AP Physics 1

2015-2016 Course Syllabus

Teacher Name: Mr. Kurt Helgemoe
E-mail: kurta.helgemoe@cms.k12.nc.us

Room#: B-204

nd

Text: Knight, Jones, & Field: College Physics 2 Edition, 2012, Pearson Education, Inc.
I.
Course Description
This college level course in science will uncover much of the natural phenomena of the world around us. It is an
algebra/geometry-based, laboratory intensive course. Completing the course and adequate achievement on the final exam
will provide college credit for some colleges.
II.
Materials
Students are required to bring the following materials in class every day: textbook, composition book (with graph paper
preferable), protractor, pencil with erasers, pens (blue or black ink ONLY); spiral notebook, and a calculator (verify it is an
approved calculator on College Board website!). Also buy the Barrons AP physics 1&2 test prep ISBN 978-1-4380-0268-2
III.
Expectations
Students are expected and encouraged to achieve close to her/his potential. This can be done by making up work promptly
after absences, turning in homework, completing class work, bringing all materials to class, being ready to work when the bell
rings, being respectful of teachers and classmates, and participating in class discussions. School rules as outlined in the
handbook are strictly enforced.
IV.
Make-Up Work
Students are given 2 school days to contact the teacher about all missed work and make-up assignments. Make up work is
the responsibility of the student. No work can be made up during class timeno exceptions.
V.
Late Work
Late work will be assessed a 50% deduction and will be accepted 2 days past the deadline. Work turned in after 2 days will be
assigned a grade of zero. Deadlines are given with a reasonable amount of time to complete assignments and students are
expected to follow these deadlines. If an assignment was due on the day you were absent and you were present to receive the
assignment, it is due on the day you return or it will be considered late. It is the students responsibility to make sure late work
is turned in.
VI.
Extra Help
Extra help will usually be available after school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 3pm and before school 6:55-7-20 am.
Students must let me know when they are planning on coming in for extra help to ensure I will be available.
VII.
Assessment Practices
Major assessments (tests, lab reports) will constitute 70% of your grade. The remaining 30% will come from other
assignments (practicums, homework, assignments, etc.).Tests and quizzes will be done individually. You will have five school
days to make up missed tests. All tests must be made up before or after schoolnot during class time. There will be an
opportunity to retake 1 test during each quarter. The maximum percent that can be earned on a test retake is 84%.
VIII. Labs
AP Physics 1 is a lab intensive course. Students will be expected to conduct and analyze lab work to develop an
understanding of the concepts. Each lab will require a lab report, which I will use to help assess the students understanding.
The reports should be kept your composition notebook. Retain the notebook, some colleges want evidence that the student
proof of the ability to analyze information in a practical application prior to granting course credit.

Grades
A
B
C
D
F

%
90-100
80-89.9
70-79.9
60-69.9
0-59.9

Semester 1
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Midterm

%
40
40
20

Semester 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4

%
50
50

Year
Semester 1
Semester 2

%
50
50

COURSE OUTLINE
Unit 1 Introduction
Reading graphs
Introduction to labs
Unit 2 Linear Motion
Velocity
Acceleration and Kinematics
Motion Graphs
Motion Maps
Vectors and vector addition
Acceleration
Kinematic equations
Motion Graphs with acceleration
Motion Maps with acceleration
Unit 3 Forces
Forces
Force Diagrams
st
Static Equilibrium and Newtons 1 Law
nd
Unbalanced forces and Newtons 2 Law
Free Fall
Friction
rd
Newtons 3 Law
Unit 4 Two-Dimensional Motion
Projectile Motion
Horizontal circular motion
Vertical circular motion
Banked curves
Universal Law of Gravitation
Gravitation as it applies to circular motion
Orbital Motion
Unit 5 Energy
Energy types and conversions
Law of conservation of energy
Work-Energy Theorem
Unit 6 Momentum
Momentum and impulse
rd
Newtons 3 Law and conservation of momentum
Collisions and recoils
2-D momentum scenarios
Unit 7 Rotational Motion

Torque

Unit 7 Rotational Motion

Torque
Center of Mass
Rotational Kinematics
Rotational Inertia and Forces
Rotational energy
Angular Momentum
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Unit 8 Simple Harmonic Motion
Pendulums and mass-spring oscillators
Simple Harmonic motion
Angular frequency
SHM and connections to Energy
Unit 9 Mechanical Waves
Wave properties
Wave Speed
Interference constructive, destructive, and
superposition
Sound
Doppler Effect
Waves on a String
Standing Waves
Harmonics
Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction
Unit 10 Electricity
Charge, Coulombs law, and superposition
Conservation of charge
Electric Fields
Electrical Potential
Van de Graf Generator and demonstrations
Voltage and Current
Electrical resistance
Electrical power
Kilowatthour
Circuits series, parallel
Kirchoffs laws
Complex Circuits
Review for the AP Exam

PARENT LABORATORY SAFETY AGREEMENT

I have read and understand the syllabus for

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(Date)

Parents, how can I contact you? Not every student lives with mom and dad. Please let me know if this is
the case in your family.

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Addresses) and anything else you might want to share with me:

PLEASE PRINT

STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET

Name:
(Last)

(First)

(MI)

Homeroom Teacher/Room #:

(Preferred name in class)

CMS ID#:

Email Address:

Please list your previous SCIENCE courses and the corresponding teacher:

Please list your previous MATH courses and the corresponding teacher:

List your extracurricular activities including clubs, sports, jobs, etc.

Additional information about yourself that you think would be useful to me in helping you in this course.