“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
― Nikola Tesla
Course Description:
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based physics course equivalent of a first semester introductory algebra-based college course, and reflects the outline provided by the College Board. This course emphasizes six Big Ideas, seven Science Practices, and inquiry-based learning. The intent of this course is to foster deep conceptual understanding through student-centered, inquiry-based instruction. All of the information regarding the courses can be found on CollegeBoard’s website:
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-physics-2
The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics.
Students will explore these topics through discussions, laboratory investigations, teacher demonstrations, and in-class assignments. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Physics as well as the guidelines described by CollegeBoard.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
The AP Physics 2 course is conducted using inquiry-based instructional strategies that focus on experimentation to develop students’ conceptual understanding of physics principles. The students begin studying a topic by making observations and discovering patterns of natural phenomena. The next steps involve developing, testing, and applying models. Throughout the course, the students construct and use multiple representations of physical processes, solve multi-step problems, design investigations, and reflect on knowledge construction through self-assessment rubrics.
In most labs, the students use probeware technology in data acquisition. In the classroom, they use graphing calculators and digital devices for interactive simulations, Physlet-based exercises, collaborative activities, and formative assessments.