Raise the Bar . They Can Reach It

Raise the Bar . They Can Reach It Willis Shanor Physics/Pre-Engineering InstructorCanadian Valley ProgramJuniorsGeneral physics mechanics and E & MPre-engineeringIntroduction to Engineering DesignPrinciples of EngineeringPre-CalculusTrig and functionsStart calculus after spring breakRequirements70% on Plan test in math and scienceAs and Bs in math/science coursesAlgebra 2 (use E2020 over summer if needed)Canadian Valley ProgramSeniorsCalculus BCReview derivativesFinish material around spring breakPre-EngineeringDigital ElectronicsEngineering DesignPhysics-CMechanicsE lectricity and MagnetismWhat We ExpectCollege level coursesTeach to the rigor of a college coursePush the students to change their mindset from high school to collegeHard work is required to be successfulGoal: Prepare them to be successful in collegeWhether they take AP tests or notAP Summer InstitutesTaught by your peers4 days long; subject experts; OK currently covers costsAlways learn something newProvide ideas on teaching difficult topicsAnswer your questionsCover characteristics of AP testsExchange of ideas with fellow teachersProvide books, handouts, and other resourcesMy ApproachSmart board lectures interspersed with problemsWork problems as examplesTests are AP type multiple choice and free responseGrade on AP scale (rule of eighths)Use outside sourcesFall final: timed, old AP test4 automatic A for semesterUse old multiple choice tests as packetsReview two weeks prior to AP Physics test Mix with Fun2-liter, water bottle rocketsLab: juniors loss of energy; seniors find the drag coefficientUse Autodesk Inventor to design and 3-d print nose coneCompetition: keep airborne for 15 seconds and beat my time

Mix with FunCompetitive labsProjectile launchersJuniors launcher mounted on table, determine landing spotSeniors determine launch angle and hit moving targetParticipate in Vex RoboticsLast year each class formed a teamRequire them to go through engineering design processResultsCalculus BC 92% (out of 50)Physics C Mechanics 85% (out of 48)E & M 70% (out of 27)