Scholars Online Course Description for

AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 Option • Offering for 2018 • Grade 11 or above • Science Sequence

Primary Instructor

Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting at the time enrollment opens and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]

Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomy: Classes meet from September 4, 2018 to June 7, 2019; Friday 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET; Enrollment Policy: Full Year Only; Tuition: $200.00

Website

Please review more extensive materials at the teacher's AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 Option website.

Description

The AP Physics option allows students to develop more advanced skills for each unit of the Core Physics course, to apply scientific methods and analyze current research results, to perform more detailed and complex laboratory investigations, and to engage in learning activities and quizzes, which (together with the Core Physics course requirements) meet or exceed the AP standards for a first-year college level physics course and which are also designed to prepare them to excell on the AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 examinations in May, 2019.

In 2014, the Physics B exam was split into two one-year courses, Physics 1 and Physics 2. Many students are unable to take this amount of time to gain an understanding of the physics required for college level work in physics, astronomy, or engineering. This course is a unique AP-approved opportunity for the dedicated student to complete both courses in a single year. Students must be taking Core Physics simultaneously to be accepted for the AP Physics Option. Students completing both courses satisfactorily will receive AP credit for their work. REQUIRED LAB WORK: AP Option students must complete a specific number of labs in each topic area for a total of 20 labs: 7 labs from classical mechanics; 5 labs from solids, liquids, gases, and thermodynamics; 6 labs from electricity and magnetism, and 2 labs from modern physics. This course is taught using the Scholars Online Chat software, which allows the teacher to embed graphics, mathematical equations, and movies in the chat session, with complete logging available for the entire year. Audio software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage precise thinking and writing skills.

Meetings

This course meets 3 times per week for discussion and review of assigned homework.

Homework

Students taking the AP Option will generally be assigned more advanced and challenging homework problems as part of their core cores. They will also have additional assignments and quizzes to help them develop college-level skills and to prepare for the AP examination, as well as ten additional labs to complete.

Prerequisites

SO Natural Science 1 and 2 or equivalent three-year junior high physical/life/earth science combination, plus Honors or AP Biology or Chemistry emphasizing lab work and scientific methodology. Algebra covering the evaluation of functions and the quadratic equation and basic geometry must be completed prior to course. Trigonometry and precalculus math should be taken prior to enrollment or concurrently if trigonometry will be covered immediately.

Recommended background

Students should have mastered basic concepts of energy and motion, the forces of gravity, electricity, and magnetism. They should be comfortable with performing home labs, and well-versed in the AP science skills.

Instructor's Notes

AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 courses are normally taught as a two-year sequence. Students attempting the intensive combination should be high motivated and self-disciplined, prepared to commit significantly more time than they would normally spend on a single course. Up to 15 hours per week may be required for chat preparation, quizzes, and lab work. Attendance at three weekly sessions (two for the core course, one for the AP discusson) is required for all students. Core course sessions will cover textbook materials and homework assignments. The third session will cover lab work and specific preparation for the AP examination in May, 2019.

Textbooks and Materials

Physics: Principles with Applications AP Test Prep Workbook (Edition: 6)
Douglas C. Giancoli

This text is recommended; purchase and use is optional.
ISBN: 0536731586
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: This workbook was prepared for the previous edition of the text and may be available in used copies now. It contains exercises preparation for students planning on taking the AP text.

Scholars Online was accredited by AdvancED and the Northwest Accreditation Commission from 2009-2016 and was accepted March 2018 with Candidate Status as a member of MSA-CESS.