1. Physics and Physics Education at Clarion University
Vasudeva Rao Aravind
Assistant Professor of Physics
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion PA USA
Phone: +1 (814)

2. We need Hands-On and Minds-On Physics Education!
Students need to be trained to think like scientists of tomorrow
A balance of theory and analysis is required
Courtesy

3. Biggest Challenges in Physics Education
“Physics is for smart students”
“Physics involves a lot of math”
“Physics is not useful in real life”
“Physics involves a lot of theory”
-Conceptual Understanding is Key in Physics
-Our Students Today are Teachers Tomorrow!
-Need to Address these Challenges Now!

4. Non-Science Majors Conceptual Physics (No Algebra or Calculus)
Focus on Concepts
Plenty of Opportunities for Hands-On Learning
Science, Not-Physics Majors Physics to Introduce Analytical Thinking
Algebra but no Calculus
Plenty of Hands-On Learning
Physics Majors
Future Scientists or School Teachers
Very Motivated
Algebra and Calculus Based Physics
Plenty of Hands-On Labs and Activities

5. Hands-On and Minds-On Learning: Example 1
Teaching and Learning Circular Motion Using Applets

6. Coefficient of friction
Student Question:
Keep the angle of inclination of the track constant
Determine the speed or speeds at which the car crashes, for different coefficients of friction
Coefficient of friction
Speed at which
car crashes (m/s)
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.6
0.3

7. Thinking Physics High speeds:
Friction acts to the bottom of the incline

8. Thinking Physics
Low speeds:
Friction acts to the top of the incline

9. Student Answers After Explanation Before Explanation
(To another problem)
Before Explanation
Reference:
Physics by Simulation: Teaching Circular Motion using Applets
Vasudeva Rao Aravind and John W. Heard, Latin American Journal of Physics Education Vol. 4, No. 1, Jan. 2010

10. Thank You For Your Attention
Contact me if you need
further Information
Dr. Vasudeva Rao Aravind
Clarion University, PA USA
Phone: (814)