Files and links will be posted on Google Classroom. I will email you a code (or you can email me at bradley.knockel@aps.edu for the code)!
Reminders and other communication will be posted on Remind. To get access to our Remind, a code will be posted on Google Classroom. You can enter the code directly into your account via the Remind app or website.
Every so often, we will access AP Classroom to do practice questions. You will be given our class code in class. If you don't already have an account from another class, make an account (write down your username and password!), enter our class code, go to AP Classroom, then select on the tab for the unit you want to study. MCQ are multiple-choice questions (when finished you will receive the correct answers). FRQ are free-response questions. These questions will help you study for my tests and the AP test. Here is how my units correspond to their units...
Unit 1: Measurements, motion, and Newton's laws <-- units 1 and 2
Unit 2: Conservation of momentum and energy <-- units 4 and 3
Unit 3: Rotational motion <-- units 5 and 6 (and 2.9)
Unit 4: Oscillations and fluids <-- units 7 and 8
Unit 5: Exam prep! (then maybe some Earth and space)
Note that waves are also mechanics, but they are now in AP Physics 2.
Welcome to AP physics! We have two main goals in this course: AP test and doing physics.
This course is designed to prepare you for the AP Physics 1 test (perhaps a better link). Here is a nice summary of the test and here are some great test-prep resources. Almost all colleges accept a high-enough score on this test as college credit for an algebra-based Physics-1 college course. While the test costs around $100 (much cheaper if you apply for then get free-and-reduced-price-meal status), doing well on it saves effort and money in the future in college when you will be able to take algebra-based Physics 2 upon entering college. In the algebra-based—not calculus-based—physics track, there are just these two physics courses, and, in college, most people who have to take Physics 1 also have to take Physics 2.
The AP test is optional, but preparing for it is not. Our course's final exam will be based on an AP test. You will have taken a college course by the end of the year! Regardless of whether or not you take the AP test, you will understand physics well enough to prepare you for any other STEM courses you will take in college.
I highly recommend that you sign up for the AP test if you can afford it and if you feel there is any chance of doing well. If you want to take it and cannot afford it, let me know so that we may find a way for you to take it. No one knows the future, and getting this college credit may make your future more enjoyable. Perhaps a more important reason to sign up is that intending on taking the test can provide motivation to work hard in our physics class! If you do poorly, this can motivate you to do better with physics and tests in the future because just trying on an AP exam is an accomplishment to be proud of! Regarding college admissions, most colleges say that AP scores can only help you, not hurt you, so sign up! Also, you can choose to cancel any scores before they are sent to colleges (for free!).
If you really want to understand physics, take AP Physics to grow your brain in high school, take the AP test to push yourself to learn as much as you can, then take physics again in college! This will give you a very strong foundation in physics because humans always learn more from taking a class again, especially taking a class from a different teacher. At the very least, taking the class again in college will be an easy good grade!
If you are interested in AP Physics C (calculus-based) instead of AP Physics 1 and 2, check out the CEC near Albuquerque High. There is free transportation. Also, an alternative way to get college credit is Dual Credit (CNM is a great college for this!), which I would only recommend if you know that you can pass a college class and know that your credits will transfer (they will likely transfer if you stay in NM for college). Better yet, if you are taking or have taken calculus, take the Physics C Mechanics exam here at Sandia instead of the Physics 1 exam. Students who sign up for the Physics C exam will meet with me after school one day around March to bridge the small gap between the two classes.
Now that I have gotten you a bit nervous (hopefully not too nervous!), let's put the test out of our minds and think about physics.
The modern AP Physics test values conceptual physics over complicated algebra to understand the world around us. Luckily, that is what we want to do too! Math (equations and graphing) will be used to solve problems to clarify the concepts, but math will not be the primary focus. An understanding of physics and problem solving is the goal. You will learn to think in a new logical way! While studying for the test, let's try not to kill the curiosity for the inner workings of the world around us.
Beyond a general physics class, this AP physics course can dig deeper into how this universe works! Rather than you simply learning about how things work, you will be able to work out how things work yourself using concepts and math. I expect that we will learn a lot.
To fully participate, you must bring the following materials regularly to class!
Bring your physics folder or binder! At the end of each unit, a complete set of notes, handouts, work, personal reflections, etc. are expected to be in your binder or folder. Put everything in the order that it was covered in class according to the "Loc" number of each assignment. I have noticed a strong correlation between an organized, complete binder or folder and being a successful student, so why not put a small amount of effort into being organized now for large payoff later?
Bring a calculator! A graphing calculator is not necessary, but your calculator should be able to do things like scientific notation, pi, cosine, and exponents. Note that the TI-84 is allowed on the AP test! Your phone probably comes with a scientific calculator (if you turn the calculator app's screen horizontal), but you obviously cannot use your phone during tests. Even at home, always using your calculator can be a good way to get familiar with it before the tests! We may sometimes do graphing in class, and, if you do not have a graphing calculator, you can just get the free Desmos app on your phone, which you can use only when I give permission to use phones. Update: I now have a class set of calculators for use in class, on tests, and on the AP exam.
Our optional physical textbook is written by Giancoli and is obtained at the bookroom. It is a great resource to read at home to solidify your understanding or to not fall behind when class is missed. We have a class set so that you can keep your textbook at home. Better yet, I have transitioned to this free online AP Physics textbook by OpenStax.
Physics is hard because it takes a lot of practice! My primary expectation is that you will meet the challenge. I strongly believe that you can understand and do physics.
Respect each other regardless of differences. We will have fun, but never at another's expense.
No cellphones or other electronic devices (unless first given permission). See Sandia's policies for consequences of having your devices out without permission. If you are expecting an important call or text, the mature behavior is to communicate that to me before class!
No cheating on tests or projects. First offense is typically a warning, though I reserve the right to give a zero. Next offense is notifying parents (or administration if parents cannot be reached). By the way, the appearance of cheating is enough to be considered cheating, so be mindful of your gaze, head attire, where you place your test on table, phone location, backpack location, etc.
Orderly usage of hall pass. One student at a time and not when I'm speaking to the entire class. Take the hall pass and sign in and out of class. Also, sign in if tardy.
Distracting class is rude to your fellow students. Disruptive behavior tells me that you are trying to communicate to me that you are confused or need more of my attention!
Thank you for helping make our class enjoyable and effective!
The course grade for each semester will be calculated by (1) adding all of your test grades, your lab grade, and your homework/binder grade then (2) dividing by the number of grades. That is, it is an average.
For example, if there are 2 tests and a final exam, you will have 5 grades that will be averaged: test 1, test 2, final exam, labs, and homework/binder. Add up the 5 grades, then divide by 5.
Which of these grades is the most important? Is it the test grades? Sort of. I actually think the homework/binder grade is the most important. Without fully participating in class, how can you do well on the tests? Student(s) will be selected at random to work homework problems on the board for the class to critique and/or assist. A large fraction of your homework/binder grade will be completing your homework by the due dates (later if you have an excused absence).
If you miss class, get notes from a classmate (for example, someone can text you a photo of their notes) and check Google Classroom. If Google Classroom is not updated or you have questions, please communicate with me to see what else you need to do. By the end of the unit, all of your work must be in your binder or folder, but falling behind is not wise because catching up is much more difficult than doing timely work. If you do not have homework done when you return and you were in class when the homework was assigned, I reserve the right to give you half or no credit.
Tests may include some "show your work" problems that are "all or nothing" (that is, no partial credit!). However, for these "all or nothing" problems, you will be allowed to rework similar problems on future date(s) until you get half or full credit! I may also allow you to rework your test to, if you can explain your errors, make up for up to half of missed points.
If you miss a test, you have 1 week to make it up. This is so that I can return tests to all your fellow students. Also, we do not want you to fall behind!
You will be allowed a calculator and formula card on tests. If the calculator is not allowed on the AP test, it will not be allowed for use on my tests. The formula card cannot be larger than 3" by 5", and the front and back can be filled with hand-written notes. Having a well organized formula card is a good predictor of good score on the test! You will learn a lot as you carefully decide what to put on your formula card (and decide where to put it). You will be allowed to use all your previous formula cards on the semester final exams, so do not throw them in the trash!
Grading scale...
A (90% or above): advanced proficient
B (80% to 89.9%): proficient
C (70% to 79.9%): nearing proficient
D (60% to 69.9%): not proficient
F (below 60%): incomplete
Communicating with me regarding your grade is welcome! However, doing this at the end of the semester is far too late, regardless of pleading and excuses.
If I see improved behavior or performance, I may award you with "physics bucks". You may ask for favors (such as extensions, fixing an incorrect test question, using your phone, etc.) if you have enough physics bucks! Just ask me!
Your classmates are a resource! Ask your group questions during class. Call/text each other if you cannot figure something out or if you missed class! Getting connected is an important part of caring about your success and about school! Working together is encouraged, but be sure that your goal is to understand the material rather than just copying the answer.
I am a resource! At any time, during or after class, ask a question! I am sure that many other people are confused about whatever question you have, so ask it. I will happily provide tutoring after school (or maybe during lunch), so just talk with me! I can also help you with study skills if you are feeling stressed.
The Internet is a resource! Just Google anything, and you can find YouTube videos and other help. Check out Khan Academy! If you find something useful on the Internet, please share it with me and the class!