Conceptual Physics
- Date: 2010-01-03 - Word Count: 582
Share This!
Traditionally, physics has been considered the most difficult science, which should only be attempted by mature students with a strong mathematical background. There is some truth to this- being comfortable with advanced math can certainly open up some areas of physics and there are topics in a solid, college-preparatory physics class that require some pretty serious number-crunching. However, there is another side to this story and a growing feeling among educators (myself included) that even elementary school students can and should study physics.
One of the strongest arguments for introducing physics at a young age is that it is the most "basic" of the sciences. In other words, it's really not possible to have a good understanding of photosynthesis if you don't know anything about light. Learning about light is, of course, a branch of physics.
There's currently a "physics first" movement that is trying to upend the traditional order of high school science classes so that the sequence becomes physics in freshman year, then chemistry, and finally biology. In this model, physics is taught as a more conceptual and less calculation-based subject because younger students do not have the mathematical knowledge of older ones.
Physics first could be the best thing that ever happened to physics education, if it is done correctly. Beyond the obvious perk for physics-enthusiasts everywhere that physics would studied by far more people than ever before, it could potentially be taught much more effectively. One of the flaws in traditional physics education is that it assumes that students will learn the concepts that the mathematics illustrate by applying the math to problems. Unfortunately, this doesn't work well most of the time. Most people need to approach physics from a conceptual point of view before they can understand the mathematics in a meaningful way. This is true even for smart, mathematically inclined people, and it is at least part of the reason that so many people learn so little in high school physics classes. In essence, the goal of physics first education is to help all students achieve a solid qualitative understanding of the physical world. Interested students can then refine that pre-existing qualitative knowledge into a quantitative understanding in a later, more advanced class.
The philosophy behind physics first doesn't have to be restricted to educating high school freshmen. It can effectively be applied to much younger children as well. For example, I teach science to a group of nine and ten year old homeschoolers, and we have done quite a bit of physics, with very little math beyond basic arithmetic. For example, last year we explored levers and turning effect. This year we will be looking into pulleys and simple circuits. I don't shy away from using age-appropriate math, including simple formulas, but neither do I emphasize formulas over a verbal understanding of events. These kids are hardly advanced physics students, but they have achieved significant understanding while retaining a strong interest in learning more.
Critics of a conceptual approach to physics education worry that it is merely a way to lower standards. I share their desire for the highest standards possible, and I acknowledge that a poorly executed conceptual physics program could lack rigor. As always, details matter. A good conceptual physics program should involve hands-on (and "brain-on") experiments, extensive writing, and some math. It should not be easy. On the other hand, it shouldn't leave conscientious, hard working students feeling like they are studying an impossible subject- and traditional physics education leaves far too many students with that feeling.
One of the strongest arguments for introducing physics at a young age is that it is the most "basic" of the sciences. In other words, it's really not possible to have a good understanding of photosynthesis if you don't know anything about light. Learning about light is, of course, a branch of physics.
There's currently a "physics first" movement that is trying to upend the traditional order of high school science classes so that the sequence becomes physics in freshman year, then chemistry, and finally biology. In this model, physics is taught as a more conceptual and less calculation-based subject because younger students do not have the mathematical knowledge of older ones.
Physics first could be the best thing that ever happened to physics education, if it is done correctly. Beyond the obvious perk for physics-enthusiasts everywhere that physics would studied by far more people than ever before, it could potentially be taught much more effectively. One of the flaws in traditional physics education is that it assumes that students will learn the concepts that the mathematics illustrate by applying the math to problems. Unfortunately, this doesn't work well most of the time. Most people need to approach physics from a conceptual point of view before they can understand the mathematics in a meaningful way. This is true even for smart, mathematically inclined people, and it is at least part of the reason that so many people learn so little in high school physics classes. In essence, the goal of physics first education is to help all students achieve a solid qualitative understanding of the physical world. Interested students can then refine that pre-existing qualitative knowledge into a quantitative understanding in a later, more advanced class.
The philosophy behind physics first doesn't have to be restricted to educating high school freshmen. It can effectively be applied to much younger children as well. For example, I teach science to a group of nine and ten year old homeschoolers, and we have done quite a bit of physics, with very little math beyond basic arithmetic. For example, last year we explored levers and turning effect. This year we will be looking into pulleys and simple circuits. I don't shy away from using age-appropriate math, including simple formulas, but neither do I emphasize formulas over a verbal understanding of events. These kids are hardly advanced physics students, but they have achieved significant understanding while retaining a strong interest in learning more.
Critics of a conceptual approach to physics education worry that it is merely a way to lower standards. I share their desire for the highest standards possible, and I acknowledge that a poorly executed conceptual physics program could lack rigor. As always, details matter. A good conceptual physics program should involve hands-on (and "brain-on") experiments, extensive writing, and some math. It should not be easy. On the other hand, it shouldn't leave conscientious, hard working students feeling like they are studying an impossible subject- and traditional physics education leaves far too many students with that feeling.
New York Academics offers Homeschooling in New York for students with a wide variety of needs. We also offer Physics Tutoring in your home, office, or in a public place. For more info visit us at: http://www.tutornewyorkcity.comn
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- How Hypnotherapy Can be Used on Children
Today Hypnosis can be termed as a branch of medicine which is quite unique, whereas in the past this - Confidence Workshops For Children
Every parent wants their children to be confident, happy, highly motivated and enthusiastic in order - Inspiring Children Using NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is one of the most successful therapies in psychology today. Init - Writing Term Papers
Students often tend to put off a written assignment, considering it to be a chore too formidable to - Naming In Term Paper
Give a descriptive name to each of your concept in the paper. Adhere using terms like "our approach" - Introduction Section of a Research Paper
Your introductions should not exceed more than two pages (typed, double spaced). See again the examp - Getting a Feedback of Your Term Paper is Important!
Get the feedback of your work! Finish your paper, having written it well in advance, so that you hav - The 1950's - Was Life Better?
Iconic TV shows like I Love Lucy, Dennis the Menace and My Three Sons seem to indicate that the 1950 - Online Classroom Systems Makes Home Schooling Even More Attractive
In the past it went without saying that you would send your kids to public schools. With public scho - 8 Helpful Tips For Surviving Military Basic Training
Getting through military basic training takes a lot perseverance. During this training it is best to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Culinary Cooking Schools and What They Teach
Culinary cooking schools prepare you for a job in the culinary industry by providing you with the kn - How To Learn Spanish Quickly Without Moving To Spain
Learning Spanish is a popular pastime, as well as a serious goal for many individuals. Whether it's - How To Improve Your Life With An Accredited Online College Degree
With the information super highway raring full steam ahead, quality accredited online college degree - Online Bachelor Degree Programs Go Mainstream
The Internet has seen an explosion in online bachelor degree programs in the last five to ten years - Online Degree Program Just A Click Away
You want to go shopping, but your car is low on gas. You want to know your account balance, but do n - Online Paralegal Degree Will Open Doors
An online paralegal degree may offer the possibility of improving your chances in the legal professi - What West Point Military School Looks For In A Candidate
West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who are good students, good athletes, and - The Importance of Effective Accounting Programs
In the past, small businesses like mom and pop stores were not required to maintain any sort of acco - California Schools Educators Retirement System And Lionstone Group Create Investment Fund
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CSTRS) is the second largest public pension fund i - A Taste of China - Seattle Schools New Guest Teacher Shares Language and Culture of Her Native Hom
The Seattle schools have a new "guest" teacher. Zhu Dan arrived in the Seattle schools in January