AP Physics / PHYSICS Syllabus
Course Overview:
AP Physics 1 / PHYSICS meets three days per week for 90 minutes. AP Physics 1 /
PHYSICS is a year-long algebra-based course in Physics. The class is equivalent to
an introductory level physics class. This course is conducted using inquiry- based
instructional strategies that focus on experimentation to enhance and develop the
students’ conceptual understanding of physics. The class will consist of lectures,
group problem- solving, individual problem- solving, and laboratory work.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking and problem solving
skills through an understanding of physics phenomena.
Text:
AP PHYSICS : Wilson and Buffa, College Physics, Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Prentice Hall 2002
PHYSICS : Conceptual Physics, Paul Hewitt , Prentice Hall
EMAIL : genotam@centinela.k12.ca.us
Websites : lawndalehs.org
mesa.ucop.edu
SHMOOP.COM AP PHYSICS CLASS 2015 CODE 39492
PHYSICS P 2015:P1 - 424bd; P3- 6c4b1;P4- 00427;p6 b6434
Edmodo.com
AP PHYSICS B(AP PHYSICS 1) CODE :782uxe
Physics P1 g3rvk6;P3 jtyf4c ;P4 q9j25f;P6 m4kgwq
Evaluation: Tests and Quizzes (65 %) Lab Notebook (20%) Homework and
Classwork (10%) Notes 5% Behavior EC 2%
Materials: 3 subject notebook , lined papers, composition notebook ,graph papers,
glue, pens, pencil, ruler, scientific calculators, protractor, flash drive, science poster
boards, pocket folder, highlighter, gloves
Course Outline:
Semester 1
Unit 1. Kinematics (CR2a)
 Kinematics in one dimension 
 Vectors: vector components and resultant 
 Kinematics in two dimension: projectile motion 
Unit 2. Dynamics (CR2b)
 Forces, types and representation – Free Body Diagrams 
 Newton’s First Law 
 Newton’s Third Law 
 Newton’s 2nd Law and its Application 
 Friction 
 Interacting objects : Ropes and Pulleys 
Unit 3. Circular Motion and Gravitation (CR2c) 
 Uniform Circular Motion 
 Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion 
 Universal Law of Gravitation 
Unit 4. Energy (CR2f) 
 Work 
 Power 
 Kinetic Energy 
 Potential Energy: Gravitational and Elastic 
 Conservation of Energy 
Unit 5: Momentum (CR2e) 
 Impulse 
 Momentum 
 Conservation of Momentum 
 Elastic and Inelastic Momentum 
Semester 2:
Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion (CR2d)
 Linear restoring forces and simple harmonic motion 
 Simple harmonic motion graphs 
 Simple pendulum 
 Mass-spring systems 
Unit 7: Rotational Motion(CR2g) 
 Torque 
 Center of mass 
 Rotational Kinematics 
 Rotational Dynamics and rotational inertia 
 Rotational Energy 
 Angular momentum 
Unit 8: Mechanical (CR2j) 
 Traveling Waves 
 Wave Characteristics 
 Sound 
 Superposition 
 Standing waves on a String 
 Standing sound waves 
Unit 9: Electrostatic (CR2h) 
 Electric charge and conservation of charge 
 Electric force: Coulomb’s Law Unit 10: DC Circuits (CR2i) 
Electric resistance
 Ohm’s Law 
 DC Circuits 
 Series and Parallel connections 
 Kirchoff’s Laws 
Instructional Methods and Student Learning (Pedagogies): New topics are
introduced to students initially in lecture format, but students are encouraged to ask
questions and solve problems with the assistance of the instructor as well as with
the assistance of other students in the class during the lecture portion of the course.
Lectures are broken up by student problem solving, during which time students are
encouraged to work with their peers and exchange ideas. The instructor is available
to answer questions, but students are encouraged to use their own knowledge to
communicate their questions to their peers and to the instructor. Hands-on
investigations (described in the Laboratory section below) allow students to
become actively engaged in the learning process. The instructor acts as a guide to
help students in their collaborative development of their physics knowledge.
Laboratory: Labs are placed throughout the course of the year. All lab
experiments are hands-on and encourage students to work together in their lab
groups. The course utilizes guided inquiry in most of the labs that require students
to come up with a way to solve a problem themselves, using provided materials.
Students are required to document all of their work in a lab notebook. The lab
notebook includes a written report for each lab experiment.
Unit 1: Kinematics
1. Project Match the graph – Relationship of position, speed, velocity and
acceleration versus time
2. Egg Drop Free Fall Investigation – Compare the acceleration of egg package
designs dropped simultaneously
3. Vector Addition – Determine the value of the resultant vector using graphical and
analytical methods
4. Rocket and Glider Projectile Motion - Relationship between angle and range
Unit 2: Dynamics
5.Coefficient of Friction – Determining coefficient of friction on an inclined plane
6. Newton’s Second Law- Determining the variation of acceleration of dynamic cart
in two scenario: (1)total mass of the system is kept constant while net force varies,
(2) net force kept constant and total mass of the system varies.
7. Mousetrap Car – Design and build a car solely powered by a regular mousetrap
and travel an 30o incline.
8. Bridges – Design a bridge with specific specifications that will carry maximum
load
Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation
9. Flying Toy – Determine the tension in the string and the centripetal acceleration
of the flying toy .
10. Galileo’s Ramp – students use ramps at different angles to determine what
happens to the acceleration .
Unit 4: Energy
11. Roller Coaster Investigation – Design a simple roller coaster using provided
materials to verify if the total energy is conserved if no external force is applied.
12.Work on an Inclined Plane – Calculate work done to move a mass
Unit 5: Momentum
13. Air Track - Conservation of Momentum
14. Torque – Determine an unknown mass using translational and rotational
equilibrium
15. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions – To investigate conservation of energy using a
pendulum to determine type of collision
Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
16. Springs: Use Hooke’s law to analyze the spring constants of different springs
17.Pendulums - Determine the influence of mass, length, angle, and gravity on the
period of a pendulum
Unit 7: Rotational Motion
18. Prosthetic Arm – To design and build an apparatus that replicates the forearm
and biceps muscle system and be able to do tasks such as throwing and relocating
objects and determine the tension when holding different masses.
19. Conservation of Angular Momentum – To investigate how
the angular momentum of a rotating system, respond to changes in in rotational
inertia.
Unit 8: Mechanical Waves
20. Mechanical Waves – To model the two types of mechanical waves with a spring
toy to test whether or not these characteristics affect the speed of a pulse.
21. Speed of Sound: Determine the speed of sound with a tuning fork and a column
of water
Unit 9: Electrostatics
22. Static Electricity Interactions – students use sticky tape and a variety of objects
to make qualitative observations of the interactions when objects are charged,
discharged and re charged.
Unit 10: DC Circuits
23. Voltage and Current- To determine the relationship between the current
through a resistor and a voltage across the resistor
24.Series and Parallel Circuits – Construct electric circuits to verify Ohm’s Law
Unit 11: Electric and Magnetic Field
25. Magnetic Field and Electric Field – To draw the lines of the magnetic field lines
26. Solenoid – To enhance the electromagnetic field
27. Electric Motors – To construct and test an electric motor
CODE OF CONDUCT :
Classroom Rules: /Consequences:
1. Respect everyone inside and outside the classroom in words and action at all
times. (Phone Call/ Parent Conference / Dean)
2. 100% attention is expected during directed teaching.( Warning + Talk with
Mrs. Genota /Detention)
3. Ask permission at all times.( Warning/Detention)
4. Full cooperation is a must in doing group activities.(Warning/Lose credit,
Detention)
5. Be punctual in everything. (Warning /Detention/Lose Credit)
6. Cleanliness, neatness and orderliness should be observed in accomplishing all
work.
(Warning, repetition of work, Detention)
7. Safety rules should be strictly followed.(Detention, Lose Credit, Saturday
School)
8. Ask questions and respond politely.( Warning, Detention , Saturday School)
9. Complete and submit all assignments and projects on time.( Lose Credit/
Detention )
10. Bring the necessary materials daily. All backpacks must be placed under the
desk. (Warning, Lose Credit )
11. Honesty is a must at all times. (No cheating - Lose credit, Detention)
12. Obedience to school policies is mandatory (warning, detention, Saturday
school, confiscation
13. Copy of Agenda, HW and Reflection (teaching practices and lessons learned)
in your composition notebook, are required as passport for dismissal.
14. Respect, obedience to rules and completed work are mandatory in order to
earn credit from the Substitute Teacher. (Lose credit , Detention, Saturday
School).
15. Use Computer, IPAD, Graphing calculators and other technology responsibly.
All use should only be school related.
Consequences:
1) Warning and Seat / Group change
2) Talk with Mrs. Genota
3) Behavior Reflection/Phone Call Home/Blackboard
4) Lose EXTRA Credit Behavior Points- 2%
5) Lowers Citizenship Grade consistently after warnings
Materials :
Black/ blue pens
Red pens for correcting
# 2Pencils for tests
3 Subject Notebook –FLT, Agendas
Cornell Notes , HW list and reflection
Lined Papers
Scientific Calculator
Graphing paper
GLUESTICK
Flash Drive
Composition Notebook for Lab oratory
work
Composition Notebook for Projects
Display Board for Projects
Hand Gloves for experiment
FOR DONATIONS: extra Credit
Hand sanitizer
Paper towel
Liquid Soap
Hand Gloves
SCIENCE PROJECT FORMAT
Title Page
Table of Contents
Abstract
Purpose
Scope
Background Information
Physical Phenomena
Experimental Procedures
Materials & Procedures
Data Table ( at least 3)
Graphs
Analysis and Conclusion
Difficulties and Problems
Recommendation
Acknowledgements
Appendix
Glossary
Ca Standards
Drawings/ Diagrams with label and
Measurements
Pictures
Formulas and Mathematical Calculations
TEACHING PRACTICES
Read with partners
Cooperative Learning
Discussion and Oral Presentation
Technology
Cornell Notes
Organization
Use of Immediate Feedback Techniques
(White Board, True or False, ABCDE
letter choices)
Reflection
Scientific Method- Problem Solving
Hands On Activities- Experiments
Team Projects
Competitions
Student Consultation – Before and After
School and Lunch Time if necessary
Immediate Grade Feedback
GRADING SYSTEM
NOTEBOOK – 5%
HW/CW – 10 %
LABORATORY EXPERIMENT AND
PROJECTS – 20%
QUIZZES AND
TESTS-/ BENCHMARKS -65%
EXCELLENT BEHAVIOR –EC 2%
Please return this page ! - 10 pts-HW ; 2 pts –Behavior EC
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MRS. MARIA LYN GENOTA, MSEE PHYSICS , LAWNDALE HIGH SCHOOL