Early Access Work
Assignment 1: Significant Digits
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In AP Physics, you'll need to be able to record mathematical calculations to the correct number of significant digits. While many teachers simply use the rule of 3 significant digits, you can be penalized for using too few or too many digits.
As a rule of thumb, use the correct number of significant digits based on the equipment used in an experiment - even if it is 5 or 6 digits and then follow the rules for calculations on problems.
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http://tinyurl.com/jgj5f6r. This is a Kahn Academy based assignment. Look to the left on the site and you'll see five links to complete. The video is only 5 min long. When you are done, go to:
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http://www.sciencegeek.net/APchemistry/APtaters/sigfigs.htm. This is a 20 question online quiz. You may take it as many times as necessary to make a perfect score. Take a photo of it on your computer or print it out and bring it to our first class meeting.
General Stuff:
All the assignments here will be for a grade. Grades will go in the gradebook the 2nd week of school.
There will be a test over all of the material the second week as well. This work will polish your math
skills so that you can be successful in college level physics. You can usually repeat assignments until
you understand the topic and you are satisfied with the score. In AP Physics, the grade matters to
YOU, what you KNOW matters to me. These are critical skills. Take advantage of the early access to
the work. Take a look at the checklist for what you should bring with you on Day 1.
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Don't try to just get it done. Be sure that you understand it. In AP Physics, you need
a tool box full of polished, shiny tools, made in America. You don't want to a) have only a hammer
and try to use it for everything, or b) have rusty trig tools and you can never decide which one to use.
Assignment 1: Significant Digits
​
In AP Physics, you'll need to be able to record mathematical calculations to the correct number of significant digits. While many teachers simply use the rule of 3 significant digits, you can be penalized for using too few or too many digits, especially in experimental work. In most calculations, 3 significant figures are acceptable. In experimental work, use the number of digitis in your data. For example 12.345 g gives you five significant digits and you'll need to take them into account.
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As a rule of thumb, use the correct number of significant digits based on the equipment used in an experiment - even if it is 5 or 6 digits and then follow the rules for calculations on problems.
​
http://tinyurl.com/jgj5f6r. This is a Kahn Academy based assignment. Look to the left on the site and you'll see five links to complete. The video is only 5 min long. When you are done, go to:
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http://www.sciencegeek.net/APchemistry/APtaters/sigfigs.htm. This is a 20 question online quiz not just on counting significant digits, but also on measuring and making calculations with them. You may take it as many times as necessary to make a perfect score. Take a screen shot of it on your computer or phone, take a photo of it, or print it out and bring it to our first class meeting. Do not text any photos of work this summer. I do not yet have a grade book, so there is no place for them to go.
Assignment 2: Using Your Calculator
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While it is awesome to have a graphing calculator (I prefer the Silver Edition of the TI83), you can totally get by with a scientific calculator of your choice. This assignment has you practice using your calculator. Print the PDF to the right out, and complete the calculations using units and significant digits. YOU MUST SHOW WORK. No work, no credit. Bring it to your first class.
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The quiz for this assignment is at: quizizz.com. WAIT! You will need to create an account. Right now, you can join the class AFTER you create your quizizz account through this link: Join the AP physics class using this link: Quizziz AP Physics 1 This link has to be renewed every two weeks, so let me know if it isn't working.
You may take the quiz up to 2 times for full credit. Obviously, you'll want to be prepared with your calculator and paper before it starts as it is a timed test.
Assignment 3: Metric Units and Conversions
I know, I know, you've been doing these for what feels like forever... But physics uses a lot of basic units (meter, second, candela) and a lot more derived units (Newtons, Joules, Watts, radians...) You need to be fluent in their use and have a good understanding of their sizes. A meter is about a yard, a centimeter is about the diameter of a dime, a Newton is about the weight of a hen's egg, a kilogram is about a 14 inch bass (LOL - a physics professor story told this in class. I was nearly the only person to laugh). For the record, my husband hates the Metric system and I actually think in Metric so we sometimes have arguments about the values for moving something. Go to this: Metric prefixes, units, derived units, and conversions, complete the assignment and do the quiz.
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Assignment 4: Scientific Rounding, Uncertainty, and Error
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This lesson is pretty straight forward. Enjoy. Go to: Lesson 4
Assignment 5: Algebraic Manipulation
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I cannot emphasize enough how important this skill is to your success and enjoyment of AP Physics 1. You must be able to quickly and easily solve for any variable in an equation. Go to: Lesson 5
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Assignment 6: Trig functions
AP Physics 1 is algebra and trig based (no calculus, yeah!), but you need to be spiffy fabulous at trig functions. Go to Lesson 6 for a quick review and then a game/quizzy thing. If you struggle with this topic, Kahn Academy can really help. I cannot over emphasize how important your ability to juggle trig functions really is.
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Assignment 7: Graphing Techniques and Using Graphs in AP Physics
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Graphing is a critical skill in AP physics and has very specific requirements. Go to: Graphing
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Assignment 7B: Collecting and Analyzing Lab Data
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AP physics requires you to be able to collect and analyze experimental data with graphs and equations. This assignment has two simulation labs, both involving candy (too bad it's virtual candy). You should bring in a write up with purpose, data, and conclusion, along with a screenshot of your success with each of these.
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Here is the link: 2 AP Physics 1 Labs
Assignment 8: Digital Resources
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We use a variety of digital resources in AP physics. You will need to set up accounts before class begins. Go to: Digital Resources
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Assignment 9: Scalar and Vector Quantities
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One thing that will lose you points day after day is not recording values correctly. You have to take into account significant digits, scientific notation, and whether it is vector or scalar. There is a quiz for this section. Go to: Scalar and Vector Quantities.
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Assignment 10: Show up with your class folder, lab book, and Aviary book ready to go.
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Go to lesson 10 here. The extra composition book will be used 2nd semester.
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Assignments to Come (maybe):
How to Build Your Own Concept Map and save a ton of reading time
