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Re: Physics for Ninth Graders?



on 9/26/01 8:31 AM, Tim O'Donnell at odonnt@CELINA.K12.OH.US wrote:

and as Marc so aptly states they aren't ready yet for many
subject areas. I've also taught chemistry and I found that
students are more befuddled about chemistry than any other
science. I'm still not sure where it should be taught.

By far more students of mine have a harder time with
chemistry than physics.


I've been trying to move chemistry into the senior year at our school for
the reason above. I have succeeded getting the guidance dept. to allow
Juniors to choose between chem or physics first. Juniors have had enough
algebra to handle the HS physics curriculum. There has been no significant
difference in achievement between my juniors and seniors.

Chemistry is very abstract subject and most (of my) juniors are still
transitioning from concrete to abstract thinking. The even the abstract
parts of HS physics have tactile components that most topics in chemistry
lack. Students can touch/see bulbs, batteries, and meters and therefore
current is easier to accept as real, but ions ...

Scott


*****************************
S.Goelzer
Physics Teacher
Coe - Brown Northwood Academy
Northwood NH 03261
603-942-5531 ext43
sgoelzer@coebrownacademy.com
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