2008-2009
Instructor: Mr. Lamoreux (“lam-or-ooo”)
Class Meeting Times: Blocks B & H4
(H-block on green week Thurs.)
Office Hours: A, D, G, H (excluding H3 and H4)
– preferably by appointment
How do you reach me? Drop by (pref. by appt.)rm. 38 during office hrs.
email:
Voice Mail: 253-620-8336
Class Website:
What is AP Physics?
AP Physics is an introductory-level college physics course offered to you while you are at Charles Wright. The AP Physics C exams (two back-to back)are given in May and your score may earn you college credit toward a non-technical degree. It is intended that the thinking skills exercised in this class will help you in college and in your professional life.
What do I need to know going in?
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. – Einstein
In this course we will use calculus, and you should be comfortable using algebra and trigonometry to solve problems. If you are rusty at first, do not despair. It is experiencegained through practice that eventually makes problems seem easy and familiar. You should work as much as possible on developing your problem-solving skills while also building your conceptual understanding. Since this is a college-level course, the pace is demanding – do not allow yourself to fall behind.
What can I expect on tests and exams?
Physics is cumulative and concepts build upon one another. The exams in this class will reflect that cumulative nature – you can expect to see questions that are similar to those given on the actual AP exam. Since the real exam consists of a multiple choice (MC) part and a free response (FR) part, your exams will often reflect this combination. Alternatively, you might receive only a MC or a FR section on a given exam. On the actual AP exam you will NOT be able to use an equation sheet for the MC section, so you will need to memorize basic equations. If you are not sure whether an equation is to be memorized, please ask me. For many exams and quizzes you will NOT be allowed an equation sheet.
Materials needed:
- Fundamentals of Physics, 8thedition, by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker (you do NOT need to bring the book to class)
- Scientific Calculator (bring this every day!)
- Notebook, three-ring binder (for storing handouts, old tests and quizzes, etc.), and homework folder
- Pen & pencil
Homework:
Completion of homework is essential to your success in this class and on the AP exam. Get help right away when you find yourself struggling. Your practice on homework will build familiarity and skill – while at the same time revealing trouble spots. All assignments must be submitted to me in person (do NOT place in mainoffice mailbox) at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise specified. Late homework (including labs) will receive a penalty of -25% for each day after the due date. You are responsible for keeping track of what you turn in… Late take-home quizzes or take-home tests will NOT be accepted.
Tips for success in this class:
- Plan to work on physics every weeknight
- Ask questions!!!
- Utilize study/help time during the day and after school
- Read your textbook and take notes
- Participate in class discussions and labs
- Keep up with assignments
Quarter Grades:
Tests/quizzes45%
Homework20%
Labs/Investigations35%
Bonus Questions2%
Semester Grades:
Final Exam24%
Quarter A38%
Quarter B38%
Labs and Investigations:
Labs are to be conducted with a partner, but your reports must be submitted individually. Analysis and discussion sections must be your own work – written in your own words. You can talk about it with your partner, but you must write it up yourself. Investigations are often much shorter than a lab and do not require a formal writeup – however, your work should represent your thought process. You should save graded lab reports and investigations in your binder. Completeness of the binder may factor into Semester Grade.
Attendance and Tardiness:
You must be in class on time in order to turn in the homework before I introduce the lesson for that day. You will be counted tardy if you arrive after I begin the class. Unexcused absences on test or quiz days result in a zero for that assessment. Missing class will invariably necessitate a lot of extra work on your part to catch up.
Academic Honesty:
You are expected to adhere to the CWA policies regarding academic honesty. It is your responsibility to be aware of these policies. You may discuss homework with classmates, but your answers should reflect your work and thought process. If you can’t figure something out – get help from me.