AP Physics 

AP PHYSICS 1

GENERAL INFORMATION:  AP Physics 1 is an algebra/trigonometry based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as kinematics, Newtonian mechanics/dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion and mechanical waves, rotational motion, and some electricity and magnetism.  Through inquiry based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

AP Physics 1 culminates in a standardized AP exam which could be used for college credit in some post-secondary institutions. It is challenging and rigorous and is taken, primarily, by serious students interested in pursuing science, medicine, nursing, or engineering in college. It can also be taken by any student who wishes to challenge and distinguish themselves and prepare for a university curriculum.

The AP Physics 1 course is a fast-paced, college-level course that will require commitment and dedication to your studies, as well as organization and time budgeting.  It is an excellent college preparatory course!  If you take this course, you will be expected to attend the class every scheduled day, on time.  You will be expected to bring your book, paper, writing utensils, and a scientific calculator daily to class. Plan to spend, at least, one hour per day, five days a week outside of class for AP Physics 1.  You should also expect to attend some study sessions before and after school.  Labs are primarily done outside of class.  Typically students will come in during Lobo Lab, free periods, lunch time, and before and after school.  Usually, you will spend 15-30 minutes just collecting data with the equipment provided.  

If you do complete the course, however, your AP credit will be weighted greater than other classes for determining your GPA and your abilities as a potential college student will be greatly improved.  You will leave the class with a confidence that the skills you have learned in high school will help guide you through your freshman year at the university level!  Taking AP Physics 1 will prepare you for the huge and expensive undertaking of going to college.  We will also have a good deal of fun actually doing intricate laboratory activities!

For further questions concerning the curriculum you can go to.... 

https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-physics-1-algebra-based

Even though Lobo Lab is not mandatory, it can be a particularly important part of this course, as it will allow you to get help from the teacher or your peers with homework and it could also be used to complete some laboratory exercises that would ordinarily have to be done outside of class.   Its purpose allows us to meet the requirements for the course specified by the AP Board and the general guidelines set forth by a college curriculum.

GRADING: 40% of your course grade will be from unit tests & quizzes, 40% labs and homework, and 20% from the end of the year practice exam.

The practice exam is designed to help you prepare for the AP test at the end of the school year.  It will be given during class a week or two before the AP test is given.  This will allow time for students to practice their test taking skills and to learn from their experience before taking the AP test.

In order to finalize the content and your commitment to taking AP Physics, the course concludes with a cumulative exam (the AP exam or the final exam).  Hence, AP Physics 1 is a full year class and students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 exam in May.  As per state and school policy, however, the AP exam is not a requirement for credit for this course.  If a student chooses to take the AP Exam, they are NOT required to take the final exam given by the instructor(s).  The final exam is a 100 point physics exam that is given in school on the day of the AP test on May 16.  To receive full credit for the course, a student must take either the AP exam or the final exam on May 16! 

If a student does not take one of these exams, a "0" is recorded for not taking the final exam.  For Seniors, this final exam is scored and recorded at the end of the school year after Seniors have finished their course work at the school.  Being a true final exam, your performance on the final exam could help or hurt your grade in the class.  This could have positive or negative implications for those who have already been accepted to a college institution. 

Similar to a college course, it is very important that you are engaged all the way through the end of the course!  Colleges and universities will look at your course grade and could also look at your AP exam score for admissions, course placement, scholarships, and program acceptance.

Extra credit is accepted, always has a positive impact on your grade, and is described on another page on this Google site.

CLASSROOM POLICIES: Since this is a college level course, expectations are that you want to be in the class and are prepared to accept responsibility for your performance. You will be treated as an adult but must realize that behavioral issues, parent involvement, excused and unexcused absences, failed tests, poor lab reports, attendance, and homework completion are also your responsibility. The instructor will not accept late work, redone assignments, or test redos.

Please understand that you are NOT to bring any electronic devices to class unless the teacher requests it for an upcoming activity.  This includes Chromebooks, laptops, cell phones, radios, headphones, IWATCHES, IPODS, CD players, and record players!  Toys, food, candy, and drinks, are also not permitted.

Our class will adhere to the CHS LOBO Honor Code at all times.  You are responsible for knowing the code, its purpose, and its consequences.  Honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility will be rewarded and will help you to prepare for your life as an adult.  Violations of the LOBO Honor Code will result in actions as spelled out in the document.

Content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) can be inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated or may contain copyrighted material. You are responsible for any content that you submit that includes AI-generated materials.  Any use of AI falls under the Jefferson county public schools academic integrity policy.

TEXTBOOK:  Textbooks are to be purchased by the student and can be done online, or through a bookstore. It is important that the correct title and edition are ordered. Google this to get a cheap used text.... 

Giancoli physics sixth edition updated ISBN-13: 9780136073024

Thank you for your interest in this class.  Please see, or email, me if you have questions.

Mr. King