AP Physics 1 Information Extended

Dear AP Physics 1 Student and Parents:

I am looking forward to a challenging year of AP Physics 1 with you! I would like to explain the AP
program, and let you know what to expect in the coming school year.
The Advanced Placement Program is designed to let students in high school obtain college credit. It
is recognized by most of the colleges and universities in the U.S. (and more than 600 colleges/
universities in about 60 other countries), which grant credit, advanced placement, or both to
students who perform well on AP examinations. The exam is given in May with the grades posted in
July to the students, their secondary school, and the colleges they have selected.
Scores are assigned on a 5 point scale:
5extremely well qualified
4well qualified
3qualified
2possibly qualified
1no recommendation
Each college and university sets its own guidelines for the granting of credit for performance on the
AP exam. Often a student could expect to earn between four and eight semester hours of physics
credit depending on their exam score.
The cost of the Examination is approximately $90. However, there are fee reductions available
through the college board to help offset this financial burden.
The AP Physics 1 course is designed for the student [who] may be interested in studying physics as
a basis for more advanced work in the life sciences, medicine, geology, and related areas, or as a
component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. Credit or advanced
placement for the Physics 1 course provides the student with an opportunity either to have an
accelerated college program or to meet a basic science requirement; in either case the students
college program may be enriched.
The topics we will be studying are as follows: Kinematics, Dynamics, Newtons Law of Universal
Gravitation, Simple Pendulum and Mass-Spring Systems, Systems of Particles (momentum), Energy
and its conservation, Rotational Statics and Kinematics, Conservation of Angular Momentum,
Electric Charge and Force, Electric Circuits (only resistors), and Mechanical Waves and Sound.
This is an unusual course that will make very heavy demands on the students time and energy. Do
not be surprised by the course requirements that will be in excess of normal advanced courses.
Some students accustomed to achieving As will find themselves making Bs and will begin to doubt
themselves, their teacher, and the course because they forget they are taking a college level course
with its corresponding standards.
One of the greatest challenges is for the student to maintain a consistent level of work throughout
the year. In regular classes, bright students can typically make up for lapses with a big push at the

end of a grading period. Additionally, many seniors allow their studies to fall off in the spring after
acceptance to a college or university.
This course and the AP Exam are very difficult even the brightest student can soon find
themselves struggling to pass if they slack off. Dont give up without a sincere effort!
Success in this course will depend on your motivation and desire to learn. Each night you can
expect to spend about an hour on homework and reading. I strongly suggest you work with others
on your homework assignments!
Most students learn better in small group settings so form one!
All students will take the first semester exam, which is worth 20% of the overall grade in the class.
Second semester students have the choice to either take the final exam, which is again worth 20% of
the overall grade, or to take the AP test offered by the college board. Seniors do not have the option
of being exempt from the second semester final exam in AP Physics as they are in other classes.
The only way to opt out of the final exam is to take the College Board exam, which is scheduled for
the afternoon of Wednesday, May 6.
I expect scores of 3 or better from all students who enroll in this course. A 3 is not easy to
achieve, but is attainable with consistent effort. A score of 4 or even 5 is not at all impossible, but it
will demand your very best. Some colleges and universities are now giving credit for a score of 3,
while many only give credit for scores of 4 or 5. You would be wise to check the requirements for
AP Physics credit at the institution(s) you are considering.
Enjoy the year ahead of you and remember that my door is ALWAYS open! Email is the best way to
contact me at howard.citron@chsd117.org, and I will respond within 24 hours, generally much
sooner. Phone calls will be answered within 48 hours.
Be sure to check www.citronphysics.weebky.com for assignments, homework, my schedule, etc.
Also, I strongly recommend that you join the class on Remind (please see the handout about this).
Sincerely,
Howard Citron

After reading the above AP information, along with the rest of Mr. Citrons Syllabus, please
sign and return this page. The remaining handouts should be kept in your science binder.

This form is due on August 26, 2015.

I have read and understand Mr. Citrons Syllabus and understand the information within.

Student Name (Please Print) _____________________________________________________

Students Signature _________________________________________ Date _______________

I have read and understand Mr. Citrons Syllabus and understand the information within.

Parent Name (Please Print) ______________________________________________________

Parents Signature __________________________________________ Date _______________