1. Welcome to Physics
AP Physics 1
AP Physics C

3. Who am I? Mr. White B.S. ChE, Lamar University, May, 1980
MChE, U of H, May, 1988
21 years of industrial engineering experience
9 years of physics teaching experience, at all levels

4. What is physics? Driven by “big ideas” and key concepts
Mathematical description of the physical world (mathematical models)
Standard nomenclature, with subscripts
Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, dimensional analysis, calculus (AP physics C), etc., will all be used
Units on numbers are ESSENTIAL

5. What is AP Physics 1?
College level, trig based, intended for future medicine majors
Taught at the college level
Tested at the high school level
Approximately 15 labs, done during class time
Formal lab reports are required

6. What Is AP Physics 1? (cont’d)?
AP test administered on 5/06/15
There are two parts to the AP test, which is comprehensive
A calculator and equation sheet may be used on both parts of the AP test

7. What is AP Physics 1? (cont’d)
MC test – 50 questions / 90 minutes
FR test – 4-5 questions / 90 minutes
FR test is VERY conceptual, and requires detailed written responses
The grading scale in this class is different
Scores will be low and adjustments will be made

8. What is AP Physics C?
College level, calculus based, intended for future engineering majors
Weekly afternoon labs – MANDATORY
Two AP tests: Mechanics, E&M
Both tests administered on 5/11/15
Both tests are comprehensive

9. What is AP Physics C? (cont’d)
Each AP tests consists of 3 FR questions and 35 MC questions
45 minute time limit on each test
FR test allows a calculator and equation sheet, graded with a STRINGENT rubric
MC test prohibits calculator / equation sht.

10. What is AP Physics C? (cont’d)
The grading scale is somewhat different than you are accustomed to
Adjustments will be made
This is probably the most difficult class offered in a HS setting

11. What AP Physics Isn’t It isn’t PAP+
It isn’t the content that can be learned on class room time alone
Minimal retesting
No extra credit
Re-teaching is only done during AP test prep

12. Why AP Physics Exists
College professors see increasing numbers of unprepared freshman students
Steps are being taken to “weed out” the unqualified (UH freshman chem class)
AP Physics lets you see college level difficulty before college

13. My Goals for You Teach you how to:
Think analytically
Improve your math ability
Improve your study habits
Improve your long-term memory
Improve your science reading comprehension
In other words, I want to prepare you for success at the college level, and I want you to trust that I know how to do that

14. My methods GUESS method for problem solving
Emphasis on units, dimensional analysis, factor/label method
Symbolic mathematics
Memorize and derive equations
Inquiry labs
A detailed course syllabus

15. My Expectations Follow posted classroom rules
Follow my instruction regarding physics
Students adhere to the items listed in the student physics contract
Students take personal responsibility for meeting deadlines
Students stay actively engaged in the learning process
All AP students will take the AP test

16. Format Of My Class We will strictly follow a published syllabus
Homework is assigned daily, and must be attempted for best results
Weekly after-school labs (Physics C)
Tests cover one chapter at a time
Tests alternate between FR and MC
FR tests MUST meet all of the AP rubric criteria

17. Format Of My Class (cont’d)
MC tests contain questions from previous chapters
Raw scores are recorded in the grade book, and they will be LOW
Usually, highest GB average is adjusted to 95, and all GB averages are adjusted by the same amount

18. Format Of My Class (cont’d)
For best effort with failing quarter average, IF all work is done, I’m willing to discuss
End of year – special topic that will give you an “edge” in your freshman classes

19. Issues That Will Lead To AP Test Failure
Failure to adequately learn PAP physics
Low algebra skills
Low work ethic (senioritis = laziness)
Too much dependence on technology
Lack of critical thinking skills
Low maturity level / lack of focus
Arrogance – overestimating your ability and/or underestimating AP content

20. Example Of Low PAP Scores
See “AP Student Past Performance 2013 – 2014.xls”

21. Issues That Will Lead To AP Test Failure (cont’d)
Copying peers’ homework / cheating
Waiting until the night before a test to read the text book and/or study (cramming)
Cell phone or personal device usage during my lecture or when the “red flag” is posted
Too little time devoted to AP physics

22. Your Role
Diligently follow ALL of the recommendations on the AP physics contract
Do some physics outside of class time every day
Memorize equations
Practice deriving equations
NEVER attempt to “cram” for tests

23. Your Role (cont’d)
As I make you aware of weaknesses, practice working problems in that area
Commit to competing with your class mates

24. Closing For medicine or engineering majors, this is the correct class
To be successful, you will have to perform at a higher level than ever before
If you do what I say, when I say, there is a very good chance that you will pass the AP test