Who should take AP Physics 1?  Juniors or seniors that excel in math and science and who are interested in learning the physical principles that explain everyday occurrences.  Officially, students must have earned an "A" or "B" in Honors Chemistry or an "A" in Chemistry with a teacher recommendation. In addition, Students should be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 or a higher math course. It is recommended that enrolled students have earned a grade of a “B” or higher in Honors Geometry, or a grade of an ”A“ in Geometry.

It is highly recommended that students taking AP Physics 1 have a high interest level in science.  In addition, students should be very comfortable manipulating algebraic equations with out plugging in numbers.

What topics are covered in AP Physics 1?  In general, Physics is the study of matter and energy.  In non-technical terms, students will study the motion and movement of different things.  More specifically, we cover:

• Units and Problem solving

• Kinematics

• Dynamics: Newton's Laws

• Work, Energy and the Conservation of Energy

• Impulse, Linear Momentum and Conservation of Linear Momentum

• Circular Motion and the Universal Law of Gravity

• Rotational Motion: Torque, Rotational Kinematics and Energy, Rotational Dynamics, and Conservation of Rotational Momentum

• Simple Harmonic Motion (Pendulum and Mass/Spring Systems)

In addition to learning the physics concepts covered in this course, the student will be able to:

• use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena.

• use mathematics to explain and predict scientific phenomena.

• engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the course.

• plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question.

• perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

• work with scientific explanations and theories.

• connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains

Students will be asked to work in groups and individually to test certain physics principles.  During the investigations, students will utilize high-level math skills and computers to analyze data.

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What is the difference between AP Physics 1 and Advanced Physics? AP Physics 1 covers more topics than advanced physics, therefore we must move at a faster pace.  To do this, students are expected to work hard at using their problem solving skills to successfully complete assignments.  In addition to more topics, we discuss most elements of physics in more detail than the advanced physics class.  This higher detail often involves more algebraic manipulation and computation, requiring students to already have a comfortable grasp of algebra and algebraic functions.  Finally, because it is a AP level course, semester grades in AP Physics 1 are considered weighted grades.

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How are grades determined? All assignments are given point values based on the quantity and difficulty of the work.  Each assignment can be categorized into one of the following types of assignments.  Each category is then weighted according to the chart below to determine the final grade:

Because of this weighting system, it can be difficult for students to keep track of their own grades.  To minimize this effect, and in an attempt to keep both students and parents informed of the student's progress, I post the current grades online at least once a week.

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My older son/daughter(s) took honors physics.  How does that curriculum compare to AP Physics 1?  AP Physics 1 is a more rigorous course than Honors Physics.  Although there are less topics covered, they are covered much more thoroughly.

What credit will my son/daughter receive from taking the AP exam?  Students scoring a 4 or a 5 on the AP Physics 1 exam, will most likely be eligible for one semester of non-calculus based physics credit in college.  Most students going into physics, engineering, medicine, or other major requiring Calculus-based physics will only receive 1 semester of general  education credit or elective credit.  STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK THEIR PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE TO VERIFY CREDIT AVAILABLE FOR THE AP TEST.

My son/daughter has done well in past science classes, but really doesn’t enjoy science.  Should he or she take AP Physics 1?  Due to the rigor of the AP curriculum, students may find that AP classes require more commitment than he or she may be used to.  It is important that you and your student consider the student’s overall schedule when deciding on whether to take this class.