Physics is about studying how the universe works, and since you're in it, it's really about understanding you and the world you live in. Hopefully you'll find this very interesting! Seek to improve your learning by polishing each portfolio objective, each online text assignment, and then by noticing physics in your life!

AP

New AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 home page links!  (check there for the latest formula sheets)

Scoring well on an AP Physics test is not easy!  It takes a lot of long-term practice and deep thinking, as well as developing thorough understandings of physics so you can QUICKLY solve the questions on the test.  Solving physics problems quickly is a SKILL, that you need to PRACTICE to have a realistic shot at a high score.  If you want the easy way to a 5, with no practice needed, click here for the SHORTCUT TO A 5 in AP PHYSICS

Yeah, there's no shortcut, so look below for a ton of useful tips!  (Our favorite Test Prep is 5 steps to a 5 Elite and using the accompanying McGraw-Hill online site & App)

Some FYI stuph for those of you taking and/or interested in the AP Physics Exam
Learn what those phormulas represent, and practice solving lots of physics problems so it becomes quick for you - and on every problem (ESPECIALLY THE FREE RESPONSE), frame your answers to reflect the 7 BIG IDEAS in AP PHYSICS (actually 6, since #7 is only addressed in AP 2)

Here's a list of what you'll need to learn about for the AP 1 Test (it's long but very helpful)
http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-physics-1-and-2-course-and-exam-description.pdf


IN AP PHYSICS, there are 7 BIG IDEAS - Six are addressed in the first year, and then a seventh is added as all are explored again during the second year (AP PHYSICS 2)
  • 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.
  • Big Idea 7: The mathematics of probability can be used to describe the behavior of complex systems and to interpret the behavior of quantum mechanical systems.


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In addition to the work we'll be doing in class , you'll need to expand your understanding of physics on your own, through consciously monitoring your progress (a little metacognition there), and also by purposefully expanding your experiences - through little experiments, problem solving, heated discussions, and of course, watching cool videos about physics.

Some videos to start with are the mechanical universe series...  There are 26 Mechanics videos, each a little less than half an hour.  Set aside a page in your notes for each one, and start watching :-)

Here's a link to get you to them on YouTube (the links change, so do a little searching when you get there)  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mechanical+universe
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