AP PHYSICS 1 - ALGEBRA BASED
About AP Physics 1 - Algebra Based
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.
Laboratory Requirement
This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices.
Skills You'll Learn
Interpreting and describing representations and models
Using mathematics to solve science problems
Formulating a scientific question or hypothesis
Designing an experiment to answer a scientific question or to test a hypothesis
Analyzing data and evaluating evidence
Working with scientific explanations and theories
Making connections
Prerequisites
Math 3/Algebra 2 or Honors Math 2/Algebra 2 with 'B' or higher average
College Course Equivalent
AP Physics 1 is a full-year course that is the equivalent of a first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.
Summer Homework
No summer work for this class!
Teacher Corner
Welcome to AP Physics I! This will be a fun and challenging year as we work toward the common goals of understanding the basic principles of physics and learning to apply that knowledge through problem solving. We will examine some of the basic rules of the physical universe – from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies and everything in between – and how they apply to the world we live in.
Topics we will focus on include motion, forces, momentum, work and energy, rotational motion, static and current electricity, and waves. Changes to the AP curriculum have shifted emphasis from just algebraic problem-solving, to deep conceptual understanding between topics. Inquiry experiments, group lab work, graph and data interpretation, written explanations, designing labs, and connecting relationships will be emphasized throughout this course to the point 25% of class time will be conducting experiments.
Contact Information
Teacher - Brian Underwood
AP Coordinator - Dave Haluga
College/Career Counselor - Liz Emmons