Summer Task

Most students that have difficulty with physics is not because of physics- it is due to a difficulty with the requisite mathematics. And- as in the case the requisite mathematics is Calculus many of you will not yet have completed a formal course in Calculus, as it is a co-requisite.

 The purpose of this summer assignment is to keep your minds working while trying to get a step up on Calculus.  By getting this work done during the summer we will free up a little bit of time. 

I understand that the summer is a busy time so I will be flexible with the due dates but I strongly recommend that you not put this off to the last minute. Don’t worry if you aren’t a master of calculus by the end of the summer or didn't complete the research project: you will be taking calculus concurrently with Physics and you will continue working on your project during the school year. 

Get Introduced to Calculus

You are required to learn the material in the book Quick Calculus, by Kleppner and Ramsey.  The reason for this assignment is that calculus including integration is needed for Calculus based Physics right from the start, and it is normally several months before integration is treated in a calculus course.

The book is available at Amazon.com for less than $10.00 plus shipping. You could also find a used copy somewhat cheaper from the internet (e.g. Ebay or Amazon used). It is recommended that you buy a book so that you can write in it.

The book is a self-teaching book (check errata to see where there was a misprint).  You will be expected to work through the chapters and practice exercises. As part of the assignment, you are required to print out the three quizzes on the separate quiz sheets attached to this document.  The quizzes are expected to be completed by the following dates: 

Some Khan Academy Videos may help if you are struggling.  Each link takes you to a series of videos for each topic.  You should watch them if you need:

Questions?

You should email me at dennis.weygand@nhrec.org if you are struggling with any part of the task.  I always welcome questions and may even be able to arrange for a conference call if a student is having particular difficulty (but don’t give up and look for that option too quickly!).  I hope that you have a GREAT summer.