AP Physics 1 Syllabus

Course Overview:
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based physics course, and for most students, it is a
first-year physics course. The class meets 2-3 days per week for 90 minutes a day.
The course provides instruction in the following five content areas as determined by
the College Board: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion, Gravitation, Energy,
Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, Rotational motion, Mechanical Waves,
Electrostatics, and DC Circuits. Throughout the course, students will have questions
posed to them in which they must think critically and solve scientific problems.
There will be a lab component that is equivalent to a college level course. Students
will have to develop inquiry based labs through scientific processes and utilize
hands-on interactions to further develop their understanding of physical concepts.
Students will gather and interpret data and compile their findings in a laboratory
notebook. Guided inquiry and student-centered learning are utilized to foster the
development of critical thinking skills. Students perform hands-on,
student-conducted laboratory investigations of a variety of topics studied in the
course.

Text: College Physics, Knight, Jones & Field; 3rd Ed., Pearson

Additional Texts: OpenStax College, College Physics. OpenStax College. 21 June

2012.

Evaluation:
45% Summative Assessment
-Test
- Major Labs
55% Performance Tasks
-Quizzes
-Minor labs
-Free Response Practice/Development
-Demos and Activities
-Homework

Tests:
Tests will be comprised of AP Style multiple choice and free response questions and
will be graded on an AP Scale.

Labs:
All lab investigations will be college-level and inquiry based. Labs will be hands-on
and mostly student generated. Students will keep lab write-ups and data in their Lab
Notebook. Some labs will be typewritten and submitted in the form of a formal lab
report. Each lab will consist of the following: A problem or question, hypothesis,
materials, procedure, data, data analysis, conclusion or results.

Free Response Practice/Development:

Practice Free Response and enrichment questions will be used as a review for tests.

Lab Demos and Activities:

These are in class demonstrations and simple activities to model concepts for
reinforcement. These are hands-on as well but are engineered to provide a
qualitative analysis of physical concepts to help reinforce ideas developed
throughout the course. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss their
findings with other groups. They will be encouraged to evaluate each other’s
accuracy in data collection and the effectiveness of their scientific practices. Many
labs will be open inquiry that allows the students to apply their knowledge of
physics concepts and generate meaningful discussions and critique amongst one
another about their findings.

Homework:
These will be assignments from the book consistent with the concepts being covered
at that time. Homework will be assigned to compliment class instruction and will be
assigned for every topic. This is a good indication of quiz questions.

Student Expectations:
Students are required to have a lab notebook. They are expected to take notes on
lectures and discussions as well as complete all labs and activities in their digital
notebook. They are required to participate in all labs and demonstrations. Students
are expected to complete all assigned homework on time through the online
homework system.

Curricular Requirements:
UNIT 1. KINEMATICS
● Kinematics in one-dimension: constant velocity and uniform accelerated
motion
● Vectors: vector components and resultant
● Kinematics in two-dimensions: projectile motion
Big Idea 3
Learning Objectives: 3.A.1.1, 3.A.1.2, 3.A.1.3

UNIT 2. DYNAMICS
● Forces, types, and representation (FBD)
● Newton’s First Law
● Newton’s Third Law
● Newton’s Second Law
● Applications of Newton’s Second Law
● Friction
 ● Interacting objects: ropes and pulleys
Big Ideas 1, 2, 3, 4
Learning Objectives: 1.C.1.1, 1.C.1.3, 2.B.1.1, 3.A.2.1, 3.A.3.1, 3.A.3.2, 3.A.3.3, 3.A.4.1,
3.A.4.2, 3.A.4.3, 3.B.1.1, 3.B.1.2, 3.B.1.3, 3.B.2.1, 3.C.4.1, 3.C.4.2, 4.A.1.1, 4.A.2.1,
4.A.2.2, 4.A.2.3, 4.A.3.1, 4.A.3.2

UNIT 3. ENERGY
• Work
• Power
• Kinetic energy
• Potential energy: gravitational and elastic
• Conservation of energy
Big Ideas 3, 4, 5
Learning Objectives: 3.E.1.1, 3.E.1.2, 3.E.1.3, 3.E.1.4, 4.C.1.1, 4.C.1.2, 4.C.2.1, 4.C.2.2,
5.A.2.1, 5.B.1.1, 5.B.1.2, 5.B.2.1, 5.B.3.1, 5.B.3.2, 5.B.3.3, 5.B.4.1, 5.B.4.2, 5.B.5.1,
5.B.5.2, 5.B.5.3, 5.B.5.4, 5.B.5.5, 5.D.1.1, 5.D.1.2, 5.D.1.3, 5.D.1.4, 5.D.1.5,
5.D.2.1, 5.D.2.3

UNIT 4. MOMENTUM
• Impulse
• Momentum
• Conservation of momentum
• Elastic and inelastic collisions
Big Ideas 3, 4, 5
Learning Objectives: 3.D.1.1, 3.D.2.1, 3.D.2.2, 3.D.2.3, 3.D.2.4, 4.B.1.1, 4.B.1.2,
4.B.2.1, 4.B.2.2, 5.A.2.1, 5.D.1.1, 5.D.1.2, 5.D.1.3, 5.D.1.4, 5.D.1.5, 5.D.2.1,
5.D.2.2, 5.D.2.3, 5.D.2.4 , 5.D.2.5, 5.D.3.1

UNIT 5. ROTATIONAL MOTION

• Torque
• Center of mass
• Rotational kinematics
• Rotational dynamics and rotational inertia
• Rotational energy
• Angular momentum
• Conservation of angular momentum
Big Ideas 3, 4, 5
Learning Objectives: 3.F.1.1, 3.F.1.2, 3.F.1.3, 3.F.1.4, 3.F.1.5, 3.F.2.1, 3.F.2.2, 3.F.3.1,
3.F.3.2, 3.F.3.3, 4.A.1.1, 4.D.1.1, 4.D.1.2, 4.D.2.1, 4.D.2.2, 4.D.3.1, 4.D.3.2, 5.E.1.1,
5.E.1.2, 5.E.2.1

UNIT 6. CIRCULAR MOTION AND GRAVITATION

● Uniform circular motion
● Dynamics of uniform circular motion
● Universal Law of Gravitation
Big Ideas 1, 2, 3, 4
Learning Objectives: 1.C.3.1, 2.B.1.1, 2.B.2.1, 2.B.2.2, 3.A.3.1, 3.A.3.3, 3.B.1.2, 3.B.1.3,
3.B.2.1, 3.C.1.1, 3.C.1.2, 3.C.2.1, 3.C.2.2, 3.G.1.1, 4.A.2.2

UNIT 7. SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

• Linear restoring forces and simple harmonic motion
• Simple harmonic motion graphs
• Simple pendulum
• Mass-spring systems
Big Ideas 3, 5
Learning Objectives: 3.B.3.1, 3.B.3.2, 3.B.3.3, 3.B.3.4, 5.B.2.1, 5.B.3.1, 5.B.3.2,
5.B.3.3, 5.B.4.1, 5.B.4.2

Laboratory Investigations and Science Practices:

The AP Physics 1 course devotes over 25% of the time to laboratory investigations.
The laboratory component of the course allows the students to demonstrate the
seven science practices through a variety of investigations in all of the foundational
principles.

The students will use guided–inquiry (GI) or open–inquiry (OI) in the design of their
laboratory investigations. Some labs focus on investigating a physical phenomenon
without having expectations of its outcomes. In other experiments, the student has
an expectation of its outcome based on concepts constructed from prior
experiences. In application experiments, the students use acquired physics
principles to address practical problems. Students also investigate topic-related
questions that are formulated through student designed/selected procedures.

All investigations are reported in a laboratory notebook. Students are expected to

record their observations, data, and data analyses. Data analyses include
identification of the sources and effects of experimental uncertainty, calculations,
results and conclusions, and suggestions for further refinement of the experiment as
appropriate.

UNIT LAB INVESTIGATION OBJECTIVE(S) (Investigation

identifier: Guided–Inquiry: GI Open–Inquiry: OI)
UNIT 1. 1. Constant Velocity vs. Acceleration (GI)
KINEMATI To analyze situations in which objects move with constant
CS velocity and then with constant acceleration.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1,
5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2
 2. Generate the graph (OI)
To generate graphs of position, velocity, and
acceleration versus time for a projectile. They would
create the launching apparatus and collect data to aid in
creating their graphs. These graphs would compare
actual versus predicted values.
Science Practices 1.2, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3,
6.1, 6.4, 7.2
3. Free-Fall Investigation (OI)
To determine and compare the acceleration of two
objects dropped simultaneously.
Science Practices 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 6.1,
6.4, 7.2
4. Vector Addition (GI)
Students will create a vector map of various locations
around the school to determine the value of a resultant
of several vectors, and then compare that value to the
values obtained through graphical and analytical
methods.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3,
6.1, 6.4, 7.2
5. Clear the Wall (OI)
To determine the initial velocity of a projectile, the launch
angle, and to have a projectile reach a minimum height to
clear the wall.
Science Practices 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 6.1,
6.4, 7.2

6. Buggy Video Analysis (GI)

Students use a minimum friction cart and a distance
scale to use video analysis to calculate the velocity of
multiple cars moving at various speeds
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1,
4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2

UNIT 2. 7. Inertial and Gravitational Mass (GI)

DYNAMI To determine the difference (if any) between inertial
CS mass and gravitational mass.
Science Practices 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4,
7.2
 8. Net Force (GI)
Qualitative and quantitative investigation on a
variety of interactions between objects to
evaluate the net force on the object.
Science Practices 1,1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1,
6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2
9. Static Friction (GI)
To determine amount of friction that would keep an
object stationary when placed on an inclined plane
Science Practices 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3,
6.1, 6.4, 7.2
10. Newton’s Second Law (OI)
To determine the acceleration of a dynamics cart rolling
down a ramp.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2

11. Coefficient of Friction (OI)

To determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between a
block and a surface when the object moves with a
constant velocity.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3,
6.1, 6.4, 7.2
12. Atwood’s Machine (GI)
To determine the acceleration of a hanging mass and the
tension in the string.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3,
6.1, 6.4, 7.2

UNIT 3. 13. Flying Toy (GI)

CIRCULAR To determine the tension in the string and the centripetal
MOTION acceleration of the flying toy.
AND Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
GRAVITATION 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2
UNIT 14. Roller Coaster Investigation (GI)
4. To design a simple roller coaster using provided
ENERG materials to test whether the total energy of the system
Y is conserved if there are no external forces exerted on it
by other objects.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2
15. Energy Transfer (OI)
To determine velocity of a pendulum as it passes
through equilibrium using conservation of energy.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2
16. Spring Potential Energy (OI)
To determine the spring constant of an unknown spring
using energy conservation and launching an object a
certain height.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 7.2

UNIT 5. 17. Water Balloon Toss (GI)

MOMENTUM Students will toss water balloons to one another to
evaluate the changing momentum during a catch and
associated force along with the impulse during the catch.
Science Practices 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2,
5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2

18. Impulse and Change in Momentum (GI)

To measure the change in momentum of a dynamics cart
and compare it to the impulse received.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2

19. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions (OI)

To investigate conservation of momentum and
conservation of energy using dynamics carts and video
analysis to determine the type of collision.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2
UNIT 6. 20. Finding the Spring Constant (GI)
SIMPLE To design two independent experiments to determine the
HARMONIC spring constants of various springs of equal length.
MOTION Science Practices 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 6.1,
6.4, 7.2
21. Graphs of an Oscillating System (GI)
To analyze graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration
versus time for an oscillating system to determine how
velocity and acceleration vary at the equilibrium position
and at the endpoints.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2
22. Simple Pendulum Investigation (GI)
To investigate the factors that affect the period of a simple
pendulum and test whether the period is proportional to
the pendulum’s length, the square of its length, or the
square root of its length.
Science Practices 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2

UNIT 7.
ROTATIONAL 23. Torque and the Human Arm (OI)
MOTION To design and build an apparatus that replicates the
forearm and biceps muscle system to determine the
biceps tension when holding an object in a lifted
position.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2,
4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2

24. Rotational Inertia (GI)

To determine the difference in initial height between two
falling objects. One will fall due to gravity and one will
“fall” because it is unraveling.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2
25. Conservation of Angular Momentum (GI)
To investigate how the angular momentum of a rotating
system responds to changes in the rotational inertia.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2
 UNIT 8.
MECHANICAL 26. Mechanical Waves (GI)
WAVES To model the two types of mechanical waves with a
spring toy to test whether or not these characteristics
affect the speed of a pulse: frequency, wavelength, and
amplitude.
Science Practices 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3,
6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2

27. Speed of Sound (GI)

Use Resonance to and tuning forks to measure the speed
of sound in air.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2

28. Wave Boundary Behavior (GI)

To compare what happens to the phase of a transverse
wave on a spring toy when a pulse is reflected from a
boundary and when it is reflected and transmitted from
various boundaries (spring to string).
Science Practices 1.4, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2

29. Standing Waves (GI)

Generate a wave in a string and calculate the frequency a
strobe light would have to flash in order to create an
apparent standing wave.
Science Practices 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.2

Real Word Applications and End of Year Activities:

We analyzed the purpose for wearing seatbelts and using airbags in a motor vehicle.
We used Newton’s Laws and kinematics to determine the force generated on a
person involved in an accident when they were wearing their seat belt, using air
bags, and not protected by anything.

We used Frictional Forces to analyze stopping distances of vehicles when they skid
to a stop.
We used energy conservation to analyze the operation of roller coasters and the
factors that contribute to the roller coaster cars navigating the track without the
need for propulsion.

In addition to these real world activities and the labs previously described in the
course, students will select a topic and design a research project based on the
content we learned throughout the year. The topic must align with the course
learning objectives and show a practical, real world application to those learning
objectives. The topics to choose from are:

Kinematics: LO: 3.A.1.1, 3.A.1.3

Dynamics: LO: 1.C.1.1, 3.A.3.1, 3.A.4.2, 3.B.1.2, 4.A.2.1, 4.A.2.3
Circular Motion: LO: 3.B.1.2
Rotational Motion and Torque:
Energy and Momentum: 3.E.1.1, 3.E.1.2, 4.C.2.2, 5.B.5.1, 5.D.1.2, 4.B.1.2,
5.D.1.4
Simple Harmonic Motion: 3.B.3.1, 3.B.3.4, 5.B.2.1