Re: Physics for Electricians

[Rick Tarara <rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM>]

You might want to start with a pre-quiz to see what they REALLY understand
about circuits.  They may know WHAT to do but not WHY they do it.  If so,
you might want to go over circuit basics with an emphasis on conceptual
understanding.

You probably want to cover electrical safety and the physiological effects
of current--again so that they can understand the rules they've been working
with.

You probably need to find out exactly WHY these people are taking a physics
course.  I suspect it is for practical reasons.  If that is the case, then
shy away from theoretical topics which will have no practical applications
for the group.  Again, concentrate on conceptual understanding of the basics
that they will use everyday.  With such an understanding, they may find they
will be able to solve problems and challenges beyond the normal tech level
electrician's training.

My $.02

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
219-284-4664
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

FREE PHYSICS INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
www.saintmarys.edu/~rtarara/software.html
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Tina Fanetti" <FanettT@QUEST.WITCC.CC.IA.US>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2002 1:24 PM
Subject: Physics for Electricians


> hi
> I am teaching a semester long general physics class to electricians.
Obviously I don't need to teach them about circuits. :)
> What I thought I would do was try to focus on more relevant aspects.  My
thoughts for a course outline would be as follows
> 1.  Vibrations, waves, sound and music.
> 2.  Light, optics, optical instruments, diffraction and that stuff.
> 3.  Energy
> Then I thought I could go one of 2 ways.
>
> I could either go onto to teach thermal physics or onto theories of the
atom and modern physics.
> I am inclined to teach thermal though because there may be a few
ac/heating guys in this class.  Also it is more likely that the students
will work with ac, cars and such before they work with quarks.
> I think that is plenty for a 16 week semester.
> I just wanted some other thoughts (practical)
>
> Thanks
> Tina Fanetti
>
> Tina Fanetti
> Physics Instructor
> Western Iowa Technical Community College
> 4647 Stone Ave
> Sioux City IA 51102
> 712-274-8733 ext 1429