Problem Solving for AP Physics 1

This course is aimed at students intending to take AP Physics 1, or as a helpful review for students intending to take AP Physics C - Mechanics.  Students are generally assumed to have encountered mechanics on a middle school level, but will be provided outside materials to fill in any gaps. 

We'll be covering the following topics:
Week 0 (optional):  Introduction to mechanics as a discipline, math fundamentals (in particular vector notation).
Week 1:  Dynamics - applying Newton's laws in vector form, problem-solving approaches for systems.
Week 2:  Kinematics - modeling motion using kinematic quantities.
Week 3:  Gravitation and circular motion - analyzing orbital motion and the distinction between gravitational and inertial mass.
Week 4:  Momentum and impulse - applying impulse and conservation of momentum to analyze collisions. 
Week 5:  Work and energy - analyzing the motion of systems using conservation of energy or work-energy equivalence.
Week 6:  Torque and moment of inertia - understanding the conditions of static equilibrium and the dynamics of rotational motion.
Week 7:  Energy in rotational motion - analyzing rotational motion through energy.
Week 8:  Angular momentum - analyzing rotational motion using momentum.
Week 9:  Simple harmonic motion - understanding how to model oscillatory systems.
Week 10:  Consolidation - using the tools developed in weeks 1-10, students will work through complex problems consolidating multiple physics principles.  Additionally, we will discuss experimental design approaches. 

Structurally, the class content will be delivered asynchronously via two recorded videos - one covering the physics content relevant to the week, and the second focused on problem-solving approaches, with several worked problems.   I will be available to answer questions via chat, and will also host once weekly office hours for additional questions and discussion.