Homework and labs is doing well, first quiz a 60. Besides going to after-school tutoring and continuing to study, any advice for how to do well in Physics? Currently taking Calculus, but counselor did not recommend AP Physics 1 because they said teacher (the only physics teacher at our school) is notoriously difficult and many come asking to switch down to Honors.
A book that breaks it down maybe - wondered if the AP Physics 1 review books would still be helpful? Or Khan Academy? Any advice appreciated.
That’s tough
What’s the class average (ie., was it a rude awakening for the whole class)?
What did you miss? Had you missed the same type of questions in hw exercises/lab?
Check Khan academy for physics - videos&exercises to ensure you mastered everything.
Hey, I’m a senior who got All A’s in my Physics 1 Honors, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, (and currently taking) AP Physics C.
Truth be told, physics is more difficult for some and easier for others. Perhaps you are one of those people, and that can be a tough reality to face if you want to go into higher physics.
However, AP Physics 1 isn’t one of those classes, and anyone with a firm grasp of Algebra can succeed.
Here’s some of the resources I used to succeed in the class and tutor others into getting 5s and 4s on their exam later on.
Organic Chemistry Tutor has really great physics videos (I know, ironic). I recommend watching the conceptual parts with him and solving the problems with him during the video.
I also recommend investing in a prep book. Avoid Barrons as (IME) it has often been incorrect in its answer keys. I would suggest Princeton Review!
For me, Khan Academy wasn’t helpful as Sal was kind of a boring voice (iykwim).
But that’s just conceptual learning. The real key to physics is mastering that concept and learning how to apply it in unique questions and contexts. That takes lots of practice. You need to practice these concepts enough to know which formulas to use and what you’re actually solving for.
I recommend avoiding practicing and wasting time on MCQ practice questions, as those may give you a false sense of security about concepts. The AP FRQs are the difficult ones and if you can manage to solve those, then you have actually mastered the concept and are ready for the test!
Thank you! My kid is taking AP Physics 1 and says they love it so far, but I’m anticipating challenges ahead. As an arts person, I can’t begin to guess where to turn–all physics help looks the same to me (it may as well be in Greek!). So this is great to have.
Lol, sometimes it is in greek! Mu, Omega, Rho, a lot of variables to memorize. The good news is that Physics relies heavily on a given formula sheet. Once you get the concepts down and recognize when to use each formula, it should be just clockwork.
