AP Physics with Mr. Whitney
Overview and Expectations
Overview
Some Important School Rules Course Description and Objectives Classroom Procedures Classroom Rules
Food and Beverages
Unfortunately…
No food or beverages are allowed in the science classroom without prior approval
Violators will lose participation points and will be subject to the discipline plan
Cell Phones
Cell Phones are not allowed during the instructional day Cell phones must be turned
off during class IAW CCSD regulation 5136
Hands Free
Music Players
- No student radios, tape recorders, MP3 players, or IPOD type electronics are allowed on campus
“If I see it (or hear it), I gotta take it…”
-I’ll give you one warning then…- I will take the offending device
and your parents can get the device from the house office
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 is the yearlong first part of a two year program (AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2)
AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are the equivalent of the first and second semesters of introductory college courses.
AP Physics 1 covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and simple circuits.
No prior course work in physics is necessary. Students should have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
A minimum of 25 percent of the instructional time in this course will include inquiry based laboratory work and hands-on activities.
It is expected students will take the AP exam in May.
Why study science and do well in school?
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/07/08/public-vs-private-college-grads-earn-about-same-survey-finds-and-certain-majors/?intcmp=us_topics
“College grads from private four-year schools earned about the same as those from public four-year schools, about $50,000 a year.”
“while a paltry 16 percent of students took home degrees in science, technology, engineering or math, those who did were paid significantly better — averaging $65,000 a year compared with $49,500 of graduates of other degrees.”
“The findings are based on a survey of 17,110 students conducted in 2012, about four years after the students obtained their bachelor's degrees.”
Why do well in school?
http://www.as.miami.edu/news/news-archive/your-high-school-gpa-could-affect-your-income.html
Course Grading
Semester Finals 20% of overall semester grade Similar to AP exam… Based on AP Course
Objectives Both semester finals will count toward your overall
grade 2nd Semester exam is cumulative
Course Grading
Chapter Exams and Quizzes Expect a quiz each week… (5 – 20 minutes) Expect an exam at the end of each chapter or block of
instruction (about one every 2.5 weeks) 50% of your overall grade Options:
Individual… full credit plus any bonus We will never have a Group assessment… You may retake any test to a 70% or the next higher grade
Course Grading
Science Notebook Some colleges and universities want to see evidence of lab
activities before offering credit You must have a separate, neatly organized, notebook
dedicated to physics for daily questions, sample problems, notes, lab work, extra-notebook assignments, and tests.
I will check notebooks for a grade each quarter. Your choice of type Date every entry… these dates will be used for grading purposes
Notebook grades will be included as "Classwork/Homework/Labwork"
Course Grading
Classwork/ Homework/ Labwork (60%) will include… Participation…
Students are expected to be productive class members and to use class time wisely… Grades adjusted to reflect participation.
Notebook Checks Notebook Daily Science Questions and sample problems
“Demo-do”… Stamp to get credit Neatness and completeness… must be useable reference
“In-Class” Problem Sets… (may become a quiz) Reading summaries and miscellaneous work Labwork
Course Grading
Lab-work… (subset of CW/HW/LW, 10%) 2-4 people per lab group You will work together but each individual will do
their own lab write-up “PreLab” is not part of your write-up Standard Report Format Word processed and turned in Graphs must be computer generated or on graph
paper Some labs will be handwritten in your notebook
with prompts based on a handout.
Course Grading Summary
50% Classwork/ Homework/ Labwork 50% Tests and quizzes
Academic Integrity
Group work is collaborative in nature, but each member of the group shall turn in their own work… This group work will not involve copying work of another group
member, but will be each member's interpretations of events. Grades will be adjusted for lack of participation
Cheating on classroom activities, assignments and tests will result in zero credit for all involved students. No retakes will be allowed.
Cheating includes loaning your work to another student to copy, as well as copying any part of another student's work and turning it in as yours. I will confiscate work from other classes if it looks like you are
copying
Assignment SheetsAvailable on Website
Section 1… ALL Required Don’t forget Notebook Check 1 or 2 times per quarter… DSQs, Examples, Useable Notes, and Tests and Labs
Section II… Will not be graded but may be on test or quiz
Section III… Labwork
Standard lab report format available on websiteMust be word processed… learn to use equation editorGraphs must be computer generated (or graph paper with a ruler)
Format (2 points)
1. Title and group names
2. All sections included. Each section clearly labeled, neat & organized
Purpose (1 point) 1. Clear reason for this laboratory investigation
Research Question(1 point)
1. Applicable question that includes at least two variables that are in the experiment
Hypothesis and Procedure(3 points)
1. Clear, concise explanation (not step-by-step)2. Independent and dependent variables are clearly identified3. Explains what variables are controlled (what is held constant)4. Diagram drawn with all components labeled
Data( 3 points)
1. Measurements organized into a neat table2. Values are clearly labeled, correct units3. Correct significant figures of data4. Appropriate quality, range and multiple trials (when appropriate)
Evaluation of Data(4 points)
1. All pre-lab/ handout questions answered with answers consistent with data.2. Sample calculations included as required with correct units. 3. Graphs:
a. variables on appropriate axes with correct unitsb. Correct relation depicted on graphc. For linear data… best-fit line drawn. Slope and y-intercept determined.
Conclusion(5 points)
1. Conclusion addresses and answers research question.2. Relationship between variables is consistent with data analysis and is written in
clear, concise English.3. Written statement of graphical relation includes:
a. New terms and conceptsb. Meaning of slope / significance of Y-intercept c. General equation / units
Error Analysis(1 points)
1. Error calculation performed2. Describes most significant sources of error
Physics Lab Report
Checklist and Grading Guide
Math Analysis and Verification
Assignment Sheets
Note the due dateEverything must be complete by the due date
I will never make the date sooner, but due dates may slipCheck Whiteboard for updates
ObjectivesAll course objectives are based on College Board AP guidelines listed on this link
Not what you may be used to…
AP Physics is centered on problem solving and application, not memorization. Practice is required. Students who do not put out the effort to practice
and work through assignments on their own will not be successful.
However… I’m not out to ruin your GPA Physics is not easy…… but an honest effort will ensure you get the grade you want
Historical AP Physics Grades
0
5
10
15
20
25
F D C B A
Semester Grades Physics is not easy…
… but an honest effort will ensure you get the grade you want
Includes 2010 and 2011 2nd semester overall grades
Late Work/ Makeup Tests
I will accept late assignments up to 10 days after the original due date… But, 50% is the maximum score for late assignments Work not turned in within 10 days will receive a zero
Extensions may be given if you talk to me before the due date
You need to makeup tests within 3 days of your return Makeup tests will generally be a different version It is your responsibility to schedule a makeup test Note… if you are absent the day before an assessment,
you will still be required to take the test
Classroom Rules
#1 Be Safe… You must learn and follow all safety rules. ANY SAFETY VIOLATION and/or LACK OF
PREPARTION during laboratory activities may result in a failing grade for the activity without make-up privileges.
All students will comply with the lab safety contract.
Safety is Paramount
Classroom Rules
#2 Be Responsible… Have all your assignments, notebooks, calculator, paper,
and pen/pencil available each day. Complete work on time. If you are having trouble with
an assignment, contact the instructor immediately for help.
All restroom needs should be taken care of before coming to class. Students will not be excused from class during lectures.
Come to class and be on time… Excessive absences and all tardies will be handled by school
policy.
Classroom Rules
#3 Be Respectful… Respect yourself, other students, your instructor, and
school property. Please do not talk when someone else is speaking. Raise your
hand and wait to be recognized if you have a question or would like to contribute.
Use polite language (speak like you are at a job interview). Give yourself and others the opportunity to learn the class
material. Do not get out of your seat during lectures Talking and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated
“Listen-Up”
• Stop Talking and/or Working• Turn and Face the Speaker• Actively Listen/ Follow Instructions
“5 Minutes”
Used during every class Lecture days… Lesson Recap/ Complete Cornell notes
summary… review Essential Questions Lab days…
Stop Working Clean up lab area Return to assigned seats
Turn-in or sign-off completed assignments Remain in seats until you are released
Speak up… Don’t be afraid to remind me…
Discipline
Disruptive class behavior of any nature is not tolerated. Violators will be disciplined accordingly.
First Offense- Warning Second Offense- Student and instructor will fill out a referral
form and discuss the problem after class. Third Offense- We will add offense to referral form; may
require detention in class before or after school Fourth Offense- Student will add offense to referral form
and I will make a phone-call or email home. Fifth and higher- We will add the offense to the referral and
student will hand carry the form to the dean’s office or counselor for further action.
Note: severity of offense may require immediate referral to the Dean.
Bottomline…
This is an AP class. If it takes more than a warning,
you shouldn’t be in this class.
Extra Help and Credit
Help is available 6;30 – 7:00, 2:00-2:30
Additional Assignments Extra labs Presentations Poster See instructor for approval Note: no extra credit if you have any missing
assignments
Reading and Writing
Reading and writing skills are integral to the successful completion of this course.
Your teacher may include writing and essay questions on assignments and exams, which will be part of the grade.
Correct spelling, grammar, and neatness will be required on all written work.
Safety…
Common Sense Prevails Crowded room Dropped weights Springs Projectiles
Fire/ Fire Drill Evacuation Shelter In Place
Soft / Hard Lockdown
Miscellaneous
Parentlink Update Weekly (at least)…
Class Website (Google “Physics with Mr Whitney”)
Assignment Lists, Powerpoints, Problem Sets
Had enough?...
… so have I!
Questions?Comments?
Concerns?Dislikes?
Likes?
AP PreTest
Energy? with doyou can what erms,simplest t In the Energy? is What 8.
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relation. inversean Describe relation.direct a Describe 3.
12 c...for Solve 2.2
1 for v... Solve 1.
2
2
xy
xy
BcAc
mvE
AP Physics Pre-Test
1. Solve for v… 2. Solve for c… 3. Describe a “direct relation”.4. Describe an “inverse relation”.5. Approximate the slope of a line tangent to the curve y=x2 at the point x=1.6. What is the area of a triangle with sides 3 cm, 4 cm, and 5 cm?7. Calculate the area under the line, y=3x, from x=1 to x=3.8. What are the sine, cosine, and tangent of a 30 degree angle?9. What is velocity?10. What is acceleration?11. What is Force?12. How are Force, mass, and acceleration related?13. In the simplest terms, what is energy? What are the only two things you can
do with energy?
