newton's Laws of Motion, Types of Forces, Dynamics
4. Conservation Laws—Linear Motion
Linear Momentum, Forms of Energy, Conservation of Energy,
5. Circular and Rotational Motion
Circular Motion, Newton's Laws—Rotation, Conservation Laws—Rotation, SHM
6. Subatomic Mass, Energy and Momentum
Atomic Nucleus, Photons and Electrons
7. Waves
Wave Motion, Light, Lenses and Mirrors, Interference
8. Fluids and Heat
Static Fluid, Fluid Flow, Heat, Heat Engines
9. Static Electricity
Electric Force, Field, Potential Energy and Voltage, Capacitor
10. Current Electricity
Circuit Elements, Series and Parallel Circuit Design
Magnetic Properties, Induced emf E
11. Magnetism
On top of the content learning objectives, there will also be a deliberate focus on developing skills that will help you to be
successful in a college science environment and the many careers that require a scientific background. These skills include:

Creative, collaborative problem-solving

Engaging in scientific inquiry

Clarifying and communicating ideas

Persisting through challenges and set-backs
I value collaborative work and a positive classroom environment. Therefore, we will work in groups on labs, homework, and even
sections of the test. However, there is a right way to work together and a wrong way. The right way helps you learn: “I tried the problem
but I didn’t get the same answer – let’s compare our work and see if one of us made a mistake.” The wrong way does not: “Loan me
your homework – I couldn’t figure it out!”
Science is learned best by doing! Therefore, we will regularly perform labs and experiments or just play with physics toys. Similar
to homework, there is a right way to collaborate with a group on a lab. Share equipment and roles. Ask every group member to record
part of the data. Discuss the best methods together. Work collaboratively and have fun.
Due to the vast amount of material covered on the AP Physics-B exam, we may not have time to cover every topic to the depth
necessary to master the AP test. Students will need to be self-motivated and willing to put in independent study time. My role as a
teacher is to guide you through the field of physics; as a student, you are solely responsible for actively engaging with the subject to the
best of your ability, in order to pass the AP exam. Remember that this is a college-level course; the bar is set much higher than a
typical high school course. But hard work and a positive attitude are sure avenues to success!
Classroom Policies
Materials and Supplies. You will need to bring these to class everyday:
a. 3-ring binder with notebook paper
d. ruler
b. highlighter pen
e. $20.00 lab fee (donation)
c. scientific calculator
f. Textbook: Physics, Sixth Edition by Giancoli
Website. Homework, calendars, notes, formula sheets and an electronic copy of the textbook can be found on my website:
http://www.oakparkusd.org/Page/6663
Lab Safety. Lab Safety will be strictly enforced. Because we use this room as a lab, no food will be allowed during class. Please review
the Laboratory Safety Guidelines distributed on the first day and be prepared for a quiz.
Extra help and 7th Period Support. I will be in my room everyday at lunch and 7th period to help you understand the material. Mon. and
Wed. I give priority to Global Science, Tues. and Thurs. priority to Physics, but will answer any question if I am available.
Absences and late work. Upon your return, it is your responsibility to check for missed work. Missed labs, tests and quizzes must be
completed during 7th period support within one week or you will receive a zero. Labs can only be made up on Tues. or Thurs.
Cheating. I have absolutely no tolerance for cheating. Evidence of cheating will earn you a zero for the assignment, lab, quiz, or test on
which you cheat. No exceptions. Don’t do it.
Grading: Grading will be based on the percent of the total points earned rounded off to the nearest percent.
A+ = 100 - 97
B+ = 89 - 87
C+ = 79 - 77
A = 96 - 93
B = 86 - 83
C = 76 - 73
A– = 92 – 90
B– = 82 – 80
C– = 72 – 70
Contact Information:
Email: mleber@oakparkusd.org
Or leave a message for me at school: (818) 735-3300 ext ____________
Again, I am looking forward to this semester!
D+ = 69 - 67
D = 66 - 63
D– = 62 – 60
Work Packet: (10 points) You are provided with a work packet for each unit, which includes lecture notes, experiments, practice
problems, practice multiple choice (MC) test questions and practice free response (FR) test questions. The work packet is also available
online. Lectures and experiments are completed in class (although you may need to return during lunch or 7th period to complete the lab).
Practice problems, practice MC and practice FR are done as homework. Work packets are due the day of the unit test. YOU ARE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK, INCLUDING LABS, EVEN FOR DAYS THAT YOU ARE ABSENT.
Unit test: (40 points) After completing a unit, you take a two-part test of MC and FR during one block. You have the option to take the
FR test (10 points) with one partner (whose grade is within 10% of your grade) but the MC test (30 points) will be done alone. If you are
absent for a test, you are expected to make up it up (by yourself) as soon as you can, preferably the next day during 7 th period. Honors
students may use a 3 x 5 index card on the MC portion of the test. In addition Honors students will receive five extra points.
Test corrections: (variable extra credit) Corrected tests are returned as soon as possible (usually the next class period). You can earn
20% of the points missed on the test by doing corrections (up to 8 points). Test corrections include explanations for missed MC and corrected
calculations for missed FR, indication whether you missed the problem due to careless error or didn't know the answer, and a brief
description of what you can do next time to improve your score. Test corrections are due the next period after receiving the corrected test.
Students who do corrections for EVERY test in the semester will receive bonus points equal to 1 % of the total points that semester (Do the
test corrections, they will help you!).
Break Work: (variable extra credit) The first semester content is completed before winter break. The remaining time is set aside for
reviewing and preparing for the semester finals. The process starts during break, when you will review all units (units 1-7), complete practice
MC and FR tests, grade them, and do practice test corrections (extra credit equal to the test correction points for your finals will be earned
by turning in the completed practice tests and practice test corrections).
Practice Tests and Semester Final: For the two weeks after break you will take a series of practice MC and FR tests and do practice
test corrections (10 points). The final includes a lab team portion (50 points), a partner FR portion (40 points) and a solo MC portion (50
points). The total for the semester is 500 un-weighted points.
Class Participation: (10 points) Good citizenship and participation earns you these easy points. In addition, you will be asked to
perform a number of mini-experiments throughout the semester. These will be demonstrated and described during class, but you must finish
them during free class time, lunch, or 7th period support.
Section
1
Date Due
9/10
9/16
2
9/20
9/26
3
10/4
10/10
4
10/18
10/22
5
11/8
11/15
6
11/21
11/27
7
12/17
12/19
1/8
1/14
Fall
Final
1/18
1/22-24
Packet 1
Test 1
Corrections
Point
Worth
10
40
EC <8
Packet 2
Test 2
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
60
100
100
Packet 3
Test 3
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
110
150
150
Packet 4
Test 4
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
160
200
200
Packet 5
Test 5
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
210
250
250
Packet 6
Test 6
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
260
300
300
Packet 7
Test 7
Corrections
10
40
EC <8
310
350
350
Break Work
Practice Tests
Class Participation
Lab Final
FR Final
MC Final
EC <28
10
10
50
40
50
350
360
370
420
460
510
Assignment
Your Score
Your Total
Class Total
10
50
50
Percent