Welcome to Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics C. Who am I? Mr. White B.S. ChE, Lamar University, May, 1980 MChE, U of H, May, 1988 21 years of industrial.

Welcome to Physics

AP Physics 1

AP Physics C

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example Of Low PAP Scores

• See “AP Student Past Performance 2013 – 2014.xls”

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

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

Your Role (cont’d)

• As I make you aware of weaknesses, practice working problems in that area

• Commit to competing with your class mates

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