AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is a full-year course that is designed to closely match a typical one-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics. The AP Physics course is based on standards set forth by the College Board. Students will develop a deep conceptual understanding of kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge, DC circuits, mechanical waves, and sound. The course will be taught with more rigor than a regular high school physics class. It will also include college-level laboratory exercises. The primary emphasis of the course is on developing an understanding of concepts; to gain confidence applying several physical concepts at once in order to solve a problem; and personal experience in scientific inquiry. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics 1 Exam in May. This course is rigorous and will place heavy demands on students in terms of intellectual hurdles and personal time management. AP Physics 1 will challenge students and demand that they think and learn in ways that they may previously never have experienced. This course relies heavily on the student’s math and algebra skills. This course meets daily with a double period every other day. Students who take this course will be required to take the AP exam.