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:– 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:

• 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)• 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

• 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