Welcome to AP Science
AP stands for Advanced Placement—which means more rigor, higher expectations, and deeper content. You've probably heard that public science education is often "a mile wide and an inch deep." In other words, we cover a lot of material, but rarely get the chance to explore it deeply. AP changes that—at least somewhat.
In this course, we’ll dive deeper into the content than in a typical on-level class. That said, there will still be topics we don’t have time to cover. What we do explore will be more complex, more detailed, and require you to think critically and apply what you’ve learned in new ways.
AP sounds scary.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about taking an AP class—especially in science, and especially AP Physics! (Don’t worry—AP Environmental Science is much more approachable.)
But here's the truth: Passing the AP exam isn’t the only measure of success. What matters most is your personal growth. Will you leave this class with a stronger understanding of scientific thinking? Will you be better at reading graphs, managing data, and analyzing systems by April than you were in October? Will you understand just a little more about how the world works?
If the answer to any of those is “yes,” then your time in this course will have been worthwhile—regardless of what your grade or exam score says.
I have no life, you are my life!
I am here to help you succeed. I’m available—whether it’s by email, Zoom, Discord, text message, or in person. Whatever support you need, I will make time for it.
Research shows that just by taking an AP science class, students are better prepared for college. AP students tend to have higher GPAs, lower dropout rates, and higher college graduation rates. Stick with it. Don’t get discouraged. Ask for help when you need it. It will pay off.
Yes, the math can be intimidating—especially in AP Physics. But the challenge is worth it. Exposure to rigorous math in high school is one of the best predictors of success in college. And if you're considering a career in engineering, medicine, or any STEM-related field, this foundation will be especially important.
Whatever your goals, I am here to make your AP science journey a success. Please do not hesitate to email, call, or come by any time with questions, concerns, or comments.
Mr. Chandler
“Mathematical fluency is the single best predictor of college performance in biology, chemistry, and physics, giving a strong advantage to students whose high school science courses integrate mathematics. “Draining the math out of high school coursework does students a disservice,” Sadler, Harvard researcher says. “Much of college biology, chemistry, and physics are taught using the language of math, so students without fluency quickly become lost.”