Teacher: Ms. Krista Siren
Ms. Siren's Email: csiren at IGNORETHIS gdrsd dot org
Room: L25
Text: Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics: Principles with Applications 6th edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2005
Grades 11-12 Level AP Semester 1 Credit
AP Physics B is a course for college bound students. It is intended to be the equivalent of an overview, first year, non-calculus college physics course. Concepts will be addressed with the use of demonstrations and laboratory analysis. Some of the topics include: rotational mechanics, vibrations and waves, thermodynamics and fluids, electrical circuits, magnetism, light, optics, and elementary quantum mechanics. Students will engage in analysis of physical situations and problems, interpreting them both mathematically and verbally. As concepts are introduced, students will learn about their development in a historical context. This course relies on the same level of mathematics used in 554 Physics: algebra with right triangle trigonometry. Calculus concepts will be mentioned for those students with calculus experience but will not be relied upon.
Prerequisite: 554 Physics with a grade of B or higher or teacher recommendation. Chemistry I is recommended for this course. Course will only run if enrollment meets or exceeds 15 students.
AP Physics requires that students purchase their own copy of the text book. You may be able to find used copies of this book through this yearÕs AP physics students, online (through Amazon or elsewhere) or at college campus bookstores. However, used books may be of earlier editions and we will need to check to see if the problems assigned have different numbers in the older editions. If you plan on ordering a used book, please do so right away, so we can check the assigned problems before break. Due to the amount of topics on we must address, students have an assignment on modern physics to be done over the summer and fall, before class begins in January. This assignment appears in Unit 9 above.
Each student is expected to have a 3-ring binder exclusively for science. This binder should be organized into the following sections:
By having all your papers and by keeping them organized throughout the year, you will be much more effective in preparing for quizzes and exams. To encourage the habit of organization, your notebook may be checked by me at any time. Some pop quizzes will also be designated as open notebook.
Both announced and pop quizzes will be given frequently throughout the year to help me evaluate your understanding of new material, lab preparation, reading comprehension, and homework completion.
You will have tests at the end of each chapter.
You will usually have at least one lab per unit. Some of these labs will be formal labs, requiring a formal lab report. Others will be mini-labs, requiring a less extensive write-up.
Please learn the difference between collaborative learning and academic dishonesty! Collaborative learning is positive and involves constructive discussion of homework problems and labs with your classmates. However, what you write down for homework or in you lab notebook must be in your own words in order to reflect your effort and understanding of the material. Students who hand in identical work, or work that is too similar, will experience serious disciplinary consequences! Note that all quizzes and exams are considered strictly independent work. While lab partners may share data and discuss how to address the analysis questions, their final words should be their own.