A Practical Approach to Physics for Non-Scientists

Autor/in	Ramsey, Gordon
Titel	A Practical Approach to Physics for Non-Scientists
Quelle	In: Physics Teacher, 60 (2022) 5, S.344-347 (4 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Ramsey, Gordon)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0031-921X
Schlagwörter	Science Instruction; Physics; Active Learning; Scientific Concepts; Concept Formation; Secondary School Science; College Science; Nonmajors; Required Courses; Student Motivation; Course Content; Relevance (Education); Mechanics (Physics); High Schools + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Physik; Aktives Lernen; Concept learning; Begriffsbildung; Pflichtkurs; Schulische Motivation; Kursprogramm; Relevance; Relevanz; Mechanik; High school; Oberschule
Abstract	Many high schools, two-year colleges, and universities offer a conceptual physics course for non-science students who have to take a basic science course. The students often enter the course unmotivated and may eventually withdraw. So, how do we make the course interesting enough for these students to gain the knowledge we desire and, more importantly, develop an appreciation for the role of science in society? A possible answer may lie in the approach to the material. Students who can relate to the topics in the course tend to be more motivated and acquire a greater understanding of the material. This is part of the approach to active learning programs such as SENCER and SCALE-UP. Courses in Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences (IPLS) using focused topics have also been offered. This paper suggests ways to structure a course around "real-life" topics in teaching a full set of mechanics concepts. The "practical approach" consists of building the course material around topics with which the students are familiar. Courses designed around practical applications can provide an effective strategy for engagement and learning. These elements are appropriate for both high school and college non-major courses. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://aapt.scitation.org/journal/pte
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01