AP Physics C-Mechanics - Course Overview - Scope and Sequence - Grading Policy

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

AP Physics C-Mechanics is designed to prepare Grade 11/12 students for the AP Physics C Mechanics Exam in May. The course is equivalent to a first-year college physics class and emphasizes conceptual development before quantitative analysis using calculus. Laboratory experiments reinforce core physics relationships between matter and energy and build experience with basic and advanced lab procedures and equipment. Students follow a defined unit sequence, complete summer reading tasks for Chapter 1, and are assessed through tests/quizzes and homework/labs/classwork.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Course Description

Course Objectives

Student Expectations and Behavioral Expectations

Communication

Grading Policy

Scope and Sequence

AP Physics C-Mechanics Grand Haven High School Course Number: D68A / D68B Grade Level: 11/ 12 Credits : 1 Prerequisite Courses : Calculus (AB or BC) or Concurrently Course Description This course is equivalent to a first-year college physics class and is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics C Mechanics Exam given in May. Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and deals with the relationships between matter and energy. Laboratory experiments are done to reinforce Physics concepts and give first hand experiences with basic and advanced lab procedures and equipment. The book "Giancoli -Physics for Scientists and Engineers" 4th edition is provided to students in hard copy form. Course Objectives This course follows the suggested unit design and sequence as established by the AP Board for AP Physics C-Mechanics. As this course requires and employs a basic understanding of calculus (differentiation and integration) , students must have successfully completed the prerequisite calculus course, or be concurrently enrolled in such a course. An introductory physics course, though helpful, is not a prerequisite as there are limited opportunities for our students to complete such a course prior to their senior year. As with the introductory course, the major themes presented in this course will be developed conceptually prior to quantitative analysis. In contrast with the introductory course, our quantitative and laboratory study will use the language of calculus to develop a functional understanding of the physical laws, with the emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Student Expectations For Behavioral Expectations, see bottom of this page. All students and staff are expected to do their personal best in class daily. It is expected that students come to class ready to learn and are prepared to learn everyday. The classroom and laboratory have the potential to pose dangers to the student. Students will read and sign a Lab Safety Contract. Building Behavioral Expectations TEAM GH…One Team, One Family, One Grand Haven. Be Kind. Always. It is our expectation that ALL GHHS students, staff and parents will …always give their best EFFORT in everything that they do, work hard to be INCLUSIVE of each other, show RESPONSIBILITY in class, the hallways, cafeteria and at events, and WORK TOGETHER at all times! GO BUCS Communication Students and parents have immediate access to grades by using the Parent Internet Viewer. Teachers of this course will provide communication to parents of poorly performing students. Teachers are available for parental contact by phone and email. The teacher may use a teacher blog or other online resource to facilitate learning. Grading Policy Please see the link for the Science Department Grading Scale This course has two graded categories: Assessments (Tests/Quizzes) : 60% of overall grade Homework/ Labs/Classwork/Other: 40% of overall grade Scope and Sequence Chapter 1- Introduction (partial) *summer reading and problem set Unit 1 : Kinematics Chapter 2: Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension Chapter 3 : Kinematics in Two & Three Dimensions; Vectors; Relative Velocity Unit 2: Newton's Laws Chapter 4: Dynamics: Newton's Laws of Motion Chapter 5 : Using Newton's Laws; Friction, Circular Motion, Drag Unit 3 : Work, Energy and Power Chapter 7: Work and Energy Chapter 8 : Conservation of Energy Unit 4: Systems of Particles & Linear Momentum Chapter 9 : Linear Momentum Unit 5 : Rotation Chapter 10 : Rotational Motion Chapter 11: Angular Momentum and General Rotation Unit 6 : Oscillations* Chapter 14: Oscillations Unit 7: Gravitation* Chapter 6 : Gravitation and Newton's Synthesis * These units include independent study related to essential physics standards not addressed by the AP Physics C-Mechanics course. These additional topics are required to meet the State of Michigan graduation requirements for physics. Uni

FAQs

What is the purpose of AP Physics C-Mechanics?

AP Physics C-Mechanics prepares students for the AP Physics C Mechanics Exam in May, while introducing college-level physics concepts and lab-based reinforcement.

What calculus background is required for this course?

Students must have completed prerequisite calculus (AB or BC) or be concurrently enrolled, since the course uses differentiation and integration in quantitative study.

How are student grades calculated in this course?

Grades include Assessments (Tests/Quizzes) at 60% and Homework/Labs/Classwork/Other at 40%.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Đào