Re: A Query

[Chris Horton <ChrisAHorton2@HOTMAIL.COM>]

My introduction to physics was a course at the Harvard Summer School for
premeds taught out of Holton and Roller's "Modern Physics", which was
published some time in the late '50's. It provided my inspiration to
eventually major in physics.

The text focused strongly on the historical and cultural context of the
great breakthroughs in physics, discussing what was commonly believed and
the arguments for and against those beliefs, and the motivations and methods
of inquiry of the scientists who overthrew those beliefs.  The effect was
somewhat similar to taking a Modeling Methods course;  I experienced the
invention and building of the new models vicariously.

I have tried this method with a general science requirement course in
Radiation Science at a tech school and fell flat on my face.  But I only
tried once and I haven't tried teaching physics from Holton and Roller (no
comparable book by Holton appears to be in print) so I can't really draw any
general conclusions.

Chris Horton


----- Original Message -----
From: Barlow Newbolt <newboltw@WLU.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: A Query


> You have a lot of company on this quest.  If you find something let us
> know on the list!
>            W. B. Newbolt
>
> > > > sid@PHYSICS.UTAH.EDU 03/25/02 11:54 AM >>>
> I have been asked a question I have no information on and wonder if
> any list members do.  Are any of you aware of introductory college
> science (physics, chemistry, etc.) courses at the 101 (1010) level
> students enrol in, typically to satisfy a general (liberal) education
> science requirement, that so attracts the student that they redirect
> their degree direction towards that science.  I am looking for a
> description of the curriculum that purports to do this and any data
> anyone may have on success.  Please reply privately.  Thank you in
> advance.
>
> Sid Rudolph
> Univ. of Utah