So, how important is it to take Physics 1 & Physics 2 before taking AP Physics 1. I was told that AP physics starts from the beginning. It was a introductory course.
You were told correctly. AP Physics 1 presumes no prior course in physics. A regular physics course simply covers the topics in less depth, and is more plug-n-chug math than AP Physics 1.
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It depends on the student. AP Physics 1 doesn’t assume or require any previous Physics exposure. But like most AP courses it assumes students can absorb material and move at a more advanced pace than a non AP course. There’s another post from yesterday on this forum with a parent who regretted their student taking Physics 1 before the non-AP course.
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True, Physics 1 & Physics 2 courses are offered but I that meant I had to take it this yr. D25 would have had too heavy a workload. We had to drop choir and move onto Physics. I do want her to have a balanced school day. I want her to have some period everyday which is essentially stress free.
Absolutely true, they have worksheets with formulas and they plugin everything.
AP Physics 1 is an introductory Physics class. Schools that choose not to follow the AP curriculum offer Honors Physics as the equivalent.
Both are preparation for AP Physics C.
My kids both did fine in the C course and exam, as well as subsequent college Physics courses, without AP 1. I would not consider a non-AP course to automatically be less rigorous or inferior.
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