Course Overview

Welcome to AP Physics 1!

AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a freshman college level algebra-based physics course where you will learn about the foundational principles of physics as you explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; simple harmonic motion; and fluids. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena.  By the end of the year, students should be prepared to take the AP Physics 1 exam scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, and have the knowledge and skills to take AP Physics 2.

If a student would like to take AP Physics 1/2, the change must be completed within the first 10 days of class (by Aug. 26). If a student decides to drop into on-level Physics, they must do so within the first 6 weeks of school (by Sept. 24).

Curriculum

This is a brief overview of topics for AP Physics 1.  The order for this class is aligned with AP Physics 1/2’s fall semester and is completed over the school year.

Unit 1: 1D Kinematics (Motion)

Unit 2: 2D Kinematics

Unit 3: Forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion

Unit 4: Circular Motion; Gravitation

Unit 5: Work, Energy, Power

Unit 6: Linear Momentum

Unit 7: Rotational Motion, Torque

Unit 8: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

Unit 9: Oscillations 

Unit 10: Fluids

Cumulative Review and AP Exam Prep

AP Exam: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 

Text

Physics: Principles with Applications by Giancoli

An electronic version is posted in Google Classroom, but hard copies are available for check out if needed.  There is a set available in the classroom as well.

Materials to bring daily

Fully charged school-issued iPad 

Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-84 or higher)

Binder with paper or notebook (student preference) and pencils

Grading – 9 weeks’ Report Cards

Major Grades (Tests, Projects) 70%  

Labs and quizzes 20%

Daily Grades (practice, classwork) 10% 

Tests and Projects

Tests will be given at the end of each unit and be worth 100 points.  There will be a 100-point quarter final given at the end of each nine weeks grading period.  For the 1st and 3rd nine weeks, the quarter final will be given in class.  For the 2nd and 4th nine weeks, the quarter final will be embedded in the semester final.  The quarter final each nine weeks provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content and improve their test average.  

The 1 lowest test grade (from Unit Tests and Quarter Final) will be dropped each quarter. Projects are not droppable.

(If a student is able to exempt the semester final, they may choose to take just the quarter final portion, however it must be taken during the exam period.  If a student takes the semester final, two grades will be recorded from the one exam: one for the semester final and one for the quarter final.  The quarter final grade will cover content from only that nine weeks.  If a student can exempt the semester final and also chooses not to take the quarter final, the quarter final grade will be put into skyward as a zero and then be the dropped test grade.)  

Labs

If a student is absent on the day of a lab, the lab should be completed using the posted makeup data in the student Google Drive and the link in Google Classroom unless otherwise instructed.

Daily

Daily practices are normally due the next day.  Due dates are listed in Google Classroom, and all assignments are available on the student Google Drive and linked in Google Classroom. Students may choose to work these on their iPads or on paper. Paper copies will be supplied. 

Practices will be checked for completion daily and are due during the first 5 min of class. Electronic work can be turned in through Google Classroom, and paper copies can be either turned in electronically or shown to the instructor at the beginning of class. The expectation is that students attempt all problems, but if you get stuck, please move on and ask in class how to work the problem. Students who do not do a practice will receive a 0.  Absent students will receive a 1 on the assignment, which will be changed when they turn it in (see makeup policy).

Makeup policy

When a student is absent, they are responsible for all work missed, which can be accessed through Google Classroom or the student Google Drive. According to the school handbook, students have one day for every day absent to make up missing work. Instructors may make exceptions to this policy in the event of extenuating circumstances so students should communicate with their teacher if there are issues that they need to be made aware of.

For scheduled absences:

Practices and labs have deadlines that are all assigned well in advance therefore students are still expected to submit the assignments by the deadline.  For tests and quizzes, the student should schedule a time to make up these assignments PRIOR to their absence.  

For non-scheduled absences:

Students should communicate the day of their return what their plan is for makeup. All work must be made up in a timely manner (1 day of makeup time for each day of absence).  If a student only misses the day of a quiz or a test, they should plan on taking it the day of their return.  

If there are extenuating circumstances, the student must individually approach the instructor and make other arrangements.  Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to get things made up.  

Scholastic dishonesty policy

Collaboration with ChatGPT or other AI software is not permitted in this course. If a student is found with a personal electronic device, sheet with notes, or other similar unauthorized resources during an assessment, a grade of 0 will be recorded for that assessment and a referral for academic dishonesty will be filed.

Class Calendar - ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Required Classroom Materials

• Scientific or Graphing Calculator (TI-84)

• You will be expected to take notes during class, handouts are not provided.  Depending on your  preferred method, you will need a spiral or iPad to take notes during class. Notability is a great app if using the iPad to take notes. 

• I will provide all materials digitally as well as have printed copies for the students who prefer to have hard copies.  I do suggest having a binder to keep tests and labs organized.

• AP Classroom - you will create an account using your Eanes ISD gmail account

Additional Resources