Apologia adv. physics users - are you tempted. . . .

[Barb B]

To let dc take the tests open book? I don't know that I will, but each problem uses the same principles and yet can be so different (needing deductive reasoning) that I sometimes wonder that it wouldn't really by cheating to have it be open book. It seems one needs to use the principles and such to solve different types problems; the goal is to see that dc can do that. Hope you know what I mean. Just wondering if any one did or felt the same.

Barb

[MyThreeSons]

I wouldn't have a problem allowing a "cheat sheet" with the appropriate equations on it. I majored in Mechanical Engineering, and every Science and Engineering course from high school Physics upwards permitted a crib sheet. It's the application of the formulas that's important, not the memorization of them.

[Janice in NJ]

You could go to the library and get one of the AP Physics B Prep books. I believe that the sample tests offer the student some formula sheets, etc. You could surely let your kids use those without wondering if it's "OK."

Peace,
Janice

[choirfarm]

Does anyone know of any video lectures that go well with Apologia Physics. My son is really enjoying the Teaching Company Chemistry videos and they are helping him this year. I see several in the publication for Physics but wasn't sure which one would work.

Christine

[Martha in NM]

Based on what my son tells me, I'd suggest that you consider some of both. Several of his courses this semester at cc do just that. The open book exams tend to be fairly long and detailed, and he works on them over several days. Those are graded more strictly (less partial credit awarded). The in-class exams are challenging in a different way; there are NO outside references allowed, scientific calculators only, and of course there's the time limit.

HTH,
Martha

[CynthiaOK]

Ds#1 has had a couple of open book physics tests in his college years. However, he didn't feel it was that worthwhile because one really needed to know the material before the test and couldn't just learn it quickly. I think the instructors designed the test so that the book would not necessarily help those who didn't know the material already. Ds said he didn't even need to open the book. So, I think it can be a comfort to know that you can use the book, but in reality the student needs to know the material beforehand.

You might let him take a couple open book, but use the same time frame as he would have without open book. He may find that it takes too much time to use the book.

[Cedarmom]

My son used a 3x5 card with notes on it.

[langfam]

Christine,
DS used Kinetic Books CD as a supplement to Apologia. He said the animations really helped him understand concepts.

http://www.kineticbooks.com/index.html