ap-physics-2-course-and-exam-description

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description

Overview

• Effective Fall 2024.

• Includes course framework, instructional sections, and sample exam questions.

AP Course Updates

• AP Course and Exam Descriptions are periodically updated. Check AP Central for the most recent version.

Principles of AP

1. Clarity and Transparency

   • Clear expectations for teachers and students based on public course frameworks and assessments.

2. Evidence Exploration

   • AP courses encourage independent thinking and evidence-based discussions.

3. Censorship Opposition

   • Required topics must not be banned; courses will lose AP designation if they omit essential content.

4. Indoctrination Opposition

   • Students should analyze diverse perspectives without bias toward any specific viewpoint.

5. Cultural Studies

   • Emphasis on the study of various cultures and histories through primary sources.

6. Respect for Student Voices

   • All students' contributions should be welcomed in AP discussions, fostering a respectful environment.

7. Choice of Enrollment

   • Participation in AP courses is voluntary for students and parents, ensuring informed choices.

Course and Exam Description Contents

• Acknowledgments

• About AP

• AP Resources and Supports

• Instructional Model

• AP Physics 2 Course Information

• Course Framework

• Laboratory Investigations

• Instructional Approaches

• Exam Information

Course Structure

Course Framework

• Details science practices and course content organized into commonly taught units.

• Units include:

  • Thermodynamics

  • Electric Force, Field, and Potential

  • Electric Circuits

  • Magnetism and Electromagnetism

  • Geometric Optics

  • Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

  • Modern Physics

Lab Requirements

• Emphasis on hands-on laboratory work constituting 25% of instructional time.

• Inquiry-based investigations to demonstrate foundational physics principles.

Instructional Approaches

• Strategies to enrich physics learning, including guided inquiry, discussions, experimental design, and representation analysis.

• Scaffolding inquiry to enhance learning experiences.

• Encouraging student voice and collaboration in discussions.

Exam Structure

• Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (50% of total score) and 4 free-response questions (50% of total score).

• Scientific calculator is allowed.

Multiple-Choice Section Weighting

• Thermodynamics: 15–18%

• Electric Force, Field, and Potential: 15–18%

• Electric Circuits: 15–18%

• Magnetism and Electromagnetism: 12–15%

• Geometric Optics: 12–15%

• Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics: 12–15%

• Modern Physics: 12–15%

Free-Response Question Types

1. Mathematical Routines

2. Translation Between Representations

3. Experimental Design and Analysis

4. Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

Important Scientific Task Verbs for Exam

• Calculate, Compare, Derive, Describe, Determine, Draw, Estimate, Indicate, Justify, Label, Plot, Rank, Sketch, Verify.

Laboratories

• Importance of hands-on labs for skill development and understanding physics concepts.

• Labs can vary from short demonstrations to complex investigations.

• Laboratories aimed at reinforcing inquiry-based learning, promoting student ownership of knowledge, and fostering analytical skills.

Key Concepts and Skills Reinforcement

• Encourage students to relate classroom learning to their investigations and inquiry-based experiences.

• Assessment of students’ ability to apply physics concepts to real-world situations and problems.

Unit-Specific Instructional Focus

• Each unit emphasizes the development of specific science practices, outlined with suggested skills and essential knowledge.

Conclusion

• AP Physics 2 prepares students for college-level physics through active inquiry, collaborative learning, and rigorous examination of scientific principles.