AP Physics 1 Syllabus

Welcome to AP Physics 1! This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level course designed

to develop students’ understanding of physics. The goal of AP Physics 1 is for students to develop
through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work a deep
understanding of concepts such as systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and
waves.

Course of Study

Unit Time Covered Topics Covered

Kinematics 4 Weeks ● Position, velocity, and acceleration

● Representations of motion

Dynamics 5 Weeks ● Systems

● The gravitational field
● Contact forces
● Newton’s first law
● Newton’s third law and free-body diagrams
● Newton’s second law
● Applications of Newton’s second law

Circular Motion & 2 Weeks ● Vector fields

Gravitation ● Fundamental forces
● Gravitational and electric forces
● Grav. field/accel. due to gravity on different planets
● Inertial vs gravitational mass
● Centripetal acceleration and centripetal force
● Free-body diagrams for objects in uniform circular
motion
● Application of circular motion and gravitation

Energy 4 Weeks ● Open and closed systems: energy

● Work and mechanical energy
● Conservation of energy, Work-Energy Principle, and
power

Momentum 3 Weeks ● Momentum and impulse

● Representations of changes in momentum
● Open and closed systems: momentum
● Conservation of linear momentum

Torque & Rotational 3 Weeks ● Rotational kinematics

Motion ● Torque and angular acceleration
● Angular momentum and torque
● Conservation of angular momentum
Simple Harmonic 2 Weeks ● Period of simple harmonic oscillators
Motion ● Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator

Mechanical Waves & 2 Weeks ● Properties of waves

Sound ● Periodic waves
● Interference and superposition (waves in tubes and
on strings)

Electric Charge & 1 Week ● Conservation of charge

Electric Force ● Electric charge
● Electric force

DC Circuits 2 Weeks ● Definition of a circuit

● Resistivity
● Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule (resistors in
parallel and in series)
● Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule, Ohm’s Law (resistors in
parallel and in series)

Practices and Skills to be Covered

Science Practice Description

Modeling Use representations and models to communicate scientific

phenomena and solve scientific problems

Mathematical Routines Use mathematics appropriately

Scientific Questioning Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide

investigations.

Experimental Methods Plan and implement data-collection strategies in relation to a

particular scientific question

Data Analysis Perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence

Argumentation Work with scientific explanations and theories

Making Connections Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts,
and representations in and across domains
 Grading Policy
The grading policy is discussed at length here.

To summarize, students will be graded using Standards-Based Grading which assigns an overall grade
based on how well they mastered the course learning objectives. These learning objectives will be
assessed using multiple methods including quizzes, tests, lab quizzes, and projects. Students should
keep in mind their progress on meeting learning objectives and reassess them as they feel necessary.

Expectations
To help promote a growth mindset and ensure that students are being graded solely for their mastery of
learning objectives, the following policies will be in place:

Homework
There is no graded homework. Students will be assigned video lectures to watch and take notes on.
students may also be given practice to be done on students’ time. At times students may need to
complete an activity outside of class hours. These assignments will inform what we do when we meet in
class.

However, if students show up to class without doing the assigned work I will take note of it as a
behavioral issue. Not being prepared to participate in class discussions works to the detriment of all
students. It shows a lack of respect for others’ time and will slow the pace of the class.

If circumstances arise that prevent a student from completing assigned work, they should feel free to
contact me and talk about it. I know that everyone can have moments when they’re feeling
overwhelmed or issues pile up. Nothing should prevent a student from taking care of their mental and
physical health.

Class Meetings
We will meet on Zoom twice a week. These class meetings will consist mostly of small group or class
discussions meant to clarify, expand, practice, or support students’ understanding of the material.
Outside of the scheduled meetings, students can meet with me on Zoom during office hours (2:00pm -
3:00 pm) or we can schedule one at a student’s request.

During these meetings students are expected to be fully engaged and participate in their groups or
during whole class activities. We will go over specific norms and rules when we meet, but overall
students should be respectful of the voices and time of their peers.

Absences
If a student can’t make it to our class meetings, they should contact me as soon as possible in order to
avoid falling behind. While most material will be posted on Schoology, students might miss directions
given during Zoom meetings.

Resources
Textbook: Stewart, G., Freedman, R., Ruskell, T., & Kesten, P. (2019). College Physics for the AP®
Physics 1 Course Second Edition. New York, NY: Bedford, Freeman & Worth High School Publishers.

Online

Khan Academy

Flipping Physics

APlusPhysics

AP Classroom

Tutoring
I will make myself widely available for students to seek out additional help. By appointment or during
office hours, students can meet with me for small group tutoring sessions. Additionally, I will try to
answer any questions that students contact me with on Schoology, Remind, or by Email.
Email: pcalvo@nlmusd.k12.ca.us