We didn't have AP Physics B this past year. Enrollment sign-ups were insufficient for the school to run the course.
Recently-revealed evidence suggests that the dearth of sign-ups might have been related to the grading practices followed by colleagues who teach AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science. The case was laid out in a previous post.
Students have now signed up for their Fall classes. I have been informed that there is sufficient enrollment for the school to run both new AP Physics courses: AP Physics1 and AP Physics 2, in addition to three sections of Physics.
It's the "nightmare" I hoped for: three different courses to prepare ("three preps" as we say in the faculty lounge). AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are brand-new, never-been-taught courses, so it'll be like seating thread-forming screws. To make matters worse, I intend to redesign our Physics course, aligning it more closely to Next Generation Science Standards and to our adopted textbook.
Here's some information on the new AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 courses being launched in 2014-15.
there, not their.
ReplyDeleteBrownie point: Awarded. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you keep everything straight and find the time for all the work. My head is spinning just reading about the work you are doing. That being said, I eagerly await the 'unveiling' of all your.retooling. Next year I have 3 AP1 and 2 AP2. Only two preps but five AP's. it should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteIs AP Physics 1 a prereq for AP Physics 2? Can students take them concurrently at your school? Is regular physics a prerequisite for either? Trying to see how this could work at my school. Starting next year we will be offering AP Physics 1 to juniors and seniors - no regular physics required. AP Physics 2 would be available the following year to Seniors who have taken AP Physics 1 their junior year.
ReplyDeleteThere are no science prereqs for AP Physics 1.
ReplyDeleteAP Physics 2 is open to any who have successfully completed AP Physics 1 or (NGSS) Physics and have the math savvy (done with Algebra 2 and into Pre-calculus or better).