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What is Physics and why do we study it?
Mr. Boehringer
www.thephysicsman.com
We study physics specifically and science in general so that
we can understand our universe.
Do we need to understand the universe to just live in it?
No, you can skate by, but you should strive for basic literacy in science so that 1) you cannot be potentially, easily mislead by others.2) you have some idea of what is going on with your health and the technology around you.3) you can live well.
Because it is amazing that we can hurl a 735,000 lb thing into the sky in a controllable
flight!
747 taking off from Anchorage, AK
Because this bridge is made out of wood and still allows large, heavy trucks to roll across!
Because the universe is complicated and beautiful and how it works affects us, even if it is sometimes far away and we choose not to care.
The Carina Nebula and young stars
Physics is the poetry of nature.
“Every living being is an engine geared to the wheelwork of the universe. Though seemingly affected only by its immediate surrounding, the sphere of external influence extends to infinite distance.”
--Nikolai Tesla
“I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
--Isaac Newton
Nature is What We See --Emily Dickinson (668)
“Nature” is what we see—The Hill—the Afternoon—Squirrel—Eclipse—the Bumble bee—Nay—Nature is Heaven—Nature is what we hear—The Bobolink—the Sea—Thunder—the Cricket—Nay—Nature is Harmony—Nature is what we know—Yet have no art to say—So impotent Our Wisdom isTo her Simplicity.
A little about this class
• What we study in physics I:• Math & Matter• Motion• Forces• Energy• Momentum• Rotational Mechanics • Gravity & Orbits• Waves & Sound• Electrostatic force• Electricity (DC)
All of which boils down to“how stuff moves”
Math and Physics
• Math is our language– Some relationships can be (and will be)
discussed conceptually, but most are inherently mathematical and can only be understood as relationships between numbers
• Algebra competency– Student must be able to solve Algebra II level
problems for maximum success. We encourage strong students in PreAP Algebra II all students in PreCal to take AP Physics 1.
Why AP-1?
• Rigor• More in depth learning and application• A more challenging class environment• More student independence/flexibility• BEST preparation for college/university• Possible college credit by exam
What happened to PreAP Physics?
• Replaced by this class• Similar curriculum
– Fewer topics, a little more depth• Similar expectations• More flexibility under AP standards than
Texas standards• Extra GPA credit • Shows greater depth on your transcript
Am I missing topics?• Yes! Sadly, this new course provides no
content in these areas:– Heat and Thermodynamics (chemistry)– Light and the Atom– Optics– Electric fields– Magnetic fields
• Is this bad?– Depends on what you do in college– Base level for these topics is pretty easy
Stuff you need:• Pencil• Paper• Graphing Calculator (check out from
library)• Access to computer/internet• WebAssign account (free this year!)• Remind and/or Twitter account (recommended)
• Straight edge• Notebook if you want one
Homework and Success
• Homework is often the one chance where you can practice what we have done in class on your own before taking a test or a quiz.
• It is essential for success!• My promise to you:
I will not assign it if it is not important.• If I assign it, it goes without saying that it
should be done.
WebAssign• Why?
– Immediate feedback– Individual accountability– Preparation for college– Deadline Flexibility
• How do I do online HW?– The same way you do regular HW.
• There are assorted ways to cheat the system. I know most of them. If you discover one and if you want to cheat your way through the HW, fine, but don’t complain to me when you can’t do it come test time.
How can I answer questions without a textbook?
1) You will eventually have access to an ebook at home.
2) Pay attention and take notes in class. There is not enough time in the universe for me to teach you everything, though I will try.
3) Use the online resources linked on the right side of my webpage.
4) Use the internet. You have access to the greatest compendium of knowledge ever put together by man. Make use of it. Learn to search it for what you need. Use, but don’t just mindlessly copy.
You can probably find most of your HW questions answered online. Doesn’t do you any good if you can’t figure it out for yourself.
Sign up ASAP
• Cost: $Free this year!– When you paid your lab fees for this AP class
part of that goes to webassign.– If you didn’t pay a lab fee…– Can use the same account for multiple
classes, but may need to pay designated fee for each course.
Textbook• PHS has 2 books for this class.• We will rarely use them in class.• Your ebook (same as the class set): Coming
soon. Use it at home. It’s a very good book.• Extra book: Available to check out
– It is a bit too hard for AP-1 Physics, and a bit too easy for AP-C, but it might be helpful from time to time. It is: Cutnell & Johnson. Physics. John Wiley & Sons, 5th edition
– Online textbook resources: my webpage, links on right side column (some good stuff here)
Tutoring
• Varies Weekly – Schedule posted weekly in the back and on
the door• Most Weeks:
– A-days (Mon & Wed): PM only– B-days (Tues & Thurs): AM only – Fri: Some mornings– I will often be available for make-up
assignments at other times (like 8th period). Ask!
Ask! Even if the schedule says I am not available, I may be able to give you a few minutes.
Recommended Resource
• Cracking the AP Physics B Exam. Princeton Review, Any recent edition, available on Amazon.com for about $12– Old material, but appropriate and on-level– Use as a study guide as we go through the
course• “Textbook” section with worked out examples• “Problem” section with sample multiple-choice and
free-response• Great to study for tests and quizzes
Recommended Resource
• Cracking the AP Physics 1 Exam. Princeton Review, Available in January
Grading
• Formative: 40%– Short 5 question quizzes: 1– Longer problem-solving quizzes: 2– General lab work: 1– Formal lab reports: 2– HW: depends on how many assignments are
grouped, usually weighted as 2• Summative: 60%
– Tests, Major projects
Other Grading Points…
• Late work: Per school policy, not accepted– Work is late if not handed in when requested,
even within the same class period.– Talk to me in advance if you have an issue. I
am flexible!• Retesting: Not available. EVER.• Make-up: Generally 1 day per excused
absence. DON’T SKIP TESTS.• Cheating: Don’t do it.
The AP Exam
• May 11• Finish new material approx. 2 weeks prior• New course, new tests, new expectations
Contacting me…
Or use the contact form on my website:
www.thephysicsman.com
Updates through Twitter and Remind 101
• Review the rest of your syllabus.
• Sign up for WebAssign by the end of the week.
• You and your parents sign class guidelines form AND lab safety contract.
• Lab safety quiz: Expect a pop quiz in the next two weeks.
• Questions?
