Why Physics? Welcome to Open House 2011

Origins of Belief Systems There are MANY different systems of belief. Each system has its own foundation.  The foundation of science! Revelation/Epiphany Mysticism/Paranormal Innate Dogmatism Empiricism

Acceptance of Non-Empirical Beliefs Any sort of philosophy is NOT a lesser school of thought than science…. ….it is just different… …and it is NOT science!

What is Science? Science: is guided by natural law must explain what is observed with reference to natural law is testable (against the observed world) and therefore possibly falsifiable has conclusions that are tentative pending additional information – therefore science is self correcting

So…Why Physics? What will your student learn from this class? Hopefully some physics. Hopefully some physics. The student, their families, the school board and colleges expect students to leave this class well versed in the theories and applications of physics. The student, their families, the school board and colleges expect students to leave this class well versed in the theories and applications of physics. Problem Solving and Technical Writing Skills Problem Solving and Technical Writing Skills The ability to analyze a situation and communicate your thoughts/findings to someone else are vital skills in ANY career field. The ability to analyze a situation and communicate your thoughts/findings to someone else are vital skills in ANY career field. To work efficiently and effectively in groups and independently. To work efficiently and effectively in groups and independently. To be a better consumer of science. To be a better consumer of science. Magazines, commercials and the news often list facts that are “scientifically” based…but are you getting the whole story? Is there an agenda to consider? What other facts/statistics are available to consider? Magazines, commercials and the news often list facts that are “scientifically” based…but are you getting the whole story? Is there an agenda to consider? What other facts/statistics are available to consider? To be better citizens. To be better citizens. By becoming more analytical, students will be more thoughtful in analyzing statistics, deciphering media, filtering through political agendas and communicating with others. By becoming more analytical, students will be more thoughtful in analyzing statistics, deciphering media, filtering through political agendas and communicating with others.

So…Why Physics? How will we go about learning? Throughout the duration of this class students will: participate in lectures and group discussions. participate in lectures and group discussions. develop their problem solving skills through daily homework; in-class activities; extended projects and lab investigations. develop their problem solving skills through daily homework; in-class activities; extended projects and lab investigations. develop their technical writing skills by participating in lab activities; in-class activities and extended projects. develop their technical writing skills by participating in lab activities; in-class activities and extended projects. Develop skills to be better consumers of science and citizens by participating in lab activities and discussions designed to make them question the validity of statistical evidence. Develop skills to be better consumers of science and citizens by participating in lab activities and discussions designed to make them question the validity of statistical evidence.

So…Why Physics? What about the work load? Physics is naturally difficult for many students, and your student should expect to spend time on physics every day. Physics is naturally difficult for many students, and your student should expect to spend time on physics every day. You and your student can keep up to date on our schedule by visiting the class webpage. You and your student can keep up to date on our schedule by visiting the class webpage.class webpageclass webpage Students should always be informed of assignments and due dates by visiting the class webpage. Students should always be informed of assignments and due dates by visiting the class webpage. Honors physics students earn 20% more credit for this course (rather than the regular physics course), thus they are expected to put out 20% more effort. Honors physics students earn 20% more credit for this course (rather than the regular physics course), thus they are expected to put out 20% more effort. That translates to a faster pace curriculum covering more difficult material, and more challenging projects. That translates to a faster pace curriculum covering more difficult material, and more challenging projects.

So…Why Physics? What about the Projects? Students do research projects in all of their classes. Physics projects are no different – students are expected to RESEARCH a variety of topics in order to BUILD a device. Students do research projects in all of their classes. Physics projects are no different – students are expected to RESEARCH a variety of topics in order to BUILD a device. Quarter 1 = Egg Drop (details are online NOW) Quarter 1 = Egg Drop (details are online NOW) Quarter 2 = Mousetrap Car Quarter 2 = Mousetrap Car Quarters 3 and 4 = Balsa wood bridges Quarters 3 and 4 = Balsa wood bridges Quarter 4 = Honors Physics: Book Project = Regular Physics: Nothing (for now) Quarter 4 = Honors Physics: Book Project = Regular Physics: Nothing (for now)

If your student struggles…. DON’T PANIC! Physics may require your student to study in ways that they have not had to in the past. This may take a little while for some students, but it will come. Encourage your student to speak up and ask questions during class. Encourage your student to speak up and ask questions during class. Encourage your student to do what is asked of them (LISTEN, take notes, ask questions, be productive, work on homework, and use notes and book to study) Encourage your student to do what is asked of them (LISTEN, take notes, ask questions, be productive, work on homework, and use notes and book to study) Encourage your student to attend a second lecture. Encourage your student to attend a second lecture. Some students may benefit from a study guide; please check the “references” page of the physics website for recommendations. Some students may benefit from a study guide; please check the “references” page of the physics website for recommendations.

If you need us…. The best way to contact us is by . We will check at least twice a day. The best way to contact us is by . We will check at least twice a day. When you contact us, please give a brief synopsis of your question/concern as well as the best time and method ( or phone) to reach you. When you contact us, please give a brief synopsis of your question/concern as well as the best time and method ( or phone) to reach you. You can also reach us by voic , however, we do not check voic as regularly.

I want your student to consider... "I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something." — Richard P. FeynmanRichard P. Feynman