Bree Barnett Dreyfuss
@barnettdreyfuss.bsky.social
(she/her/hers) AP/Physics teacher in CA, Ambassador Program Coordinator @STEPUPphysics, @NCNAAPT Prez, Alum of @TeacherInstitut @Exploratorium, #iteachphysics
For learning, I love it. We do it often, but for final review we reach the time where some students are overwhelmed with the sheer amount of content to review and like a bit more hand holding. Whichever I choose there will be students not in step this time of year.
December 17, 2025 at 8:06 PM
For learning, I love it. We do it often, but for final review we reach the time where some students are overwhelmed with the sheer amount of content to review and like a bit more hand holding. Whichever I choose there will be students not in step this time of year.
We do that as well, in both regular physics and AP. I put the pages with the fully written out answers up on the board so they can review.
It was more of a question of choosing between the two strategies, knowing the other stressors/distractions this time of year.
It was more of a question of choosing between the two strategies, knowing the other stressors/distractions this time of year.
December 17, 2025 at 8:04 PM
We do that as well, in both regular physics and AP. I put the pages with the fully written out answers up on the board so they can review.
It was more of a question of choosing between the two strategies, knowing the other stressors/distractions this time of year.
It was more of a question of choosing between the two strategies, knowing the other stressors/distractions this time of year.
#iteachphysics Day 85
More finals review which is always hard to navigate. Do I help review all the content, highlight big ideas, tricky parts, etc but its very teacher led? Or do I give them more self directed review practice problems knowing most won't use the time effectively but I get a break?
More finals review which is always hard to navigate. Do I help review all the content, highlight big ideas, tricky parts, etc but its very teacher led? Or do I give them more self directed review practice problems knowing most won't use the time effectively but I get a break?
December 17, 2025 at 5:54 PM
#iteachphysics Day 85
More finals review which is always hard to navigate. Do I help review all the content, highlight big ideas, tricky parts, etc but its very teacher led? Or do I give them more self directed review practice problems knowing most won't use the time effectively but I get a break?
More finals review which is always hard to navigate. Do I help review all the content, highlight big ideas, tricky parts, etc but its very teacher led? Or do I give them more self directed review practice problems knowing most won't use the time effectively but I get a break?
#iteachphysics Day 84
The start of finals week. A desperate balance between giving kids grace and holding them accountable for the other 80+ days of the semester, between providing opportunities and going home at a decent hour. Somehow I'm not helping "enough."
And somehow a B is "failing."
The start of finals week. A desperate balance between giving kids grace and holding them accountable for the other 80+ days of the semester, between providing opportunities and going home at a decent hour. Somehow I'm not helping "enough."
And somehow a B is "failing."
December 16, 2025 at 6:01 AM
#iteachphysics Day 84
The start of finals week. A desperate balance between giving kids grace and holding them accountable for the other 80+ days of the semester, between providing opportunities and going home at a decent hour. Somehow I'm not helping "enough."
And somehow a B is "failing."
The start of finals week. A desperate balance between giving kids grace and holding them accountable for the other 80+ days of the semester, between providing opportunities and going home at a decent hour. Somehow I'm not helping "enough."
And somehow a B is "failing."
#ITeachPhysics Day 83
AP had a lab quiz about their coffee filter lab, mostly application questions based on the model they chose.
Physics had circular motion notes based on their labs the last few days to pull it all together. The lecture felt off balance, have to fix that. 🧪🎢
AP had a lab quiz about their coffee filter lab, mostly application questions based on the model they chose.
Physics had circular motion notes based on their labs the last few days to pull it all together. The lecture felt off balance, have to fix that. 🧪🎢
December 13, 2025 at 9:15 PM
#ITeachPhysics Day 83
AP had a lab quiz about their coffee filter lab, mostly application questions based on the model they chose.
Physics had circular motion notes based on their labs the last few days to pull it all together. The lecture felt off balance, have to fix that. 🧪🎢
AP had a lab quiz about their coffee filter lab, mostly application questions based on the model they chose.
Physics had circular motion notes based on their labs the last few days to pull it all together. The lecture felt off balance, have to fix that. 🧪🎢
#ITeachPhysics Day 82
Even numbered AP completed the coffee filter lab. Still run into the same issues of other things around getting picked up. I forgot that 50% skipped the pre req physics and hadn't learned how to use motion detectors which slowed us down. 🧪🎢
Even numbered AP completed the coffee filter lab. Still run into the same issues of other things around getting picked up. I forgot that 50% skipped the pre req physics and hadn't learned how to use motion detectors which slowed us down. 🧪🎢
December 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
#ITeachPhysics Day 82
Even numbered AP completed the coffee filter lab. Still run into the same issues of other things around getting picked up. I forgot that 50% skipped the pre req physics and hadn't learned how to use motion detectors which slowed us down. 🧪🎢
Even numbered AP completed the coffee filter lab. Still run into the same issues of other things around getting picked up. I forgot that 50% skipped the pre req physics and hadn't learned how to use motion detectors which slowed us down. 🧪🎢
I have two 1L graduated cylinders, one with cheap hand soap (you have to let it sit for awhile for the bubbles to all get out) and one with water. I drop three different size ball bearings: 5, 8 and 13 mm. I recover with a magnet on the side of the cylinder. We just observed this year.
December 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
I have two 1L graduated cylinders, one with cheap hand soap (you have to let it sit for awhile for the bubbles to all get out) and one with water. I drop three different size ball bearings: 5, 8 and 13 mm. I recover with a magnet on the side of the cylinder. We just observed this year.
#TeachPhysixs Day 81
AP completed the coffee filter lab. They usually get drag ~v^2 relationship as long as rhey have new filters. Lots of trouble shooting as the filters drift or hands get in the way. Started the day with ball bearings of different sizes falling into water and soap though. 🎢🧪
AP completed the coffee filter lab. They usually get drag ~v^2 relationship as long as rhey have new filters. Lots of trouble shooting as the filters drift or hands get in the way. Started the day with ball bearings of different sizes falling into water and soap though. 🎢🧪
December 11, 2025 at 6:21 AM
#TeachPhysixs Day 81
AP completed the coffee filter lab. They usually get drag ~v^2 relationship as long as rhey have new filters. Lots of trouble shooting as the filters drift or hands get in the way. Started the day with ball bearings of different sizes falling into water and soap though. 🎢🧪
AP completed the coffee filter lab. They usually get drag ~v^2 relationship as long as rhey have new filters. Lots of trouble shooting as the filters drift or hands get in the way. Started the day with ball bearings of different sizes falling into water and soap though. 🎢🧪
#Iteachphysixs Day 80
AP learned about drag forces and what influences it. A good excuse to break out my parachute!
Physics did a few qualitative experiments including the hoopla game and playing with cupslings. Lots of water on the floor but learning happened! 🧪🎢
AP learned about drag forces and what influences it. A good excuse to break out my parachute!
Physics did a few qualitative experiments including the hoopla game and playing with cupslings. Lots of water on the floor but learning happened! 🧪🎢
December 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
#Iteachphysixs Day 80
AP learned about drag forces and what influences it. A good excuse to break out my parachute!
Physics did a few qualitative experiments including the hoopla game and playing with cupslings. Lots of water on the floor but learning happened! 🧪🎢
AP learned about drag forces and what influences it. A good excuse to break out my parachute!
Physics did a few qualitative experiments including the hoopla game and playing with cupslings. Lots of water on the floor but learning happened! 🧪🎢
#iteachphysics Day 79 cont.
Students returned to an earlier lab about friction between a plastic tape roll and a board. They measure the distance a flicked tape roll travels up the incline and determine the initial velocity which they confirm with a photogate, from @danhosey.bsky.social
🧪🎢
Students returned to an earlier lab about friction between a plastic tape roll and a board. They measure the distance a flicked tape roll travels up the incline and determine the initial velocity which they confirm with a photogate, from @danhosey.bsky.social
🧪🎢
December 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
#iteachphysics Day 79 cont.
Students returned to an earlier lab about friction between a plastic tape roll and a board. They measure the distance a flicked tape roll travels up the incline and determine the initial velocity which they confirm with a photogate, from @danhosey.bsky.social
🧪🎢
Students returned to an earlier lab about friction between a plastic tape roll and a board. They measure the distance a flicked tape roll travels up the incline and determine the initial velocity which they confirm with a photogate, from @danhosey.bsky.social
🧪🎢
#iteachphysics Day 79
AP continued simple pendulums with some notes on the equation, with lots of "we will come back to this later" related to torque and other rotation concepts.
They had a short lab practical: they determine the length of a simple pendulum to match a song of their choice.🧪🎢
AP continued simple pendulums with some notes on the equation, with lots of "we will come back to this later" related to torque and other rotation concepts.
They had a short lab practical: they determine the length of a simple pendulum to match a song of their choice.🧪🎢
December 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
#iteachphysics Day 79
AP continued simple pendulums with some notes on the equation, with lots of "we will come back to this later" related to torque and other rotation concepts.
They had a short lab practical: they determine the length of a simple pendulum to match a song of their choice.🧪🎢
AP continued simple pendulums with some notes on the equation, with lots of "we will come back to this later" related to torque and other rotation concepts.
They had a short lab practical: they determine the length of a simple pendulum to match a song of their choice.🧪🎢
#IteachPhysics Day 78
AP completed a simple pendulum to qualitatively determine if mass, angle and length affected its period. They were also given a larger data set to graph and compare period to length and square root of length. Physics had a quiz on 2D forces, calculations & free body diagrams.🎢🧪
AP completed a simple pendulum to qualitatively determine if mass, angle and length affected its period. They were also given a larger data set to graph and compare period to length and square root of length. Physics had a quiz on 2D forces, calculations & free body diagrams.🎢🧪
December 8, 2025 at 9:15 PM
#IteachPhysics Day 78
AP completed a simple pendulum to qualitatively determine if mass, angle and length affected its period. They were also given a larger data set to graph and compare period to length and square root of length. Physics had a quiz on 2D forces, calculations & free body diagrams.🎢🧪
AP completed a simple pendulum to qualitatively determine if mass, angle and length affected its period. They were also given a larger data set to graph and compare period to length and square root of length. Physics had a quiz on 2D forces, calculations & free body diagrams.🎢🧪
#iteachphysics Day 76/77 cont
Physics completed an incline planes lab. Using a small box or block they changed the angle of the incline and measured the acceleration using a motion detector. They use all those trials to find the coefficient of friction for the block/box with the ramp. 🎢🧪
Physics completed an incline planes lab. Using a small box or block they changed the angle of the incline and measured the acceleration using a motion detector. They use all those trials to find the coefficient of friction for the block/box with the ramp. 🎢🧪
December 8, 2025 at 9:13 PM
#iteachphysics Day 76/77 cont
Physics completed an incline planes lab. Using a small box or block they changed the angle of the incline and measured the acceleration using a motion detector. They use all those trials to find the coefficient of friction for the block/box with the ramp. 🎢🧪
Physics completed an incline planes lab. Using a small box or block they changed the angle of the incline and measured the acceleration using a motion detector. They use all those trials to find the coefficient of friction for the block/box with the ramp. 🎢🧪
#Iteachphysics Day 76/77
AP started to learn about oscillation. After the '24 revision I moved it before rotation and I don't like it. I'm going to have to switch back because it gets split before/after rotation.
I used to do Rotation in December then Gravitation/ oscillations in January. 🎢🧪
AP started to learn about oscillation. After the '24 revision I moved it before rotation and I don't like it. I'm going to have to switch back because it gets split before/after rotation.
I used to do Rotation in December then Gravitation/ oscillations in January. 🎢🧪
December 8, 2025 at 9:13 PM
#Iteachphysics Day 76/77
AP started to learn about oscillation. After the '24 revision I moved it before rotation and I don't like it. I'm going to have to switch back because it gets split before/after rotation.
I used to do Rotation in December then Gravitation/ oscillations in January. 🎢🧪
AP started to learn about oscillation. After the '24 revision I moved it before rotation and I don't like it. I'm going to have to switch back because it gets split before/after rotation.
I used to do Rotation in December then Gravitation/ oscillations in January. 🎢🧪
#Teach180 Day 75
AP Physics had their Momentum assessment and Physics continued to practice incline planes calculations. Since teaching is more than just the class periods, there was also help after school. I probably had 20 kids come by to drop off late work, complete make-up labs and do retakes.🧪🎢
AP Physics had their Momentum assessment and Physics continued to practice incline planes calculations. Since teaching is more than just the class periods, there was also help after school. I probably had 20 kids come by to drop off late work, complete make-up labs and do retakes.🧪🎢
December 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
#Teach180 Day 75
AP Physics had their Momentum assessment and Physics continued to practice incline planes calculations. Since teaching is more than just the class periods, there was also help after school. I probably had 20 kids come by to drop off late work, complete make-up labs and do retakes.🧪🎢
AP Physics had their Momentum assessment and Physics continued to practice incline planes calculations. Since teaching is more than just the class periods, there was also help after school. I probably had 20 kids come by to drop off late work, complete make-up labs and do retakes.🧪🎢
#Teach180 Day 74
AP Physics returned to their before break partner challenge. Unlike other years, few were successful in solving it originally, not recognjzing the similarities to the optional HW assigned...
Physics began studying forces on incline planes, notes mixed with some activities.🎢🧪
AP Physics returned to their before break partner challenge. Unlike other years, few were successful in solving it originally, not recognjzing the similarities to the optional HW assigned...
Physics began studying forces on incline planes, notes mixed with some activities.🎢🧪
December 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM
#Teach180 Day 74
AP Physics returned to their before break partner challenge. Unlike other years, few were successful in solving it originally, not recognjzing the similarities to the optional HW assigned...
Physics began studying forces on incline planes, notes mixed with some activities.🎢🧪
AP Physics returned to their before break partner challenge. Unlike other years, few were successful in solving it originally, not recognjzing the similarities to the optional HW assigned...
Physics began studying forces on incline planes, notes mixed with some activities.🎢🧪
#Teach180 Day 73 cont
Physics did a statics lab with little wooden signs I made. They measure the angle between the strings and the force on each string. Then they calculate the force of gravity for several trials and compare to the actual weight of the sign. Lots of light bulbs going off today. 🎢🧪
Physics did a statics lab with little wooden signs I made. They measure the angle between the strings and the force on each string. Then they calculate the force of gravity for several trials and compare to the actual weight of the sign. Lots of light bulbs going off today. 🎢🧪
November 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
#Teach180 Day 73 cont
Physics did a statics lab with little wooden signs I made. They measure the angle between the strings and the force on each string. Then they calculate the force of gravity for several trials and compare to the actual weight of the sign. Lots of light bulbs going off today. 🎢🧪
Physics did a statics lab with little wooden signs I made. They measure the angle between the strings and the force on each string. Then they calculate the force of gravity for several trials and compare to the actual weight of the sign. Lots of light bulbs going off today. 🎢🧪
#Teach180 Day 73
AP worked on a challenge problem about conservation of Momentum & energy. Its the same set up for everyone but each group rolls a pair of dice for their specific values. It proved more challenging for them this year than in years past so I will have to check their work & see why.🎢🧪
AP worked on a challenge problem about conservation of Momentum & energy. Its the same set up for everyone but each group rolls a pair of dice for their specific values. It proved more challenging for them this year than in years past so I will have to check their work & see why.🎢🧪
November 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
#Teach180 Day 73
AP worked on a challenge problem about conservation of Momentum & energy. Its the same set up for everyone but each group rolls a pair of dice for their specific values. It proved more challenging for them this year than in years past so I will have to check their work & see why.🎢🧪
AP worked on a challenge problem about conservation of Momentum & energy. Its the same set up for everyone but each group rolls a pair of dice for their specific values. It proved more challenging for them this year than in years past so I will have to check their work & see why.🎢🧪
Yep! I inherited my carbon paper so a lot of it is older than me...
November 21, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Yep! I inherited my carbon paper so a lot of it is older than me...
#Teach180 Day 72
Physics did some demos about static equilibrium and learned how to calculate the force in two strings holding up a sign at an angle.
AP Physics even blocks completed the same conversation of momentum lab. While the set up can be temperamental, it is so satisfying when it works. 🎢🧪
Physics did some demos about static equilibrium and learned how to calculate the force in two strings holding up a sign at an angle.
AP Physics even blocks completed the same conversation of momentum lab. While the set up can be temperamental, it is so satisfying when it works. 🎢🧪
November 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
#Teach180 Day 72
Physics did some demos about static equilibrium and learned how to calculate the force in two strings holding up a sign at an angle.
AP Physics even blocks completed the same conversation of momentum lab. While the set up can be temperamental, it is so satisfying when it works. 🎢🧪
Physics did some demos about static equilibrium and learned how to calculate the force in two strings holding up a sign at an angle.
AP Physics even blocks completed the same conversation of momentum lab. While the set up can be temperamental, it is so satisfying when it works. 🎢🧪
#Teach180 Day 71
AP Physics used Pasco launchers to create 2D collisions. We move all the tables together to form "Pangea" so they are shooting away from other groups. Lots of adjustments so it takes awhile but usually the data is pretty good. I yell "Continental Drift!" when its time to clean up.🎢🧪
AP Physics used Pasco launchers to create 2D collisions. We move all the tables together to form "Pangea" so they are shooting away from other groups. Lots of adjustments so it takes awhile but usually the data is pretty good. I yell "Continental Drift!" when its time to clean up.🎢🧪
November 20, 2025 at 12:26 AM
#Teach180 Day 71
AP Physics used Pasco launchers to create 2D collisions. We move all the tables together to form "Pangea" so they are shooting away from other groups. Lots of adjustments so it takes awhile but usually the data is pretty good. I yell "Continental Drift!" when its time to clean up.🎢🧪
AP Physics used Pasco launchers to create 2D collisions. We move all the tables together to form "Pangea" so they are shooting away from other groups. Lots of adjustments so it takes awhile but usually the data is pretty good. I yell "Continental Drift!" when its time to clean up.🎢🧪
I'll be there! I'm so excited not to have to change time zones. 😆
November 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
I'll be there! I'm so excited not to have to change time zones. 😆
I love that framing.... and its a good excuse for them to revisit previously solved problems!
November 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I love that framing.... and its a good excuse for them to revisit previously solved problems!
I have a lot of precut strings of different lengths with different lab sets. I usually pre-tie the ends into loops and I loop one end through the other to eye hooks and usually have an open hook something or on the other end. I grabbed paperclip to attach to the eye hooks for this & it worked great.
November 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I have a lot of precut strings of different lengths with different lab sets. I usually pre-tie the ends into loops and I loop one end through the other to eye hooks and usually have an open hook something or on the other end. I grabbed paperclip to attach to the eye hooks for this & it worked great.