AP Physics 1 Course Syllabus 2017-2018

Leigh Muto Lkmuto1@fcps.edu Room 131

Course Description AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based equivalent to the first semester of an introductory

college course and is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics 1 Exam given May 8,2018. This
course follows the inquiry-based curriculum for that examination, and students passing the exam may
receive college credit. (Note that each college/university has different standards regarding which AP
course may be used for credit.)

This year we will be using an innovative approach supported through a Knowledge in Action Project
cohort. This increases student engagement and collaboration through a series of research and design
projects. In addition to developing a strong understanding of the principle physics concepts, students will
expand their skills in scientific research, experimental design, collaboration and presentation. For
example, students will be exploring the concepts of vectors, friction, ramps and pulleys through a series
of inquiry-based activities that culminate in the design, build and presentation of a Roman arch.

Prerequisite Students are required to be concurrently enrolled in Pre-calculus or to have already

completed Pre-calculus.

Standards This class follows the standards outlined by the College Board AP Physics 1 course
encompassing the following topics: forces, kinematics, circular and rotational motion, torque, statics,
momentum, impulse, work and energy, oscillatory motion and waves.

After School Availability I am available after school on late bus days (Monday) until 4:30pm. I am often
available other days as well. I post weekly office hours to Google Classroom.

Expectations I expect you to behave with respect towards each other, me, and the equipment. We need
to think deeply to understand Physics, this can only be done in an environment where all students are feel
safe and are respected.

Textbook OpenStax College Physics textbook:

https://cnx.org/contents/Ax2o07Ul@9.61:HR_VN3f7@3/Introduction-to-Science-and-th
Students also have the option to check out a copy of College Physics, 3rd edition by Knight, Jones and
Field by request (Replacement Cost: $142.47)

Required Materials
Scientific calculator (phones are not calculators)
Pencils and paper for note-taking/problem solving
Your school laptop (we will be using specialized software)

Online Materials
FCPS 24/7 (Blackboard): Only important dates and announcements will be duplicated here
Public google calendar :This link is included on Blackboard site and available to parents.
Google Classroom/Google Drive: This is the primary source for class materials, and assignments.
Googlesite
Grades I will update you on your grades, but you should check SIS regularly. We will be using a rolling
gradebook for this course. This means grades from each quarter will continue to carry through to the
following quarters. Students on an upward trend will have a chance to see their improvement reflected in
their total grade whereas students to on a downward trend will want to make sure they work to improve
without delay. Grades will use the 4.0 point scale.

Quarterly grade: The grade printed on your report card will the sum of the grades posted on the Friday
that the quarter ends.
1st November 3
2nd January 25
3rd April 13
Final mark June 15 (earlier for seniors)

Final Grade:
30% Interim Comprehension Assessments (ICA)
40% Unit Tests
30% Project Design and Presentation (Performance Task)

Interim Comprehension Assessments: Students will be individually assessed on their progress in

understanding key concepts during the project cycle to provide timely feedback through a variety of
methods include submission of classwork and quizzes.

Retake Policy If you scored lower than an 80% on a unit test, you will have the opportunity to do one
alternate assessment scoring at maximum 80% following a corrective action assignment. The higher
grade will be recorded.

Excused Absences (EXC in school attendance program): Attendance is critical in a project based
class. If you miss a single class period that is a:

Research/Lab day: Check Google Classroom and your research group to catch up on missed material
Test day: E-mail me to arrange a make-up date after school as soon as possible.
Presentation day: Your group will present without you. You will present to me individually after school or
during CT as soon as you return.

Extended or Frequent Absence: If you have an extended excused absence or frequent absences
during a project cycle, we will work out a personal plan to have you make up the work. You will most
likely need to complete the current project as an individual rather than with the group.
Project Sequence

Project Title Guiding Question Performance Task Estimated

Duration
(weeks)

Reel Physics How real are Hollywood Pitch to Screenwriters 4

stunts?

When in Rome How can you design an Pitch to Emperor 5

arch that best pleases Augustus and his
the Emperor? Science Advisor

Mission to Mars How can you Verification & Validation 4

successfully land a (V&V) Report
rover on Mars?

Hunting Tools Would you have been Survival Challenges 5

able to survive in the with Tools
Paleolithic Era?

Crash Scene How can we accurately Final Accident Report & 3

Investigation determine what Cross Examination
happened in a car
crash?

Planet Hunters How extreme can Solar Simulation, 3

planets get? Exoplanet e-book page,
& Extreme Exoplanet
Conference

Art in Motion How can you use Kinetic Sculpture 4

physics to build a Showcase &
whimsical kinetic Online Competition
sculpture?

Culminating Project Student choice Student choice 2