AP Physics C Alumni Testimonials:
Why Current AP Physics 1 Students Should Consider Enrolling in AP Physics C during Senior Year
Eileen Li ('17)
Chemical Engineering major at the University of Michigan
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"Honestly in Physics 1 I still didn't understand what kinematics was and then all of a sudden I got to Physics C and everything clicked for me and it was great, and now that I'm learning physics-related things in college again I actually get it."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"My current physics class is a flipped classroom so it helped me get used to what it was like to watch videos and pre-lectures beforehand and then mainly do problems together in class."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"If any of you people even remotely want to major in STEM you will be doing yourself a HUGE disservice by not taking this class. This is why:
I got a higher grade in Physics C than in Physics 1 so clearly you can very easily do better and it's not that much harder.
At the end of Physics 1 I literally still didn't know what kinematics were but then it all clicked for me in C so you will do extremely well on the mechanics part of the course if anything.
Yeah you get Bio/Chem credit if you take those classes but my AP Chem credit counted for nothing because I had to take two semesters of organic chemistry anyway.
The most important one: High school classes are free! And you'll be able to get a 4/5 on the mechanics exam at LEAST if you put in like a moderate amount of work watching the videos and doing problems in class. And an AP exam is only $90 while an entire physics class is what? $5,000? As an engineer, you need to take physics and most schools will not accept Physics 1 or 2 credit. I can promise you that. Colleges also loooooveee seeing physics classes if you want to be a STEM major. Dude. Do it for the college application if for nothing else."
Eileen's Final Thoughts:
"If any of you people are trying to major in STEM let me tell you having AP Physics credit will literally save you SO MUCH TIME. My biggest regret of high school was not taking the AP Physics E&M exam and that is the truth because now I'm taking it at my university (University of Michigan) and it's so much harder, more EXPENSIVE, and more painful than me studying in high school and taking that exam. I literally had to pay $50 for a software so I can watch pre-lectures before class, which is what we do in Physics C, only McG does it for ~free~. I know all of this seems so far away for you guys but I'm here to tell you I was in the exact same position where I thought "Oh it's fine I'll retake E&M in college it'll be great!" No. It sucks because they make it so much harder and I'm learning about crap that we didn't learn in AP. Do not be me and take a physics class in college. I'm telling you right now taking college physics SUCKS. It's the equivalent of being given a circuit (you know, resistor battery all that jazz) only this time there are 2 new things attached, one of those things can only be solved with a differential equation, and the other new thing has two different kinds of currents that are pretty much the same thing but also not, and now you have to figure out whether current leads or lags the voltage. Yeah, I'm crying too. So please do all of yourselves a favor, take Physics C, and don't deal with the pain of taking physics again in college when it's just so much harder and abstract."
Jake Zomper ('17)
Computer Science major at the University of Pittsburgh
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; B+ in AP Physics 1
4 on the AP Physics 2 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"It was a little odd at first but by the middle of the course it made me wish all classes did it. It’s such a huge advantage to be able to ask questions about problems while they're fresh in your head while you’re doing them."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I did enjoy the flipped classroom. The videos McG made were solid and taught the information thoroughly for each subject and on the few times there was a point that wasn’t clear enough in the video, it was explained to me in class until I was an expert."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"If you enjoy math/calculus I would 100% recommend AP Physics C. If you enjoyed mechanics concepts during AP Physics 1, then AP Physics C won’t be all that much harder since the concepts are the same, just a little more in-depth."
Jake's Final Thoughts:
"McG is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I had met him once before I ever took a class with him and based on two minutes of interaction I thought he was a jerk. After enjoying AP Physics 1 way more than any other science class I decided to take AP Physics C and not only did McG make such a tough class relatively easy to learn and do well in, but he also made it enjoyable and one of the classes I most looked forward to. I can not recommend you take this class enough."
Aidan Linde ('23)
Mechanical Engineering major at the Pennsylvania State University
3 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; B+ in AP Physics 1
3 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; B+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"Definitely! The mandatory physical mechanics class I have to take freshman year was very similar to the mechanics in Physics C. It helped me a lot and I am doing well as a result."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"Definitely, the questions are very drawn out in my college class as it’s a whole semester on mechanics and are very similar to the AP exam questions."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not difficult at all. I found the videos useful and that in class, everyone in class was approachable with questions."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I thought the videos did a good job covering the groundwork and then in class the problem solving built on that well."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I definitely recommend [AP] Physics C for students to take. I didn’t even take [AP] Physics 2 and felt well adapted in the class and could ask a questions whenever I felt like it. Just do a lot of practice to get the variations down on the types of problems."
Darian Sawycky ('19)
Aerospace Engineering major at the University of Maryland
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"The physics knowledge gained has helped me in calculus (the relationship of derivatives and integrals with position velocity and acceleration and knowing the kinematics equations that can be differentiated/integrated). It has also helped me in the Intro to Engineering classes I have taken. One was Statics and my general physics knowledge made it an extraordinarily easy class while other[s] struggled, and my advanced knowledge of circuits is helping a lot with the current class I am taking which requires the construction of an over sand vehicle. My knowledge of [AP Physics C:] E&M will also help in my physics class this semester."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"...one of my engineering classes also has a flipped design where learning is primarily done through videos outside of class. Doing this in AP Physics C greatly helped me excel with this format in college. My study techniques and mental attitude developed because of AP Physics C are probably the largest factors currently leading to my success as a college student."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"I personally found the flipped classroom nature easy to adjust to. The videos posted were very helpful and made most topics easy to understand. Anything not clear in the videos McG did a great job clearing up in class making it easy to learn. Honestly, I might like the flipped classroom design better than traditional style as it allows me to learn at my own pace and rewatch the video if I need to and then spend all of class time just asking questions about what I don’t understand."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I did enjoy the flipped classroom. As said previously, I think I liked it more than traditional teaching methods. The in class time was necessary for success; collaboration is one of the best ways to learn so working in groups on practice problems was the primary time concepts were truly learned. The videos were also very informative and rarely needed additional explaining. I can’t say enough good things about the style of this class."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I recommend the majority of students take AP Physics C. If you want to be an engineer or anything else that requires physics, it is one of the most important AP classes to take in high school to better your position in college. If you found a lot of the topics in AP Physics 1 made sense you should [definitely] consider AP Physics C. AP Physics C builds on topics learned in AP Physics 1 rather than entirely new topics so if you were successful in AP Physics 1 you can definitely be successful in AP Physics C. Also, if you found that you were able to make sense of challenging or more advanced problems you should be successful in AP Physics C."
Darian's Final Thoughts:
"AP Physics C is probably the best AP class I took in high school. Because I am an engineering major, physics is very important for me. Taking AP Physics C helped me understand concepts that are taught in other classes or understand similar topics. For example, in my Statics class from last year, almost everything I learned was new material, but it was similar to AP Physics C, so I was able to understand everything very quickly and I needed to put very little time into studying for that class. If I had not taken AP Physics C, it would’ve been much more difficult. AP Physics C also helps on calculus skills, algebra, and general problem solving. It really is one of the best AP classes and I highly recommend it to AP Physics 1/2 students. AP Physics C can definitely be a difficult class. I’ve had my fair share of low test scores, but if you put in the effort and use your resources you will succeed. Also, McG is the best physics teacher you could ask for. Not exaggerating, he is better than my current physics professor in college, and he makes an effort to make a relationship with students. Even in my second semester of college he remains my favorite teacher of all time, and the best teacher I’ve ever had. Additionally, having your friends in class makes AP Physics C one of the most fun classes you can take. There is so much more to say about how amazing AP Physics C is but I’ve already wrote a short essay so I’ll just leave it with a quick recap. AP Physics C is one of the best classes you can take to set yourself up for success in college and it lightens the load you need to take in college. Doing practice problems with the flipped classroom style and friends helping allows you to understand the material better than you could by yourself. McG is the best physics teacher you could ask for. Some of my best high school memories have come from AP Physics C and I highly recommend the class."
Gianna Miggins ('17)
Software Engineering major at Stevens Institute of Technology
3 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"Yes SO MUCH. I didn’t take the E&M portion of the exam so I had to retake the class in college and it was obvious that everyone in my class who had not taken Physics C in high school was very lost. I also used physics in my Mechanics of Solids class, and Engineering Design classes."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"The flipped classroom is good college prep. Also being comfortable working on hard problems is useful for all classes. All the FRQ prep helps for setting up problems. Partial credit on tests is so important so if you know how to at least do little parts of the problem it’s good to show that info and I learned that from taking Physics C."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not difficult at all, it seemed natural to work on problems in class. And being used to the flipped classroom made adjusting to college classes easier."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"If the student enjoys physics and math and is thinking about studying a related field in college. If they display the ability to think through long problems and the responsibility to watch the videos on their own."
Gianna's Final Thoughts:
"I can 100% say Physics C was the best class I took at GL to prepare me for college. I did not realize how difficult physics was until I got to Stevens but having such a strong background was really helpful and the main reason I succeed in my physics related classes (which is most of my classes). I know high school juniors don’t think about college credit when they are picking classes but that is also a huge advantage, Physics C offers credit for two semesters of intro level physics that Physics 1 does not usually count for. Physics C is a very rewarding course and builds the foundation for any future engineers' education."
Renée Barbosa ('18)
Biochemistry & Biophysics major at the University of Pennsylvania
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A+ in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam; A+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"My first two semesters will be covering mechanics and electricity & magnetism and so far my knowledge and coursework has been extremely helpful! It has also helped as background for giving significance to some concepts in math 114 (multi variable calculus)."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"They are very helpful and I felt very prepared for my first semester in physics and the class has been easy thanks to all the skills and knowledge I learned in Physics C."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"It was not too difficult at all and I actually preferred it! My chemistry class in college is a similar format so it’s nice to have experience learning that way. I loved the videos and thought they were very well made and easy to follow. It was also helpful to have help during the problems in class because then I didn’t get frustrated and could work through them."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"The videos were excellent and very thoughtful and well made. I thought they prepared me well to solve problems in class and the occasional clarification was very helpful. I preferred problem solving in class rather than at home and loved the format and causal fun atmosphere of the class."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I would highly recommend Physics C and suggest that the students generally enjoy the subject and are passionate about it because then the class is even more rewarding. Also a strong math background would be helpful but for me having not taken calculus until that year did not feel overwhelming and I was able to learn calculus along with the course. I’d say the most important qualities would be a determination and willingness to challenge yourself and also a curiosity about the material and desire to learn more."
Renée's Final Thoughts:
"Making ice cream was A BLAST! As was watching the avengers trailer in class (by the way I cannot wait for avengers endgame!) I thoroughly enjoyed the class and felt that I learned so much that was really beneficial for college! :)"
Kilian Quinn ('17)
Physics major at Davidson College
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"After using my Physics C: Mechanics score to place out of General Physics 1 I took General Physics 2, which was essentially the E&M intro course with some extra material. Having already been exposed to the material the class was very manageable even though it has been designated as a "weed-out class" for pre-med students. I actually had such a solid background in the material that I became a tutor for that class this year."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"One of the best things about AP Physics C is that it teaches you not only physics but more generally how to solve a problem. For some reason in college (and apparently in life) partial credit goes a long way, so learning how to display as much knowledge as you have and work with questions that you might not fully understand is very helpful."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"At first it is a bit weird, but that is just because it is different. Having to adjust to the flipped classroom did not take away from any learning. By the time you have adjusted to calling Mr. McGovern "McG" you'll have already adjusted to the flipped classroom."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I loved the flipped classroom. It gave an opportunity to learn the material on your own and really think about it before coming in with questions. The videos were generally very good and helpful to have as a resource for reviewing. There were class periods when we all walked in and said "That [stuff] made no sense, can you explain everything?", but even on those days after asking questions I left feeling confident I could do problems and be successful."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"The only thing you need to be successful in AP Physics C is a passion for the material. If you ever asked a question and McG's answer was "we talk about that in Physics C," and you REALLY wanted to learn more, you have the ability to do well. I would definitely attribute a lot of my passion for physics from this course, but the reason [so many of us] in my class are now engineering/physics majors shows we all had some passion and reason for wanting to learn the material going in."
Kilian's Final Thoughts:
"I would definitely tell them about our barbecue to celebrate our AP exam scores. I remember going into the [AP Physics C] exam and Tommy [Jakositz] saying "this is definitely the most prepared any group of people has ever been to take a test," and somehow in struggling through it together I felt as much pride in my own success as I did in everyone else's."
Elizabeth Mishkevich ('19)
Industrial and Systems Engineering major at Rutgers University
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A+ in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics 2 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; 5 on the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam; A+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"I used it in statics, but it was static equilibrium so basically F = ma."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"The ability to do very complex problems under pressure helped me succeed in getting an A in my statics class."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"It wasn't an issue."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I liked it because we could go at [our] own pace and had the ability to figure out [solutions] on our own."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I believe you should have an A in [AP Physics] 1 [in order] to take [AP Physics] C [and] to be successful. ...I recommend [enrolling] if you want to [study the] sciences in college because it helps you get out [of] a lot of classes. I got out of 4 physics classes I would have had to take."
Liz's Final Thoughts:
"Sell them on the college credit part. It's funny because I'm an engineering major and never actually have to take an official physics class. And it's nice because college physics is a lot harder so I got out of those 'weed out' classes but managed to still succeed in classes that build upon the skills I got in [AP] Physics C."
Jenna Attanasio ('17)
Civil Engineering major at Rutgers University
2 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; B+ in AP Physics 1
4 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; B in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"VERY beneficial, allows you to understand the concepts and apply them to problems better, matches a college setting more closely ."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"Absolutely, they should be able to take responsibility for their work in AP Physics 1 and make sure they’re willing to put in the effort ."
Jenna's Final Thoughts:
"[I took] Only 1 AP Physics C exam (Mechanics), which I passed with a 4, got me credit for 2 SEMESTERS of physics in college, which I know high school students don’t understand at your level (I didn’t either) but that’s HUGE and I’m so thankful I got out of that, so if you’re looking into any sort of STEM major I would highly recommend taking Physics C because not only did knowledge and skills from it help me in other courses but it also saved me a ton of course work required for my major."
Sarah Lalevee ('18)
Mathematics & Economics major at Georgetown University
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"I think taking physics helped me thus far in Multi variable calculus with vectors because the first few chapters were definitely confusing if you have no exposure to vectors (which you wouldn’t without physics)."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"Definitely I’m a better problem solver because of Physics C. My work is much more organized and I’m better at putting relevant things on the paper even if I don’t really know what I’m doing to just have a starting point."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"It was tricky to an extent but I think solving problems with peers was more valuable than trying to learn it in class. So overall not really difficult and definitely ended up spending less time on physics at home during [Physics] C than in [Physics] 1."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"Yes I liked it. The videos were fine the issue is that I can finish a video and be like oh that was fine but actually have been confused along the way whereas in class I probably would have stopped you in certain places. It is probably my fault for not utilizing class time for clarification that well."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"100% also because in my opinion it’s easier to get a 5 [in Physics C] than on Physics 1 and I am sooooo grateful to go into college with 25 credits already (basically entered as a sophomore!). I don’t think being an expert at Physics 1 is necessary to take Physics C. I actually thought Physics C was easier but maybe because it’s definitely more math-y and that’s more my speed. Basically I think the most important thing is to actually have an interest in physics if you don’t really like the material of Physics 1 you probably won’t like Physics C and won’t want to do well."
Sarah's Final Thoughts:
"Legit my lab group are my current best friends and most lit group chat there is...so much fun about crying in my basement about a potato and like I felt like I became friends with everyone in the class not just my lab group and I definitely learned a lot but like the bonding and learning how to work well in groups and problem solving is something that no other class I [took] at GL offered. And P.S. I am filling out this form while on the elliptical as a study break for finals so I must have really liked the class for me to be doing this."
Jimmy Pitingolo ('18)
Biomedical Engineering major at Johns Hopkins University
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A+ in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics 2 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam & AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam; A+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"A lot of the calculus is relevant in Calc 3, and also I've had to use a lot of physics in my modeling and design class for my major, even though most of the time the calculus ends up simplifying to algebra."
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"I learned a lot of self-teaching because of the flipped classroom which is basically what every [college] class is because they go really fast."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not bad, by the time you are a senior (or junior) if you are considering taking AP Physics C then odds are you are well practiced at teaching yourself, so this is a formal opportunity for that."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"Yea, the videos were mostly only helpful for the topics I had no introduction to, whereas they were less helpful for topics I was really familiar with since a lot of the calculus is intuitive. I have a class here that's flipped classroom and it has some similar benefits, like giving time to work through stuff in class (though that's a Computer Science class)."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"Yes I'd definitely recommend, especially if some of the schools you're looking at take credit. You should be good at the concepts of Physics 1 in addition to understanding the math, because the calculus is only intuitive if you understand conceptually why you're doing something. If you struggle with the concepts, the calculus might be an added impediment to doing well in the class."
Jimmy's Final Thoughts:
"It's a really good class, especially if you want to study engineering. Most of my friends now are in [College] Physics 1&2 and [College] Physics 1&2 Lab, which is both semesters, so now that I don't have to do it I've basically passed out of a year-long course progression. Also, if you do well in AP Physics 1 and know calculus you'll be fine, and even if you [will] concurrently take calculus [at the same time of AP Physics C], much of what you learn is pretty easy to pick up and the hard stuff is E&M anyways :)"
Austhyn Alfaro ('17)
Electrical Engineering major at Stevens Institute of Technology
3 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; B in AP Physics 1
4 on the AP Physics 2 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; 4 on the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam; B+ in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using AP Physics C Knowledge in college:
"Yes! I will be using it in my Circuits class, Circuits design class, and I used it in my Mechanics of Solids Class. I also use my E&M knowledge for my current full time internship!"
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"Yes, because the flipped classroom was new to me but a lot of college classes had a similar format so it prepared me. Also course load and general difficulty prepared me for my classes."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"In high school it was a little step I had to overcome, but once you adjust it isn’t too bad and it really prepares you for other courses that are formatted as such, and also self teaching when you need to learn stuff on your own."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"Yes, the videos provided sufficient background knowledge that would and could be applied to course problems during class. Being able to ask questions on real world problems in class was extremely beneficial for learning and understanding."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"Honestly everyone should try if they feel up to it, and they think they can handle a larger work load. The videos and understanding does take some extra time outside of class, and studying for exams is always a bit of work, but if you’re passionate or at least interested in the subject and you’re confident in your ability, it is worth it. I went from a 3 on Physics 1 to a 5 on Physics C: Mechanics so I don’t think your performance on the AP Physics 1 exam should be the deciding factor."
Austhyn's Final Thoughts:
"The class was tons of fun! The course had it’s hard parts, even Electricity & Magnetism was hard at times, but I had so much fun and always looked forward to the class! Taking both exams was the best decision I’ve made (I really lessened my load by being able to skip the courses with my credit) and I had a lot of good times learning about physics! Also McG is probably better at teaching this content than most college professors (this is based on how my friends are doing in the [college equivalent] courses now)."
Aaron Schwarz ('19)
Engineering major at Purdue University
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On using the Learning Skills developed in AP Physics C:
"One of the things that AP [Physics] C prepared me for was the flipped classroom. My first and second semester engineering courses at Purdue have used a flipped classroom [model]. Because of my experience with a flipped classroom in AP [Physics] C, I understand the importance of actually watching the modules outside of the class even when this is not checked by instructors. Some students don't realize this and their learning suffers and therefore their grade."
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not very difficult."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I enjoyed the "flipped classroom" nature of the course. For one, I felt the videos were as informative as in class instruction and being able to rewatch them at anytime was helpful. Another thing is that being able to work on problems in class allowed us to ask each other or Mr. McG questions when they came to us. With traditional homework to get help, it might be difficult."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I would definitely recommend that students take AP Physics C. Since I only got a 4 on AP Physics 1, my AP [Physics] C: Mechanics (which felt like an easier exam) [score of] 5 allowed me to get credit for first year physics here and allowed me to take computer science instead. In AP Physics 1, if [current students are] interested in the course material or simply enjoyed physics more than any other science [course], then they should take AP Physics C."
Aaron's Final Thoughts:
"One thing I can say is that my AP Physics C experience was even more enjoyable because of the people it surrounded me with. In [AP] Physics C, almost all, if not all of the students [are currently] pursuing engineering. It's nice to make these friends with similar interests and levels of ambition. This is not to say that the students of this course are superior in any way to other courses, but in this course, there is a group of ambitious, intelligent, and like-minded individuals who any person should love to associate."
Chris Jakuback ('17)
Statistics and Physics double major at The College of New Jersey
3 on the AP Physics 1 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"It was difficult, but that’s just because I didn’t watch the videos really. That would have helped."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"Definitely. It’s challenging, but with the right group, it will be a lot of fun."
Brendan Probst ('19)
Mechanical Engineering major at Stevens Institute of Technology
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics 2 Exam
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; 5 on the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not very difficult."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"I enjoyed the flipped classroom, the videos were very helpful and it allowed me to learn at my desired pace. And working on homework as a team was beneficial to solidifying the material in my brain."
His recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"If they enjoyed [AP] Physics 1 and they aren't scared by calculus, then they should take it. If you're passionate about physics, then you'll succeed in this class."
Brendan's Final Thoughts:
"It was one of the best classes I took at GL, I actually felt like a college student because of all the freedom we were given. It was also really fun because we got to see the fun side of McG."
Chen Song ('18)
Computer Science & Statistics major at the University of California at Berkeley
4 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"Worked fine for me, I enjoy crunching problems more than listening to lectures."
Chen's Final Thoughts:
"[AP Physics C] is a lot like college classes, more about learning by yourself. Prepares students for the college mindset well."
Angela Bonetti ('18)
Pharmacy major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
5 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; A+ in AP Physics 1
5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; A in AP Physics C
Awarded College Credit in Physics due to AP Exam Results
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"Yes, but for new topics I had to read some of the textbook to be ready to apply it in class."
Her recommendation for AP Physics 1 students to take AP Physics C:
"I definitely recommend Physics C because physics and calculus reinforce each other. They should enjoy Physics 1 and be interested in building on it."
Serena Shen ('18)
Currently Studying at the University of British Columbia
3 on the AP Physics 1 Exam; B in AP Physics 1
3 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam; B in AP Physics C
On How Difficult it was to adjust to the Flipped Classroom approach in AP Physics C:
"Not hard at all."
On the Enjoyment and/or Benefits of the Flipped Classroom approach of AP Physics C:
"More beneficial [be]cause it allowed me to collaborate on questions."