January 6th, 2020.

Welcome Back!

Here's the syllabus for AP Physics 1:

 

Campbell High School                                                            

Course: AP Physics 1

Instructor: Mr. Osinski

Email: Anthony.Osinski@cobbk12.org

Blog: APOphyiscs.blogspot.com

                              

Physics Syllabus

            One objective of this course is to teach the student problem-solving skills and an analytical thought process; physics is simply the tool used to teach these qualities. Physics involves a different thought pattern and a higher thought process that the student will learn through the course of study. The other obvious objective of the course is to create within the student an appreciation of how the universe operates precisely within a higher mathematical order.

             

Course Pre-Requisites

AP Physics 1 is a challenging course that covers a vast amount of material. Physics is designed for the student equipped with the adequate math skills, general science knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Specifically, students must have a solid grasp algebra (and geometry) and previous science classes. Among the skills which you are expected to understand are: linear and quadratic equation solving; graphical interpretation and presentation; angle relationships; basic geometric formulas for circumference, area and volume; and the manipulation of fractions.  We will review most of these topics sometime during the course, but you are expected to master them as soon as possible.

             

A brief outline of AP1 physics topics:

·       Nature of Science and Math and Measurement

·       Motion in 1-dimension

·       Vectors                      

·       Motion in 2-dimensions

·       Newton’s Laws

·       Gravitation, Circular and Planetary Motion

·       Conservation of Momentum and Collisions

·       Work and Mechanical Energy

·       Rotational Motion                    

·       Waves, Sound

·       Static Electricity and Electric Fields

·       Current Electricity and Electrical Circuitry

Materials

·       Textbooks or on-line editions:

·       (Old sophomore text with lots of good homework problems). https://archive.org/stream/PhysicsPrinciplesAndProblemsByAGlencoeProgram/Physics%20Principles%20and%20Problems%20By%20A%20Glencoe%20Program?ui=embed#page/n0/mode/1up

·       Physics, Serway and Faughn (current sophomore textbook)

·       On-line AP resources (you will be signing up for these soon)

·       Myphysicsclassroom.com and other links found on my blog

·       College Physics, Etkina et al., online TBD

·       Notebook with paper (prefer 3-ring)

·       Graph paper (optional – BUT  given current budget restraints, highly recommended)

·        Pen or pencil (duh!)

·       At least a scientific calculator (absolutely must have sin, cos, tan keys)

The AP1 Exam is TIMED: This is a tough exam only offered at the end of the school year. You are not required to take this test. You may take it this year or in any future year. I recommend waiting until at least your junior year. Regardless you have to pay for it whenever you may want to take it. It is a TIMED test consisting of multiple-choice questions and free response questions. Because this course is ostensibly to prepare you to succeed on this test, my tests and quizzes are TIMED as well. You need to learn how to work efficiently and solve problems quickly.

Grading Scale

Tests [40%]—Tests are major grades. Study for them by writing out solutions to problems and reading relevant material on a regular basis. Tests may contain former or current AP test problems. These will be very difficult. There will be test correction ability on some of these problems and these problems only.

Labs [20%]—Labs will be conducted in groups for data collection. Lab reports and analysis must be in one’s own words. Lab reports (or even sections of lab reports) may not be shared, this includes data tables and graphs. Formal lab reports must be written using the lab report format (to follow later). Not all labs are of the same weight, some are “completion labs” and are worth 1/3 of a full lab grade. These usually require you to just follow directions and fill out a form or table.

Quizzes [15%]—Some quizzes will be announced; most are not. The expectation is you will keep current with what’s going on in the class!

Homework [10%]— Will be checked randomly for completeness. Completeness means that if 10 problems are assigned, you MUST show viable evidence of at least trying 10 problems – else it will not count. Simply writing down answers for problems that require calculations will not demonstrate viable evidence. Homework is DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD. Do not let me see you running into the room to finish up before the bell rings. I HATE THAT!

Final Exam [15%]—There is a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. There is not a statewide end-of-course test.

THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT AVAILABLE IN THIS CLASS. DO NOT ASK! I will refer you to this statement toward the end of the semester when you ask.

Cheating

Cheating, or helping others cheat, on any assignment will result in a grade of zero for that assignment. Other school rules AND IB rules apply. Having a cell phone out during a test or quiz will constitute as cheating.

Absence Policy

When absent, it is your responsibility to ask the teacher for any work that was missed and to ask others what was missed.  If work is not made up immediately, it will count 50% if turned in the next day, zero after that. If you need to make up a lab and it requires more than one person, you are responsible for recruiting the extra help you will need.

Class Rules

1.     Respect others, the lab, the subject.

2.     PUT YOUR CELL PHONE AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.     Be prepared to learn.

4.     No candy, food, or drinks are permitted in the classroom. There are no exceptions. And please do not finish your meal in the classroom. When you enter the class, no food or drink should be visible.

5.     You must have a pass to use the restroom and sign out on the board.

6.     All Campbell rules apply.

BLOG: APOphysics.blogspot.com – check for assignments, links to helpful webpages

Anthony.Osinski@cobbk12.org

CHS: 678-842-6850

Exam Exemption Policy (NEW for 2019-2020)

·       Juniors and Seniors ONLY may exempt an exam if they meet the following criteria:

·       Have an A or B and 3 or fewer unexcused absences in the class.

·       Have not received ISS or OSS for current semester.

·       Have 9 or fewer unexcused combined tardies from classes.

·       If a student exempts an exam, they should not be on campus.  If students are on campus, they will report to the designated area. 

**The following exams MAY NOT be exempted: IB, AP, SGM, and EOC exams.**

EXAM EXEMPTION APPEAL PROCESS

An appeal process for absences will be in place and students must have professional documentation submitted (legal, medical, etc.) with their appeal form. Students will not be penalized for absences/tardies due to a field trip, late buses, and/or testing.

Course Extension: Does not exist for AP Physics 1