Day 1: Start AP Physics 2 with Light!

Today was my first day with all my students. Some of my students in AP Physics 2 took AP Physics 1 last year, some took it the year before, and some are taking it concurrently. I've found that start with the ray model of light (RML) means that everyone starts on the same place at the beginning, learning something entirely new. We start with the camera obscura and use that as evidence for the ray model of light. We then start drawing rays, letting them only change direction when they hit an object. 

Day 0: New Students Only

Today, we had an orientation day for 9th graders and new students to the district in higher grades. After two hours of activities and meetings, students followed their schedule for TEN minutes per class. Hardly any time at all! I had students take a tour of my classroom. I also got ready to give out lab notebooks and binders to my classes.

Day -2: First of Two Work Days

In our new contract, we get two days to get ready for the school year without students and without any meetings. Today has been wonderful. I got to talk to our new science teacher. I did some cleaning in my prep room. I started mentoring a teacher. I did some planning. And I have another day tomorrow to get ready. So luxurious.