Advanced Placement Physics B Course Description


Textbook:

Physics: Principles with Applications 6th ed. Douglas Giancoli
Preparing for the Physics B AP Exam (optional)

Homework:

Homework will be assigned nightly by number according to the assignment sheet. Unless otherwise noted, it is expected that students will move on to the next assignment in the sequence regardless of whether or not there has been specific reference to it. It is also assumed that students will read the sections of the text that correspond to the homework without specific reference to it. Additional problems may be assigned to augment those on already listed. Questions regarding a particular assignment will be dealt with in class on the following day. Although these assignments are NOT collected, it needs to be understood that success in this class is dependent on being able to complete problems similar to those in the homework. Failure to keep up with the assigned work will result in academic difficulty. In lieu of collecting homework, I reserve the right to give short quizzes based on the assignments and the homework will be spot checked to ensure students are keeping up with the material. The problems listed in parentheses are of a more difficult nature and are intended to give added challenge at the end of a chapter.

Tests & Quizzes:

Tests will be announced in advance, however, short quizzes may be given at anytime. These will be based on material that has been covered in the homework and may or may not be announced. In the event that a student has more than two tests on a given day, they may make arrangements IN ADVANCE for an extension. Most, but not necessarily all equations will be supplied for quizzes and the free response section of tests. Calculators are permitted for quizzes and the free response section of tests HOWEVER, no calculators or equation sheets are permitted for the multiple choice section of tests. Each test is composed of half multiple choice and half free response each being allotted one-half hour of the hour long period. It is important that it is understood that students are expected to complete tests and quizzes in the allotted time and should pace themselves accordingly. Work will be collected at the end of the allotted time regardless of how much or little has been completed.

Recommended Materials:

Students should have a scientific calculator, textbook, and notebook on a daily basis. For a notebook, I recommend a three ring binder so that old tests, labs, and homework may be kept organized for the purposes of preparing for tests exams. The use of lap top computers will be required for some class work and students should download a copy of “Logger Pro” since this is the program we will use to analyze data.

Grading:

Quarterly grades will be determined in the following manner:

Quizzes: 30%
Tests: 70%

Semester and final averages are calculated numerically and not using the grade equivalent scores for each quarter. Students are kept informed of their averages throughout the quarter.

Absence:

In the case of a legal absence, it is expected that all work be made up in a timely fashion. If the work is not submitted in a timely fashion, it will be given the same treatment as a late assignment.

Lateness:

Students are expected to arrive on time for class. Excessive lateness will be dealt with in accordance with school
policy.

Grading Periods:

Barring extenuating circumstances, all missing work must be handed in two days before the close of a quarter or an interim. At this time, missing work is permanently assigned a zero. Absence on these days or those immediately before is NOT an excuse.

Extra Help:

Extra help will be made available to students needing it before the start of school, during my free periods, or after school. I do, however, request that students make these arrangements with me in advance and come armed with specific questions on problems, etc. that they have tried and are unable to complete.