AP Physics 1

**The AP Physics 1 Exam will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021**

Our Canvas Course

Access our AP Physics 1 Canvas course here: https://cms.instructure.com/courses/377771

Learn more about how Canvas works:

English: https://youtu.be/oLLzRGEl50c

Spanish: https://youtu.be/a6HSzkdnQLs

Additional Resources: bit.ly/CMSstudentparent

Welcome Letter

Welcome to AP Physics 1!

I am glad that you have chosen to take such a fascinating and exciting course. In AP Physics 1, we will explore natural phenomena that we experience every day, including mechanics of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, electrostatics, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound. In addition to learning about principles of physics, students will further develop their skills to think critically, problem solve, and design experiments.

AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a first semester algebra-based college-level course. In order to receive college credit, students must pass the AP Physics 1 exam with a level 3 or higher. This exam will be held on May 5, 2021.

This is a college course. AP students will be held to the same standard as a college student in a similar course. With that being said, I expect AP students to put full effort into each assignment, behave responsibly, and take full responsibility for their education.

AP Physics 1 is a rigorous course that will require students to spend time outside of class on assignments. Students should plan to spend approximately one hour per day, six days per week studying physics. This includes reviewing the day’s notes and completing problem sets.

Despite its rigor, physics is a beautiful science that helps us gain insight into how the world (and the universe, and all the little things in it) work and interact with one another. I believe every person benefits from understanding at least the fundamentals of physics, and I am so excited that you have chosen to go beyond that by taking this course. I look forward to this year with you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. McGinnis

Course Description

Physics is the most fundamental of all science disciplines. It is the foundation of chemistry, biology, and all other sciences. Physics is an ongoing endeavor to understand the world and universe around us, to solve problems, to answer questions, and to understand and interpret our experiences in a logical and orderly way. AP Physics 1 is an introductory course to physics, equivalent to a first semester, algebra-based college-level course. This is traditionally a laboratory-intensive course, with hands-on lab exercises comprising 25-30% of instruction, but some adjustments will be made as we shift to virtual instruction. You will be updated of these adjustments via Canvas.

Course Objectives:

Students are expected to master the following Science Practices, as stated by CollegeBoard, in the AP Physics 1 course:

1. Modeling – The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems.

2. Mathematical Routines – The student can use mathematics appropriately.

3. Scientific Questioning – The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP Course (not assessed on the AP Exam).

4. Experimental Methods – The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question.

5. Data Analysis – The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

6. Argumentation – The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.

7. Making Connections – The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations across domains.

College Credit:

In order to receive college credit for this course, students are required to pass the CollegeBoard AP Physics 1 Exam with a level 3 or higher. The AP Physics 1 Final Exam will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 12:00PM. Some universities may require documentation of laboratory exercises before applying lab credit to your transcript. This means submitting your AP Physics 1 lab notebook for evaluation. Because of this, I recommend that you keep your lab notebook even after the course is complete. You should also make sure that you fill it in appropriately and use it each time I assign a lab exercise.

Class Materials

• CMS-provided Chrombook

• College Physics Textbook (provided by the School. You should receive information on when to pick this up)

• Notebook paper

• Graph paper

• Pencils

• 2 inch binder

• Graphing notebook

• Calculator (at least Scientific. Graphing calculators are allowed but not required)

• Tab dividers (not required, but recommended for your personal organization)

• AP Physics 1 Reference Tables (print and keep in your binder for easy access)

*Even though the class is now virtual, you will still be responsible for completing certain assignments by hand. For this reason, I require that you have loose leaf paper and graph paper. Your notes will be kept in our Canvas course in OneNote, but you may want to keep a physical notebook or binder for personal organization.

Additional Resources

Tips for Success

Be persistent!

AP Physics 1 is a difficult course, but it is not impossible!

To be successful:

1. Participate in class and ask questions as you have them.

2. Take notes during class and review them frequently outside of class.

3. Always attempt every homework problem, even if it seems difficult. Homework is for practicing, not for getting it perfect.

4. Set aside time to study physics every day. Mastery takes time, practice, and effort.

5. Come in for tutoring and extra help. Mrs. McGinnis is available every morning before school, and on select afternoons, by appointment.

6. Do your best and don't give up. If you feel like you're falling behind or aren't doing as well as you want to, speak to your teacher.