Re: High School Equivalence

[Dan Burns <kilroi@LGHS.NET>]

There are 3 AP Physics tests. AP B is trig based and covers everything from
mechanics to nuclear and some quantum. There are the AP Physics C Mechanics
and EM tests which are calculus based and can be taken separately. Colleges
differ on how they give credit but I have found more give credit to
engineering and physics majors for the C test. The students I have had who
did well on the Mechanics C test went on to do well at some of the best
colleges in the country. One student received a 3 which did not allow him
to test out of first quarter physics at Cal Poly SLO. He challenged the
class by taking the final and got an A. I have 3 sections of AP Physics
consisting of 75% juniors. We take the Mechanics C which allows me to do
many labs and to go in depth into several topics. I also teach them
calculus on a need to know basis (they don't need to know much for the
Mechanics C). I would recommend this approach to anyone teaching advanced
physics to first year high school physics students.

Dan Burns
Los Gatos High School

"Randall E. Sloper" wrote:

> I have been following the discussion about AP exams and am curious about
> the experiences the group has had with advanced placement.  I have been
> approached lately to consider giving college credit to students that
> take physics at the local high schools.  Is AP physics the same as a
> year of college physics with trigonometry or calculus?  Are you willing
> to write and administer challenge tests to students who believe they
> know the physics already based on their high school experience?  If so,
> what is the criterion for evaluating their level of mastery?  Do they
> get grades or pass no pass?
> Curious in Coos Bay,
> Randall E. Sloper