Test Scoring in AP Physics

1. Test Scoring in AP Physics Strategies and the Rubric

2. The Test • The AP Test is divided into two parts: • Multiple Choice (70 questions) • Constructed Response (6-7 questions) • Each section is weighted equally, and is given separately. • The test is 3 hours long, and calculators are only allowed on the Constructed Response section.

3. How the AP test is scored • The AP test is scored on the basis of AWARDING points, not taking them away. • In the past, students have lost points for incorrect Multiple Choice answers. THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE. • So…. For the M.C. part of the test: ANSWER EVERYTHING!!

4. Multiple Choice • Try to eliminate wrong answers based on common sense, units, or clues in the questions. (Helps SOMETIMES) • Work the problems and pay special attention to making CARELESS MISTAKES. (Answer choices are often similar, designed to mimic common math mistakes)

5. Multiple Choice • The goal is averaging 60 seconds per question. • If you’re not sure, come back to it at the end. • Don’t make a wild guess until you are almost out of time for the test. Then make sure EVERYTHING has an answer.

6. Multiple Choice • The Multiple Choice section of the AP test has 70 questions, worth 70 points total. • You are given 90 minutes to complete the Multiple Choice part. • You may NOT use a calculator OR an equation sheet.

7. Constructed Response • Constructed Response is the problem solving part of the test. It is worth 70 points as well. • The number of problems will vary, but each problems is worth either 10 or 15 points. • Expect 6 or 7 generally. • You MAY use a calculator and an equations sheet PROVIDED to you. (Sheets are NOT comprehensive).

8. Constructed Response • For many questions, there are multiple ways to solve the same problems. • Any correct method will receive full credit. • Each part of every question (parts a,b,c, etc.) is graded separately.

9. Constructed Response • Points are awarded based on pre-constructed Rubrics • A Rubric is a guideline for scoring. Points are given based on correct completion of particular parts of every problem. • Points are not always given for the same things in every problem.

10. Constructed Response • Rubrics: • Some common items that will often be on a rubric that students may earn points for are: • Stating givens • Stating formulas used • Correct Substitution into formulas • Correct units • Correct reasoning statements • Correct Answers.

11. Constructed Response • Rubrics: Example • Solve for x • The rubric may look like: • 1 point for stating Pythagorean Theorem a2+b2=c2 • 1 point for correct substitution into Pythagorean Theorem • 1 point for the correct answer of 5m (no points awarded without units) 3m X 4m

12. Constructed Response • Rubrics: Example • The rubric may look like: • 1 point for stating Pythagorean Theorem a2+b2=c2 • 1 point for correct substitution into Pythagorean Theorem • 1 point for the correct answer of 5m (no points awarded without units) • So…. An answer of ‘5’ with no work would receive 0 points. • You have to include all steps when solving problems. To much is better than to little.

13. Constructed Response • Constructed response questions often build on themselves. • For example, 1a may say “Calculate the velocity of blah blahblah…”. • 1b may then say “Determine the acceleration of blah blahblah…”. • You need the velocity from 1a to do 1b correctly • However………

14. Constructed Response • Suppose you get a velocity in 1a of 5m/s which is wrong…. You loose points. • But IF you use your wrong answer CORRECTLY in 1b, and make no other mistakes, you still get FULL CREDIT for 1b, even though the numerical answer is technically incorrect.

15. Getting Practice • The best way to prepare for the AP exam is to practice working with the types of exam questions you will see. • Physics AP test prep books are available to buy, and I have a few that we may use from time to time as well.

16. Getting Practice • Once you do enough problems, you will begin to see common threads in the way questions are asked, and how they are scored. • You will begin to get “inside the head” of the College Board and at that point, and the tests will become much easier.

17. Grading • The AP tests are graded on a scale of 1-5. • A ‘5’ shows mastery of the subject. • Colleges will usually give course credit for scores of 4-5 on the AP Test given in May.

18. In Class Tests • Tests in this class will mimic the AP test. Every test will have a multiple choice section, as well as a constructed response section. • Scoring will be done using the same methods as the College Board and points will be awarded using a Rubric for solving problems.

19. Final Exam • Students who choose to take the Physics AP Exam will automatically receive an “A” grade on their final in this class. • Students who choose not to take the Physics AP test will take a final similar to an old AP Exam, but shortened to fit into 1-2 class periods. Grades will be given based on the AP Test Standard. 5=A 4=B 3=C 2=D 1=F

20. How to Succeed • The best way to do well on any AP test is to take the test seriously, prepare well, and use the correct test taking strategies. • Prepare well = Do all your assignments, ask questions in class, be persistent with problems, work with a partner when you can.

21. It’s a Game… • AP tests are a new kind of game. You need to learn how to play so you can win....!