AP PHYSICS 1

Instructors: P. Coley & A. Flocke Website: jhreaganphysics.com

Room #: A241/ A217 Conference: 1PM-2:55 PM

The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.
It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.
Albert Einstein, physicist

What is AP Physics 1?
Strictly speaking, AP Physics 1 is a course designed by the College Board as an equivalent to the first
semester of algebra-based college-level physics. You are therefore expected to take the AP Physics 1
exam in May to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts covered in this class. Most
universities offer credit for a qualifying score (typically 3 or better) on this exam.
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Additionally, AP Physics 1 replaces Pre-AP Physics, which is no longer offered at Reagan. This means that
many juniors now get the opportunity to earn college credit along with the extra grade points offered by
a higher-level class. Some of you may be concerned that this change will result in more work, a harder
class or a lower grade. Do not worry! AP Physics 1 actually covers less material than Pre-AP Physics.
This gives you the opportunity to comprehend physics concepts through hands-on, student-centered,
inquiry-based
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and project-based
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lessons. This approach typically results in a deeper understanding of
physics AND is a whole lot of fun!

Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express.
Brenda Ueland, author and educator

Who should take AP Physics 1?
AP Physics 1 is recommended for juniors who meet one or more of the following requirements:
Have a strong desire to take a challenging science class.
Were recommended by an AP teacher or an administrator.
Made a B or higher in ANY PAP class.
Plan to pursue a career in engineering, physical science, computer science or math.
PLEASE NOTE: AP Physics 1 is for anyone who meets at least one of the above criteria. This includes
everyone from students who do not normally sign up for AP courses to students who only take
advanced classes. This gives you the opportunity to work with a more diverse group of people and thus
improves your critical thinking skills and your understanding of physics.
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AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors: P. Coley & A. Flocke Website: jhreaganphysics.com
Room #: A241/ A217 Conference: 1PM-2:55 PM

None of us is as smart as all of us.
Kenneth H. Blanchard, bestselling author
How are the AP Physics 1 classes structured?
There are a few things about the structure of AP Physics 1 that may (or may not) be new and unfamiliar
to you. While these changes might seem somewhat unusual and uncomfortable to you at first, dont
worry. The vast majority of former AP Physics students grow to appreciate the following:
Videos and games for homework ---You will be expected to watch and usually interact with
various digital resources to prepare for class. These things replace the traditional book work
normally associated with homework. Practice problems will typically be completed in class as
part of a project, game or lab activity. Therefore, you will need to have access to a computer
until the January deployment of the PowerUp program. Please inform you instructor A.S.A.P. if
this is an issue, so that reasonable arrangements can be made.

Two Teachers---This year multiple sections of AP Physics 1 (and in some cases AP Physics 2 & AP
Physics C)
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will combine for the majority of the year. This increases the volume of ideas you are
exposed to and gives you the added benefit of having two physics teachers at hand to assist you
with your work.

Teamwork and Leadership--- Being a citizen of the 21
st
century means that any career path you
decide to pursue will involve working with other people. Therefore learning how to collectively
approach complex problems and projects (like those in AP Physics 1) is essential. All students
are expected to be a respectful and productive members of their ASSIGNED teams. Learning to
effectively lead people in these types of complex activities is also very important. Every student
in AP Physics 1 will get the opportunity to develop leadership skills over the course of the school
year.

Projects and Contests. --- Several major grades (including midterms and finals) are project-
based. These projects often contain a competitive element that could improve your grade.
Keeping up with your work and actively participating in class will often provide you with many
advantages on these types of projects.

More Freedom to Learn ---Nobody likes to feel trapped as a teacher goes on and on in a
lecturenot even the teacher! To prevent this from happening, AP Physics 1 classes will begin
to receive increasingly autonomous group goals and assignments based on the AP Physics 1
learning objectives.
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Please note: This will begin sometimes between the first progress report
and the first report card depending on how quickly schedule issues and student groups are
settled.

AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors: P. Coley & A. Flocke Website: jhreaganphysics.com
Room #: A241/ A217 Conference: 1PM-2:55 PM

If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.
---Tom Landry, Greatest Football Coach, EVER

What do I need for AP Physics 1?
Textbook: Various digital textbooks provided by the instructor.
Pencils
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/pens
Composition notebook
Sticky tabs or notes (Post-it type)
One glue stick
___________colored folder with pockets and brads
Ear buds or headphones (optional until January)
Colored pencils or markers (optional)
How do I succeed in AP Physics 1? (What you are expected to do.)
Be on time for class.
Respect yourself and others.
Work as a productive member of a team.
Participate in all class activities both in person and online.
Make up any missed work either online or in tutorials.
Keep your lab notebook up to date.
THINK!!!!
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How is AP Physics 1 graded?
60% of your grade is comprised of tests, major labs and projects
40% of your grade is comprised of quizzes, daily work, homework and minor labs
All work is graded on a scale of 1-5 (just like the AP exam.) While the points necessary to get each score
may vary based on the assignment, the numerical grade entered for each score will always be as follows:

Score Grade
5 100
4 90
3 80
2 75
1 70
Excessively incomplete or careless work as well as missing assignments will receive a
zero. You will be allowed to make up zeros in tutorials. We reserve the right to deduct
10 % 80% of the points on such assignments depending on the quality of work and how
quickly you resolved the issue.

Tests may not be retaken. HOWEVER they may be revised multiple times in tutorials for
extra points. This combined with numerous opportunities for extra credit ensure that
you should never worry about your grade because you performed poorly on a test.



AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors: P. Coley & A. Flocke Website: jhreaganphysics.com
Room #: A241/ A217 Conference: 1PM-2:55 PM

How do tutorials for AP Physics 1 work?

There will be a sign-up sheet for tutorials in A241 under the green Texas flag. IF you sign up and cannot
make it, you MUST get in touch with Ms. Flocke or Mrs. Coley BEFORE your scheduled appointment to
avoid possible adverse action.


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The actual college credit awarded depends on the school, department and degree plan. For more information go
to https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies .

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Activities where students use critical thinking and problem solving skills to answer a question, thereby
discovering a concept for themselves, much like scientists do.

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Activities where students use critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete an assigned task, thereby
building understanding of a concept for themselves, much like engineers do.

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See http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915104849.htm

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These are senior level AP physics courses typically taught to second-year physics students.

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You will be provided with both a physical and digital copy of these objectives the first week of school. Keep them
in an easily assessable place.

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Pencil sharpeners are not provided by the teachers. Please have a mechanical pencil, a small pencil sharpener or
some other means of rendering your writing instrument usable.

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This is Mrs. Coleys very favorite expression. You will gain her favor if you prove to her that you can THINK!