AP Physics 1 - Syllabus 2016-2017

Teacher Info:
Teacher: Christine Casio
Room Number: 101
Email: ccasio@houstonisd.org
Phone: (713) 924 1697
Conference Periods: T, Th at 8 AM - 9:30 AM (A1) and 2 PM - 3:30 PM (A4)
Course Description:
AP Physics 1 is a two-semester, algebra-based course. It mirrors a one-semester
introductory level physics course and seeks to develop students conceptual
understanding of the following six big ideas that encompass the core principles and
theories of physics.
Big idea 1: Objects and systems have properties such as mass and charge. Systems
may have internal structure.
Big idea 2: Fields existing in space can be used to explain interactions.
Big idea 3: The interactions of an object with other objects can be described by
forces.
Big idea 4: Interactions between systems can result in changes in those systems.
Big idea 5: Changes that occur as a result of interactions are constrained by
conservation laws.
Big idea 6: 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.
Students will also conduct supplementary lab experiments as inquiry-based
explorations of the above topics. Compared to the previous version of AP Physics,
AP Physics 1 will focus more on the critical thinking and reasoning through written
explanations rather than formula-based learning.
Course Prerequisites:
Because AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based course, students should have completed
Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II. Students should also have a basic
knowledge of trigonometry.
Text and Class Resources:
Giancoli, D.C. Physics: Principles with Applications. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Pearson Education.
Additional reference materials and handouts will be distributed throughout
the year.
Other class information and resources will be posted on The Hub.
1

Required Material:
2-inch 3-ring binder with 11 tab dividers (one for each unit)
Composition notebook (no spirals)
Pens, pencils, paper, and erasers
Interactive Science Notebook:
The composition notebook will be used as an Interactive Science Notebook, or ISN.
The ISN will include student reflection and serve as a log for recording lab data
when working on experiments. The student must have his/her ISN on experiment
days. The ISN will be checked on these days, and the grade will be included in the
students overall lab grade for that experiment.
Grading:
Homework

10%

Classwork/Participatio
n

15%

Lab Work

25%

Quizzes

10%

Tests

40%

Late/Make-Up Work Policy:

Students are expected to complete and turn in their work on time to succeed in this
course. Any work submitted after the due date are subject to grading penalties. For
work turned in one day (not the next class day) late, the maximum grade for the
assignment is 90. For work turned in two to three days late, the maximum grade for
the assignment is 75. For any work turned in after three days AND before the end of
the grading cycle, the maximum grade is 65.
Students are also responsible for any work missed during an absence. Any work due
on the day of the absence are due the day the student gets back, and make-ups for
quizzes and tests must be made with the instructor.
Content Covered:
The following is a tentative pacing schedule for the course. The length spent on
each unit is subject to change depending on student progress. Ideally, the last six
weeks of the academic year will be allotted for comprehensive reviews before the
AP exam.
Six Weeks
1st

Units
Unit 0: Introduction to Physics 1 and Math Tools
Unit 1: Kinematics
Unit 2: Newtons Laws
2

2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th

Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation

Unit 4: Work, Power, and Energy
Unit 5: Momentum
Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
Unit 7: Rotational Motion
Unit 8: Waves and Sound
Unit 9: Electrostatics
Unit 10: DC Circuits
Review for AP and Final Exams

Parent/Student Acknowledgement
We have reviewed, understand, and agree to the information in this AP
Physics 1 2016 -2017 syllabus.
Return this page back next class to receive 5 points.
Student Signature: __________________________
Parent Signature:
________________________
Student Name: ______________________________
Parent Name:
____________________________
Student Email: ______________________________
Parent Email:
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Parent Phone:
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