- Manhasset Secondary School
- AP Physics 1 Course Outline
Sundar, Pavithra
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AP Physics 1/Regents Physics
Ms. Sundar
pavithra_sundar@ManhassetSchools.org
(516)267-7565
This course is an algebra-based college level introductory physics course. The areas studied include Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, and Modern Physics. The course will emphasize problem solving, critical thinking, and laboratory skills. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement Physics 1 exam in May. This exam is divided into two 90-minute sections. Part I contains 50 multiple choice questions Part II consists of 5 open ended free response questions. Formula sheets and calculators may be used during the exam. Students will also take the Physics Regents exam in June.
Textbook
The textbook used for this course is Physics by Cutnell and Johnson. This book could be left at home since it will be used on a nightly basis for homework and reference.
Materials
Notebook with loose-leaf paper
Graph paper
Scientific or graphing calculator
Metric ruler
Protractor
Pens, pencils, red pen
Quad ruled composition notebook for labs
Grading
The following grading policy will be used in calculating quarter grades:
Exams and Quizzes= 60 %
Labs = 20 %
Homework/Class work = 20 %
Exams and Quizzes
Two or three exams will be given each quarter. Exams are comprehensive and will cover a wide range of material. They will consist of AP style multiple choice questions and/or AP style long answer questions. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and may be given on any day. There will be several quizzes given each quarter. Quizzes will cover one or two topics.
Any exams and quizzes that are missed must be made up either afterschool or during a free period by appointment within two days of your return to school unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.
Labs
Students participate in lab sessions approximately once a week. In this course, students will do all the labs required by the Regents and will also do advanced labs. All lab work must be completed in the lab notebook. Any missed labs must be made up afterschool in a timely manner. Exam and quiz questions can be lab based.
Homework/Class work
Problem solving will be a very large focus of this class, and as with most tasks, the more you practice, the better you will get at it.
Thoroughly completing homework will be necessary to your success in this class. Homework will be either checked or collected and graded. Selected problems will be reviewed in class. Aside from working on the assigned homework problems, it is imperative that you spend time reviewing your notes and class work each and every night. In addition to written homework, students are required to complete weekly online assignments on Castle Learning and Quest (online homework service) (at least one, up to three assignments per week).
We will be engaging in a lot of problem solving during class time. You are expected to participate and work with your classmates. Work that is not completed in class must be completed for homework. You are also required to participate in class discussions and activities.
Extra Help or make-up sessions
I will be available for extra help afterschool on Wednesdays. Additional sessions before or after school or help during free periods may be arranged with advance notice. It is your responsibility to seek help when you need it!
List of Topics Covered in AP Physics 1
Newtonian Mechanics
- 1D and 2D Kinematics (including vectors)
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Circular Motion and Gravitation
- Work, Power, Energy
- Linear Momentum
- Oscillations and Simple Harmonic Motion
- Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrostatics*
- Electric Circuits
- Magnetic Fields and electromagnetism*
Waves and Optics
- Wave motion and Wave Phenomena
- Light and Snell’s Law *
Modern Physics*
* topic not covered on AP Physics 1 exam but covered on the Regents exam