AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors:
Room #:
A. Flocke
email:
Conference:
A241
[email protected]
12:05-12:55 PM
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.
It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
― Albert Einstein, physicist
What is AP Physics 1?
Strictly speaking, AP Physics 1 is a course designed by the College Board as an equivalent to the first
semester of algebra-based college-level physics. You are therefore expected to take the AP Physics 1
exam in May to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts covered in this class. ALL Texas
public colleges and universities offer credit for a qualifying score (3 or better) on this exam, as do many
private and out-of-state schools.i
Additionally, AP Physics 1 replaces Pre-AP Physics, which is no longer offered at Reagan. This means that
many juniors now get the opportunity to earn college credit along with the extra grade points offered by
a higher-level class. Some of you may be concerned that this change will result in more work, a harder
class or a lower grade. Do not worry! AP Physics 1 actually covers less material than Pre-AP Physics.
This gives you the opportunity to comprehend physics concepts through hands-on, student-centered,
inquiry-basedii and project-basediii lessons. This approach typically results in a deeper understanding of
physics AND is a whole lot of fun! 
“Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express.”
― Brenda Ueland, author and educator
Who should take AP Physics 1?
AP Physics 1 is recommended for juniors who meet one or more of the following requirements:
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Have a strong desire to take a challenging science class.
Were recommended by an AP teacher or an administrator.
Made a “B” or higher in ANY PAP or AP class.
Plan to pursue a career in engineering, physical science, computer science or math.
PLEASE NOTE: AP Physics 1 is for anyone who meets at least one of the above criteria. This includes
everyone from students who do not normally sign up for AP courses to students who only take
advanced classes. This gives you the opportunity to work with a more diverse group of people and thus
improves your critical thinking skills and your understanding of physics. iv
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AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors:
Room #:
A. Flocke
email:
Conference:
A241
[email protected]
12:05-12:55 PM
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
― Kenneth H. Blanchard, bestselling author
How are the AP Physics 1 classes structured?
There are a few things about the structure of AP Physics 1 that may (or may not) be new and unfamiliar
to you. While these changes might seem somewhat unusual and uncomfortable to you at first, don’t
worry. The vast majority of former AP Physics students grew to appreciate the following:
 Videos and games for homework ---You will be expected to watch and usually interact with
various digital resources to prepare for class. These things replace the traditional “book work”
normally associated with homework. Practice problems will typically be completed in class as
part of a project, game or lab activity. Please inform you instructor A.S.A.P. if off campus
internet access is an issue, so that reasonable arrangements can be made.
 Teamwork and Leadership--- As citizen of the 21st century virtually any career path you to
pursue will involve working with other people. Therefore learning how to collectively approach
complex problems and projects (like those in AP Physics 1) is essential. All students are
expected to be a respectful and productive members of their ASSIGNED teams. Learning to
effectively lead people in these types of activities is also very important. Therefore, every
student in AP Physics 1 will get the opportunity to develop leadership skills over the course of
the school year.
 Projects and Contests. --- Several major grades (including midterms and finals) are projectbased. These projects often contain a competitive element that could improve (but not harm)
your grade. Keeping up with your work and actively participating in class will often provide you
with many advantages on these types of contests.
 More Freedom to Learn ---Nobody likes to feel trapped as a teacher goes on and on in a
lecture…not even the teacher! To prevent this from happening, AP Physics 1 classes will include
autonomous group goals and assignments based on the AP Physics 1 learning objectives.v
Please note: This will begin sometimes between the first progress report and the first report
card depending on how quickly schedule issues and student groups are settled.
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AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors:
Room #:
A. Flocke
email:
Conference:
A241
[email protected]
12:05-12:55 PM
“If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job.”
---Tom Landry, Greatest Football Coach, EVER
What do I need for AP Physics 1?
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Textbook: Various digital textbooks provided by the instructor.
Pencilsvi/pens
Composition notebook (rigid cardboard type is recommended)
AT LEAST one highlighter (multiple colors are recommended)
Ear buds or headphones
MASKING tape
Box cutter (details on supplemental document)
How do I succeed in AP Physics 1? (What you are expected to do.)
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Be on time for class.
Respect yourself and others.
Work as a productive member of a team.
Participate in all class activities both in-person and online.
Make up any missed work either online or in tutorials.
Keep your lab notebook up to date.
THINK!!!!vii
How is AP Physics 1 graded?
60% of your grade is comprised of tests, major labs and projects
40% of your grade is comprised of quizzes, daily work, homework and minor labs
Almost all work is graded on a scale of 1-5 (just like the AP exam.) While the points necessary to get
each score may vary based on the assignment, the numerical grade entered for each score will always
be as follows:
Score
Grade
5
100
4
90
3
80
2
75
1
70
 Excessively incomplete or careless work as well as missing assignments will receive a
zero. You will be allowed to make up most zeros in tutorials. You may lose 10 %– 80% of
the points on such assignments depending on the quality of work and how quickly you
resolved the issue.
 Tests may not be retaken. HOWEVER they may be revised multiple times (usually in
tutorials) for extra points. This combined with numerous opportunities for extra credit
ensure that you should never worry about your grade because you performed poorly on
a test.
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AP PHYSICS 1
Instructors:
Room #:
A. Flocke
email:
Conference:
A241
[email protected]
12:05-12:55 PM
How do tutorials for AP Physics 1 work?
There will be a sign-up sheet for tutorials in A241 under the green Texas flag. IF you sign up and cannot
make it, you MUST get in touch with Ms. Flocke BEFORE your scheduled appointment to avoid possible
adverse action.
PLEASE feel free to text me at the following number if you have any questions or issues.
(214)
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i
The actual college credit awarded by private and out-of-state colleges and universities depends on the school,
department and degree plan. For more information go to
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies .
ii
Activities where students use critical thinking and problem solving skills to answer a question, thereby
“discovering” a concept for themselves, much like scientists do.
iii
Activities where students use critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete an assigned task, thereby
“building understanding” of a concept for themselves, much like engineers do.
iv
See http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915104849.htm
v
You will be provided with both a physical and digital copy of these objectives the first week of school. Keep them
in an easily assessable place.
vi
Pencil sharpeners are not provided by the teachers. Please have a mechanical pencil, a small pencil sharpener or
some other means of rendering your writing instrument usable.
vii
This is Mrs. Coley’s very favorite expression. She often decorates her room and the surrounding hallways with
the expression “THINK!” be on the lookout for this, as it could result in extra points. 
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