1. Welcome to Physics
AP Physics C

3. 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

4. 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 5/09/16
Both tests are comprehensive

5. 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
Both tests allow a calculator and equation sheet, graded with a STRINGENT rubric

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

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

8. My Goals For Students Teach students how to:
Think analytically
Improve math ability
Improve study habits
Improve long-term memory
Improve science reading comprehension
In other words, I want to prepare students for success at the college level

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

10. My Expectations Follow posted classroom rules
Follow my instruction regarding physics
Students take personal responsibility for meeting deadlines
Students stay actively engaged in the learning process
All AP students will take the AP test

11. My Expectations (cont’d)
Students adhere to the items listed in the student physics contract:
Recognize that for AP physics, the student’s schedule must allow substantial time for thinking about new and subtle concepts, and a full schedule of other AP classes will hinder success in this area
Diligently follow the physics syllabus and turn in all work on time
Diligently follow teacher instruction regarding course content and methods of learning difficult course material
Attend practically all regularly scheduled classes
Make up any class time and work that was missed
Pay close attention during lectures and demonstrations
Take notes in class every day
Review class notes after school on a daily basis

12. My Expectations (cont’d)
Carefully read the assigned textbook material before the lecture on that material
Come to class fully prepared, and ask physics questions over the topics that will be discussed that day in class
Regularly attend physics tutorial sessions
Attend lab sessions after school or on Saturdays as needed
Take all steps necessary to commit previously learned material to long term memory (e.g., flash cards, periodic review of “old” material, etc.). In essence, each chapter in a given physics book is used as a “stepping stone” to later chapters, so much of the material is cumulative in nature, and must be remembered if the student is to have success in later chapters
Study for physics tests over a several-day period, and avoid the practice of “cramming” for a test at the last minute

13. Format Of My Class We will strictly follow a published syllabus
Homework is assigned via QUEST, 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

14. Format Of My Class (cont’d)
MC tests contain questions from previous chapters
End of year – special topic
AP Physics C: Solver

15. Issues That Will Lead To AP Test Failure
Low algebra skills
Low work ethic (senioritis)
Too much dependence on technology
Lack of critical thinking skills
Low maturity level / lack of focus
No metacognition

16. Issues That Will Lead To AP Test Failure (cont’d)
Copying peers’ homework
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 outside the class room devoted to AP physics

17. Students’ 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

18. Students’ Role (cont’d)
As I make students aware of weaknesses, practice working problems in those areas
Commit to competing with class mates

19. Closing For medicine or engineering majors, this is the correct class
To be successful, students will have to perform at a higher level than ever before
If students follow instruction, there is a very good chance that they will pass the AP test