AP Physics 1 Course Overview
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple
harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion.

PREREQUISITES
Students should have completed Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course or have equivalent knowledge Students should have strong knowledge of Vectors and Trigonometric functions.
Although the Physics 1 course includes basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the AP Physics 1 course itself.Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six big ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world.

Academic year session requires an average of 8-10 hours per week for 30 weeks, with breaks for holidays.

Major course themes include:

■ Unit 1: Kinematics

■ Unit 2: Dynamics
■ Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation
■ Unit 4: Energy
■ Unit 5: Momentum
■ Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
■ Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion

This course includes a laboratory component designed to meet College Board standards.