What is Physics?
Physics is considered to be a physical science that is about finding patterns, explaining those patterns about the physical world around us.. Mr. Chen's class has an emphasis on studying physics like scientists and philosophers where knowledge is developed by performing observational experiments to come up with hypotheses, ideas that we can test. The class then tests the idea, seeking to disprove it, until they cannot find any way to disprove it and thus build a lot of confidence in their ideas. These ideas can be used to predict and explain many phenomena such as:
Why all objects fall the same way in a vacuum?
Why police can reliably determine how fast your car was moving without seeing it move?
Why auditoriums are shaped a particular way?
Why you get shocked frequently during the winter?
Why you feel pushed in when your make a turn in a car?
What is Honors Physics like compared to other Physics?
Scientific abilities that are used to devise and conduct experiments in an organized logical manner,
Algebraic math that is frequently used for solving specific numbers or for representing relationships between different physical quantities,
Physics representations that are used to graphically represent and communicate important key ideas,
Communication of ideas and discourse between scientific peers,
Evaluating ideas and testing them
If you are the kind of student who enjoys learning about the world systematically, using algebra level math without relying on a calculator and numbers, seeing physics as more than just equations, speaking the language of science and seeking answers beyond just a number or definition - this class is for you!
If you're interested in learning the ways - we can always use another member of the team!
What is CP Physics like compared to other Physics?
CP physics
Scientific abilities that are used to devise and conduct experiments in an organized logical manner,
Introductory arithmetic math concepts used for solving specific numbers and identifying relationships between different physical quantities,
Physics representations that are used to graphically represent and communicate important key ideas,
Communication of ideas and discourse between scientific peers,
Evaluating ideas and testing them
What is Physics AP 2 like compared to Honors Physics?
Physics AP 2 is a continuation of the first year Honors Physics course. The course is designed around the Advanced Placement exam for AP Physics 2 and spends most of the year aligned to the topics behind the exam.
Compared to Honors Physics:
Scientific abilities are expected to be very high and will frequently be used and assessed,
High level algebraic math is a must, seldom will there be any numerical calculations. Most math will be done almost exclusively using proportions, graphs and algebraic manipulation.
All of Honors Physics materials are pre-requisite and re-visited, in the process of studying more advanced topics.
Communication and evaluation of ideas is paramount,
Larger amount of content and faster pace of content delivery,
Students work toward AP Exam in May
AP Physics 2, is particularly student-centered more than ever. There are many topics but a great many experiences that are very intellectually stimulating. This class is very challenging as it does not meet many students' expectations of a traditional lecture-based style class. Instead, students are at the forefront of the scientific world, discovering ideas and testing them like the scientists before them. For more information about the exam specifically, please visit this page about the AP Exam.
Are there a lot of labs in Physics?
There are quite a number of small activity labs and major labs in Physics. The class is split into two main modes of lab -
Observational Experiments, where students observe phenomena and record data to be used to devise a pattern or idea about the phenomena.
Testing Experiments, where students take their idea and test it by making a measurable prediction. They then execute the experiment and compare the real results with their prediction.
What's the grade breakdown?
The grading breakdown is as follows
Major Assignments - 65%
These include higher stakes tests, quizzes, projects
Minor Assignments - 35%
These include minor stakes classwork, labwork
Each marking period is 21.25% of the final grade (4 marking periods are 85%) and the final exam is worth 15% of the final grade.
Is there any extra credit?
Extra credit is often confused with "free credit". There are no free assignments that result in bonus points added to the grade without penalty.
Is there a way to bring up my grade?
Consider the following:
Am I missing any assignments?
Have I turned in all assignments on time?
Have I discussed with my Mr. Chen what I can do to improve?
More often than not most students lose points because of the 3 reasons above. Mr. Chen has done the math and in some cases, students have lost over a half letter grade to the 3 reasons above.
Does Mr. Chen sleep? Does Mr. Chen have a life?
No and no. Mr. Chen is too busy crafting a grand scientific adventure for all. Sleep is for the students outside of school. Lives are for cats.