September 10, 2012 (week 2)

AP Physics 12 - We will start chapter 3 Kinematics in 2 dimensions (projectile motion)

Physics 12 - We will start chapter 3 Kinematics in 2 dimensions (projectile motion)

Physics 11 - We are studying Kinematics (the study of motion).

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 (week 1)

Welcome back to school everyone.  I hope that you had a terrific summer vacation and feel rested, re-charged, and ready to work and to learn.   Let's get things started by making a commitment to yourself that you will attend all classes and complete all assignments to the best of your ability.  What more can I ask...

AP Physics 12 - We begin the year with a very quick review of kinematics equations and graphs.  This is mostly review from physics 11 but we will have an opportunity to look at old AP exam questions and how the AP exam requires students to truly understand the concepts.  Anyone who has succeeded by simply plugging and chugging numbers into equations provided on the formula sheet is going to be in for a bit of an awakening.  In fact, the first half of the AP exam does NOT allow formula sheets or calculators!

Physics 12 - We will begin the year with a brief review of kinematics equations and graphs from physics 11.  We will try out the new iPad's and Vernier app to analyze motion and graphs.

Physics 11 - Welcome to senior physics!  We begin the course by reviewing some very fundamental and foundational math skills including metric units, algebra and trigonometry.  We will rely upon these math skills heavily in physics 11.  Then we will get started studying Kinematics, the study of motion.

Order of topics for the junior science classes:
Science 10 - Will start with the chemistry unit.
Science 9 - Will start with the biology unit.
Science 8 - Will start with the biology unit.

June 4, 2012 (week 37)

This week I am away grading AP Physics Exams in Kansas City.  Students in all classes will be reviewing and completing homework in preparation for their final tests.

AP Physics 12 - studying for the chapter 21/22 test on June 11.

Physics 12 - studying for the chapter 21/22 test on June 11.

Physics 11 - practice final exams.  The actual final exams for physics 11 take place in class on June 11 and June 12.  The final exam consists of 25 multiple choice questions, with the emphasis on terms 2 and 3 topics which include energy and momentum, thermal energy, nuclear energy, special relativity, Universal Gravitation and a bit of kinematics and dynamics from term 1.

May 28, 2012 (week 36)

AP Physics 12 - Students will review and complete homework in preparation for the chapter 20 circuits test on May 31.

Physics 12 - Reminder of the chapte 21 Magnetism test on May 28.  This week we will complete chapter 22 electromagnetism.

Physics 11 - this week students will make their nuclear physics presentations.

May 22, 2012 (week 35)

AP Physics 12 - reminder of the chapter 18/19 test on May 25.

Physics 12 - This week we will finish chapter 21 Magnetism and get started with chapter 22 Electromagnetism.

Physics 11 - This week we will watch a few videos on nuclear energy and technology.  Reminder that groups must be ready to make their presentations on May 24.

May 14, 2012 (week 34)

AP Physics 12 - Reminder of the 3 hour AP Physics Exam at 11:45 AM on May 14.  Regular classes will resume May 23.

Physics 12 - this week we will learn about magnetic force on current-carrying wires and the magnetic field inside a solenoid.

Physics 11 - this week we will be in the library conducting research on our projects related to nuclear energy and technologies.  Presentations take place during the week of May 22 and groups must be ready to present by this date.

May 7, 2012 (week 33)

AP Physics 12 - this week we will prepare for the AP Physics Exam which takes place next week.

Physics 12 - We are starting chapter 21 Magnetism.

Physics 11 - This week we will learn about nuclear reactors and in particular the CANDU style reactor, and options for managing nuclear waste.