Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Apphysicssyllabus
Apphysicssyllabus
Apphysicssyllabus
Email: Brent.Caldwell@birdvilleschools.net
Room: ST 119
Course Outline:
Physics is the study of matter, energy, momentum, and motion. In this one year course, we will study
topics such as:
Velocity, acceleration, and free-fall
Introductory electricity
Students and parents should be aware that physics is rather notorious for being a math-intensive subject
more so even than chemistry. Although most students will already have some degree of familiarity with
all math topics required, the math symbols and notation used in physics may strike students as rather
cryptic and alien looking. For many students, physics will be their first time to use algebra outside of
math class.
What is the minimum head start needed by the green car in order to win the race?
Which of these projectiles, if any, will clear the hurdle?.
. . .which of the following blocks reaches the bottom of the ramp first?
Would doubling the radius of this disk double the amount of work needed to turn it?
A student suggests that there is no place anywhere on the balance beam that a 5kg mass can be
placed that will make the balance beam balance without causing the total mass on the beam to
exceed 25 kg. Is this student right? Justify your answer.
Prerequisites, etc.
The decision to take physics ultimately rests with the student, their parents, and the designated guidance
counselor. Mr. Caldwell has no direct say in who can and cannot enroll in physics.
Mr. Caldwell personally recommends that students have completed geometry before taking physics.
Concurrent enrollment in a higher math class such as Algebra 2 or Pre-calculus is recommended.
Students who enjoy math beyond algebra and geometry are consistently fascinated with physics. On the
other hand, students who do not enjoy math find that they enjoy physics even less.
A scientific calculator (i.e. a calculator that can calculate sines, cosines, and tangents of angles.)
o No specific make or model is necessary, nor is it necessary for it to be a graphing
calculator. If anything, it is best if the calculator is one that the student is already familiar
with and has used in a previous course.
o Mr. Caldwell does provide a class set of calculators. However, these calculators cannot
be taken home. Moreover, Mr. Caldwell cannot guarantee that they all have batteries at
all times. Students using these calculators may be required to share them with others
during class.
Ruler and protractor
o In physics, we will be making many graphs and other diagrams. Mr. Caldwell does
provide a class set of rulers and protractors. However, students using the class set may be
required to share them with other students. Most students find it convenient to simply
bring their own.