Download Physics is not just for physicists. In fact, few people who study the

Physics
Introduction
The study of physics provides a systematic understanding of the fundamental laws that govern physical, chemical, biological,
terrestrial and astronomical processes. Many issues of public concern, such as energy, nuclear power, national defense, pollution, and
space exploration involve physical principles.
Physics is not just for physicists. In fact, few people who study the fundamentals of physics actually become physicists. For this
reason, non-calculus physics is taught at an introductory level and demonstrates the general principles of the science. Following are
the 11 sections and a brief list of topics
Unit
Major Topics
1. Kinematics—One Dimension
Measurement, Data Analysis, Kinematics
2. Kinematics—Two Dimensions
Vectors, Projectile Motion
3. Forces—Dynamics
Newton's Laws of Motion, Types of Forces, Dynamics
4. Conservation Laws—Linear Motion
Linear Momentum, Forms of Energy, Conservation of Energy,
5. Circular and Rotational Motion
Circular Motion, Newton's Laws—Rotation, Conservation Laws—Rotation, SHM
6. Subatomic Mass, Energy and Momentum
Atomic Nucleus, Photons and Electrons
7. Waves
Wave Motion, Light, Lenses and Mirrors, Interference
8. Fluids and Heat
Static Fluid, Fluid Flow, Heat, Heat Engines
9. Static Electricity
Electric Force, Field, Potential Energy and Voltage, Capacitor
10. Current Electricity
Circuit Elements, Series and Parallel Circuit Design
Magnetic Properties, Induced emf E
11. Magnetism
Supplies and Materials
1.
2.
You will need:
a. 3-ring binder with notebook paper
b. highlighter pen
c. scientific calculator
d. ruler
e. $10.00 lab fee
Textbook: Physics, Sixth Edition by Giancoli
Class Process
New material is presented in lecture format. You are provided with a work packet, which includes lecture notes, experiments,
practice problems, practice multiple choice test questions and practice free response test questions. The work packet is also available
online. Lectures and experiments are completed in class (although you may need to return during lunch or 7th period to complete the
lab). Practice problems, practice multiple choice and practice free response are done as homework. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ALL WORK, INCLUDING LABS, EVEN FOR DAYS THAT YOU ARE ABSENT.
After completing a unit, you take a two-part test. You turn in your work packet (10 points), take a free response test (10 points) with
one of your lab partners (on rotation), then take a multiple choice test (30 points) by yourself. If you are absent for a test, you are
expected to make up it up (by yourself) as soon as you can, preferably the next day at lunch or 7 th period. Honors students may use a 3
x 5 index card on the multiple choice portion of the test. In addition they will receive five extra points.
Corrected tests are returned the next class period. You can earn 20% of the points missed on the test by doing corrections. Test
corrections include explanations (or correct calculations) for each missed multiple choice and free response (similar to what you do for
practice), indication whether you missed the problem due to careless error or didn't know the answer, and a brief description of what you
can do next time to improve your score. Test corrections are due the next period after receiving the corrected test. For students who do
corrections for EVERY test in the semester will receive bonus points equal to 1 % of the total points that semester.
The first semester content is completed before winter break. The remaining time is set aside for reviewing and preparing for the
semester finals. The process starts during break, when you will review units 1-7, complete practice multiple choice and free response
tests and do test corrections (extra credit equal to the test correction points for your finals will be earned by turning in the completed
tests and test corrections). For the two weeks after break you will take a series of practice multiple choice and free response tests and
do test corrections (10 points). The final includes a lab team portion (50 points), a partner free response portion (40 points) and a solo
multiple choice portion (50 points). The total for the semester is 500 un-weighted points.
The second semester content is completed before spring break, and like the first semester, the remaining time is set aside for
review and preparation for the AP exam and the class finals. During spring break you will review units 1-11, complete practice multiple
choice and free response tests and do test corrections (extra credit equal to the test correction points for your finals will be earned by
turning in the completed tests and test corrections). For the four weeks after break you will listen to a quick review, take a series of
practice multiple choice and free response tests and do test corrections for all missed questions (10 points). In addition, a mock multiple
choice test will be given. If you get at least 40 out of 50 correct, you will receive an automatic 50 points on the multiple choice final. The
final includes a lab team portion (50 points), a partner free response portion (40 points) and a multiple choice portion (50 points).
For the last week teams will design, build and decorate a Ping-Pong ball shooter that is able to launch a Ping-Pong ball from the
lab table tops to a garbage can in the center of the room (50 points). The total for the semester is 400 un-weighted points.