Advanced Placement PHYSICS I

Syllabus

2015/16
Instruct
or

Mrs. Jennine A. Lupo

Phone

860-673-0423 ext. 5205

Room

Room 205

E-mail

lupoj@region10ct.org

Text

College Physics, 2006

Serway/Faughn/Vuille

Websit
e

https://studentweb.region10ct.org/groups/jlupo/

Description: AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based course equivalent to a first-semester college

course in algebra-based physics but is designed to be taught over a full academic year
to enable AP students to develop deep understanding of content and to focus applying
their knowledge through inquiry labs.
Goals: As a result of this course, it is intended that students will be able to accomplish the
following

Use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve

scientific problems;

Use mathematics appropriately;

Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the

context of the AP course;

Plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific

question;

Perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence;

Work with scientific explanations and theories; and

Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and representation in
and across domains.
AP Physics I BIG IDEAS

I.

Objects and systems have properties such as mass and charge. Systems may
have internal structure.

II.

Fields existing in space can be used to explain interactions.

III.

The interactions of an object with other objects can be described by forces.

IV.

Interactions between systems can result in changes in those systems.

V.

Changes that occur as a result of interactions are constrained by conservation

laws.

VI.

Waves can transfer energy and momentum from one location to another without
the permanent transfer of mass and serve as a mathematical model for the
description of other phenomena.

Requirements: Student has passed Level 1 Algebra II with a B- or better or is

concurrently enrolled.
Resources: Students are required to bring a binder, pencil, pen, highlighter, graphing
calculator to class daily.

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Evaluation: Tests and quizzes occur at least every two weeks; includes both multiple choice
and free response formats. Approximately forty minutes of readings and problems from the
text are --assigned nightly. Homework is an integral component of the course and must be
completed regularly. (A significant amount of work utilizes internet components.)
Course grade distribution is as follows:
Tests and Quizzes 60%

Homework 15%

Labs 25%

Course Schedule and Serway/Faughn correlation:

Semester One
Topic

Required Reading

I. Mechanics
Dimensional Analysis, Vectors

Ch 1

Kinematics in One Dimension

Ch 2

Kinematics in Two Dimensions, projectiles

Ch 3

II. Dynamics
Equilibrium and Inertia

Ch 4

Dynamics and acceleration

Ch 4

Tension, Friction

Ch 4

Work, Energy and Power

Ch 5

Momentum

Ch 6

Semester Two
III. Gravity, Rotational Motion and Charge
Uniform Circular Motion, Gravitation, and dual systems dynamics.

Ch 7

Rotation, Torque, Center of Mass

Ch 8

Electrostatics

Ch 15

Capacitors

Ch 16

Electric Currents

Ch 17

Electric Circuits

Ch 18

IV. Waves and Sound

Harmonics, Hookes Law and Oscillations

Chapter 13

Sound

Chapter 14

Practice Tests for AP Physics I. Exam through May 3rd, 2016

Beyond the Exam
After the AP exam has been taken, approximately three weeks of class remain, depending on snow days.
The final weeks will be dedicated to an independent research and laboratory investigation of a physical
phenomenon or problem that the student is interested in. This work will serve as the students final exam
grade and must be formally presented to the department.

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