AP Physics 1 2014
Phone: 805-688-6487x2345
e-mail: Gsmith@syvushd.org
AP website: apcentral.collegeboard.com
Text Book: PHYSICS, Third Edition, James S. Walker.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is the equivalent to a first-semester introductory college course in
algebra-based physics. The course curriculum is dramatically different from previous years as
less material is covered though the students are expected to know the material in more depth
conceptual understanding. Students will spend less of their time on formula-based learning and
more of their effort on critical thinking and reasoning skills.
The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular
momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce
electric properties. Twenty five percent of the time is spent in inquiry based labs to help
students gain a better conceptual understanding of the topics. Modified questions from previous
AP tests will be used in class and on tests to develop thinking and prepare students for the AP
exam. Students not longer need to memorize equations and will be able to use a calculator on
all portions of the test.
The course is organized around six big ideas that bring together the fundamentals of science
principles and theories of general physics. This big ideas are intended to encourage students to
think about physics concepts as interconnected pieces of a puzzle. The solution to the puzzle is
how the real world around them actually works.
BIG IDEAS FOR PHYSICS 1
1. Objects and systems have properties such as mass and charge. Systems have internal
structure.
2. Fields existing in space can be used to explain interactions.
3. The interactions of an object with other objects can be described by forces
4. Interactions between systems can result in changes of those systems.
5. Changes that occur as a result of interactions are constrained by conservation laws.
6. Waves can transfer energy and momentum from one location to another without the
permanent transfer of mass and serve as mathematical models for the description of other
phenomena.
LABS
Since so much time is in labs, a separate notebook is required to bring to class every day. All
experiments listed below are “hands on” activities. Each student completes his/her own lab report in a
quad-ruled, carbon copy laboratory notebook. Students conduct the experiment, gather data and form
their conclusions; comparing their results with expected results. Reports are due one week after the
completion of the experiment and must contain separate sections for:
Statement of problem:
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Hypothesis
Discussion/outline of procedure
Data collected from experiment
Data analysis
Conclusion including error analysis
Peer review (if included)
The main goal is to acquaint the student with common lab equipment and measuring devices as
well as familiarize them with a range of experiment techniques and have the ability to clearly report
their findings.
Two real world activities will be assigned over the course of the school year. This is an
extended project that will require the collection of outside source data. Students will use this
data to find out answers to questions posed to the class as well as questions that they
formulate themselves.
HOMEWORK AND CLASS PARTICIPATION
Homework will be assigned every class period which consists of reading, problems from the
textbook and worksheets or practice FRQ problems. A homework quiz will be given each
Thursday or Friday of class based on homework and in class problems. Three of the
homework quizzes may be dropped each semester. If a student is absent, then that will
automatically be a dropped quiz.
Many of the problems chosen require the student’s use of algebra for the solution. Clear and concise
reasoning is essential as well as the inclusion of appropriate units. These problem sets are graded “A.P.
style” for content and correctness.
Each student is periodically expected to present on a whiteboard a solution to a homework problem
and to maintain a notebook with correct solutions to all problems with reminder notes or hints to assist
in review.
EVALUATION
Your grade will be a weighted grade, not total points:
55 % tests (unit tests, quarter tests and finals)
15 % homework quizzes
25 % lab write-ups
5% class participation (being prepared for class, completing work on time, being respectful,
asking questions in class, etc.)
GRADING POLICY (consistent with AP exam)
A - 85% and above
B - 70% to 84%
C - 55% to 69%
D - 40% to 54%
F - Below 40%
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TEST MAKE UP POLICY
Each semester the lowest test grade will be dropped. If you are absent for a test, that test will
count as your dropped grade. Late homework is never accepted unless it results from an
excused absence. If the absence is excused, then the student has as many days that s/he is
absent to complete the assignment. It is the student's responsibility to determine the
assignments that s/he missed. Please look at the website or ask when you return for
assignments. Absolutely no assignments or tests are accepted from absences due to
cuts.
SAFETY
: As with any science class, safety is top concern. No unauthorized experiments, especially in
electricity.
My background: I have worked as a Chemical Engineer and Manager in industry for over
twenty years. In my career and course work at the University of Washington, physics
concepts were threaded through every subject and practical work application. This is my
12th year of teaching math and science.
Looking forward to a fast paced, fun filled year.
Required for participation in the class
Student Signature
________________________
Students Name (printed) ________________________
Parent Signature
________________________
Parent Name (printed) ________________________
You may obtain another copy of this if you wish or download it from my home page on the school
web-site.
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Approximate A.P. Physics Course Schedule (Block Schedule)
Topic
Introduction, Units one dimensional motion
Kinematics in one and two dimensions
 Vectors
 Projectile Motion
Newton’s Laws of Motion
 Static equilibrium
 Dynamics of a single particle
 Systems of two or more bodies
Universal Law of Gravitation
 Uniform circular motion
 Newton's Law of Gravity and Motion
 Orbits of planets
Simple Harmonics, waves and sound
 Mass on a spring
 Pendulum and other oscillations
 Mechanical Waves
 Sound
Momentum, Work ,Energy & Power
 Work and work-energy theorem
 Conservative forces and potential energy
 Conservation of energy
 Power
 Impulse and momentum
 Conservation of linear momentum, collisions
Circular Motion & Rotation
 Rotational Kinematics and Rotational Energy
 Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Electrostatics and Simple DC circuits
 Conservation of Charge
 Electric Forces and Fields
 Electrostatics, Conductors, Capacitors
 Ohms and Kirchhoff's laws
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Chapter
Weeks in Unit
Approx. Start Date
2
1
(Summer Homework)
3-4
5
5-6
6
Sept 22
12
3
Nov. 3
13-14
4
Nov 27
7-9
7
Jan 5
10-11
4
Feb 23
19-21
4
March 23
Aug 13
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