AT Cycle 39+

Post-AP AT Physics Project:
Your Choice 

The AP exam is behind us, and the rest of the year belongs to you! This year, I’m giving each class the opportunity to design their own final project. This is your chance to dive into the physics or engineering topics you actually care about.

Core Requirements

To get your proposal approved, your project idea must meet the following Core Requirements:

• Total Engagement: Every student must be actively involved during every single class period. No "spectator" roles!

• Physics/Engineering Roots: Your project must be at least tangentially connected to the world of physics or engineering.

• Class Consensus: The project needs to be something the vast majority of the class is excited about.

• Smart Assessment: I want to see your progress, but I’m not taking home a stack of papers. Assessments should be "live" or "auto-graded." Think:

  • On-the-spot grading for posters or slide decks.

  • Quick multiple-choice check-ins (no FRQs).

  • Contests, races, or build competitions.

• Small-Group Accountability: Grades will be based on individual work or small groups (4 students max).

• Safety & Logistics: We need to leave time for cleanup every day. While we like to push boundaries, nothing "very dangerous" is allowed - I’ll have the final say on safety!

• Deadline: Everything must be wrapped up and submitted by Friday, June 12, 2026.

Flexible Features to Consider

• Collaboration: You can work individually, in groups, or even as a whole-class team.

• Resources: You’re welcome to use any equipment I already have in the lab. For anything else, plan on providing low-cost materials (e.g., pasta, marshmallows, cardboard).

• The Great Outdoors: If it is fundamentally relevant to your chosen project, we can head outside (weather permitting, staying on school grounds).

• Creative Output: Not everyone has to do the same thing! One group might produce a video, while another builds a website or a physical model.

Inspiration to Get You Started

• Personal Interest Projects: Research the physics of something you love (a sport, a musical instrument, a video game, etc) and teach the class how it works.

• Geometric Optics Unit: Design a mini-course on mirrors and lenses. You could build pinhole cameras or even your own telescopes.

• The "Build & Battle" Challenge: Engineering competitions like spaghetti bridges, marshmallow towers, or Rube Goldberg machines.

• The "Survivor's Guide": Create a high-quality resource (website, video series, or guide) for next year’s students to help them survive AT Physics.

• Your Own Idea: Have a better plan? Pitch it to me!

🔔 SPECIAL Bell SCHEDULES 🔔

🔔 End of year SCHEDULES 🔔