Re: What to "cover"

[Tim O'Donnell <odonnt@CELINA.K12.OH.US>]

> Tim, if you have the answer to your question you could be the next
> leader in the next educational reform movement.
>
> I would also be interested in the responses of others in this group.
> What physics topics are essential for a high school physics program?
> Knowing that we can't teach everything that we "should" what are the
> priorities?  What should physics students really know in depth so that
> it is not just "I got through it" responses that are "a mile wide and
> an inch deep"?
>
> --
> Arlyn DeBruyckere

Arlyn,
I don't believe I'll be an educational reform leader. But as all of us, I
do continually struggle with what it is I should be doing.  I feel I
spend too much time on mechanics/dynamics, because I feel it is a
small part of the entire physics world.  Why do I do it? It is
expected. By who? I don't know. I feel it is just Expected of a high
school physics teacher to spend a lot of time on
mechanics/dynamics.  I don't think I spend enough time on
thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, electricity.  I have talked
about digital electronics ever and I seldom discuss "modern"
physics. There is just not enough time in one year and that is all I
have.
Tim
Tim O'Donnell
Instructor of Physics and Chemistry
Celina High School
715 East Wayne Street
Celina, Ohio 45822
(419) 586-8300 Ext 1200 or 1201
odonnt@celina.k12.oh.us

"Chance only favors the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur