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AP® Physics C: Mechanics Self-Paced

This Advanced Placement® Physics Course is equivalent to a one-semester, college level, physics course for scientists and engineers, which introduces the main principles of Mechanics. The rigor and pace of this course is consistent with that of many major colleges and universities and will prepare students for the Advanced Placement® Mechanics Exam in May. Upon successful completion of the exam, students may receive college credit and will be well-prepared for advanced physics coursework. Additional details on this course from College Board can be found here: AP Physics C: Mechanics.

AP® Physics C is a calculus-based course that builds upon prior knowledge of physics; this requires completion of a comprehensive, lab-based full-year physics course as well as completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus. Students will investigate topics such as kinematics, Newton’s Laws of motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, and oscillations and gravitation. Students will use complex mathematical problem-solving techniques, including differential and integral calculus.

This course incorporates a variety of textbook and multimedia resources and has a comprehensive lab program that meets College Board requirements. Students will perform hands-on lab work using materials from their lab kit, conduct virtual experiments, and analyze large data sets. Students will develop scientific literacy and connect physics principles to real-world applications and current events, in order to develop a deeper understanding of physics.

Students will be expected to enroll in My AP Classroom through their VHS Learning AP course and will be guided to complete review work in My AP Classroom throughout the year. My AP Classroom resources include AP Daily Videos and unit-based Personal Progress Checks, which include AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions.

Students enrolled in VHS Learning Advanced Placement courses with a passing grade are expected to take the AP Exam. Students register for AP exams through their local school or testing site as “Exam Only” students. AP exam scores will be reported to VHS Learning through My AP Classroom; exam results will not affect the student's VHS Learning grade or future enrollment in VHS Learning courses.

About the Self-Paced Course Model

Self-Paced courses are comprehensive, self-paced courses designed for students who need or desire more flexibility in their academic schedule. VHS Learning teachers will regularly interact with students in asynchronous discussions, will host weekly office hours, and will invite students to monthly 1-on-1 progress meetings. Teachers will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback on work. Students will work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.

Students may start this course on any Wednesday from September through the second Wednesday in January. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 12 weeks and have until mid-June to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 170 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.

Acknowledgements

  • Completion or co-enrollment in AP® Calculus.
  • Grade of B+ or better in prior full-year, algebra-based Physics class. (Note: An introductory physical science course does not meet this prerequisite.)
  • Prior experience in a comprehensive hands-on lab course is required.
  • Recommendation by former Physics teacher.
  • In addition to the enrollment fee, this course has an Additional Course Fee of $80.
  • This course also requires a lab kit that must be purchased for an additional fee of $160. Lab kits shipped internationally may incur additional fees. International schools must have the ability to receive lab materials through customs.
  • I acknowledge that this is a self-paced course.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

  • How do changes in the properties of a system predict the future states of the system?
  • How do we describe object and system interactions?
  • How do the parts of a physical system impact the whole system?
  • How do conservation laws influence interactions between objects within a system?

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Create representations that depict physical phenomena
  • Conduct analysis to derive, calculate, estimate, or predict physical phenomena
  • Describe experimental procedures and methods, interpret results, and scientifically support claims.

Additional Requirements

  • Students will need to access a number of YouTube videos throughout the course.
  • Students will need to document lab work by taking digital images of their lab setup and experiments in progress.
  • Accessibility Note: Although every effort has been made to make this course accessible to all students, some resources or activities in this course, such as audio files, images of visual art pieces, or hands-on activities, may present accessibility challenges.
  • Students in this Self-Paced class will be required to complete the AP Summer Work assignment as a prerequisite knowledge activity before beginning Unit 1 of the Self-Paced course. Students who enroll prior to their chosen start date are welcome to visit the AP Summer Work Directory and complete the assignment for this course, so they are ready to submit it when they receive access to the course.
  • The following additional materials are required:
    • Paperclips, printout of rulers (in lesson)
    • A ball
    • Coins with 3 different masses
    • Old soft sneaker with laces
    • Three coins
    • Four sheets of copy/printer paper
    • Two unopened food cans
    • Empty aluminum soda can