Course Overview

Welcome to AP Physics 1 and 2!

AP Physics 1&2 is a fast-paced, algebra-based course that covers a wide range of topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and modern and nuclear physics. The course is designed to reflect the rigor of a college-level physics class. Because the content is spiraled, students are expected to complete both the fall and spring semesters within a single calendar year in order to receive credit for both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. This structure prepares students to take both AP exams in May and builds a strong foundation for future study in Physics C or other calculus-based physics courses.

If a student wishes to drop AP Physics 1 & 2, they must submit the request by the September 24th deadline. Upon approval, the student will be placed into AP Physics 1 for the remainder of the school year. This allows them to complete that course and take the AP Physics 1 exam in May. Alternatively, the student may choose to move into an on-level Physics course and forgo the AP exam entirely.

TUTORIALS: 

Before School T-Th 8:20 – 8:40 AM and Afterschool Monday - By Appointment. 

MATERIALS: 

Students are required to bring the following daily.

1. Notebook/paper or an iPad for notetaking

2. Graphing calculator

Curriculum: 

AP Physics 1 - Fall

Unit 1:  Kinematics (1D & 2D Motion)

Unit 2:  Forces

Unit 3:  Circular Motion and Gravitation

Unit 4:  Work and Energy

Unit 5:  Momentum

Unit 6:  Angular

Unit 7:  SHM, Waves and Sound (AP2)

Unit 8:  Fluids

AP Exam: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 PM

AP Physics 2 - Spring

Unit 1:  Thermodynamics

Unit 2:  Electrostatics

Unit 3:  Circuits

Unit 4:  Magnetism

Unit 5:  Light

Unit 6:  Modern

Unit 7:  AP Review

AP Exam: Thursday, May 7, 2026 AM

TEXTBOOK: Physics: Principles with Applications by Giancoli 

GRADING: 

Tests will determine 70% of the grade. Quizzes and labs/Quizzes will account for 20% and daily practice will account for the last 10% of a student’s grade. 

Students will complete all major assessments to the best of their ability. Points are awarded based on thoroughness of work shown and accuracy of responses. After an assessment, all students will be provided an opportunity to correct mistakes and improve the quality of work shown to receive partial credit for any incorrect responses. 

Three daily grades will be dropped every nine weeks. 

All work must be shown to receive full or partial credit for any problem on homework, labs, tests, or quizzes. 

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 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. 

Practices will be checked for completion daily and are due during the first 5 min of class. Electronic work and a digital version of the paper copy must be submitted  in Google Classroom in order to receive credit. 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. 

MAKEUP POLICY: 

When a student is absent, they are responsible for all work missed. I follow the school guidelines for absences - one day for each excused day absent. Late work will only be accepted when a student has an excused absence. If a student is 

absent on a test/quiz/lab day, they are expected to make up the work on the first day they are back on campus. 

School-Related Absence (as per school guidelines)

When a class is missed to do a school related activity, it is the responsibility of the student to pick up assignments and turn in work due prior to the absence, and/or to be prepared to turn in work or take exams upon returning to class. 

ABSENT STUDENTS: 

Check the calendar and assignments in Google Classroom. 

Watch the video of the lecture missed which can be accessed through a link in Google Classroom. 

Complete assignments missed and submit missed work in Google Classroom. 

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.

ELIGIBILITY: In all cases, eligibility will follow the UIL guidelines. Consult the student handbook. 

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

Google Classroom

All classroom assignments and classroom resources will be made available through Google Classroom.

Additional Resources