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Re: [Phys-L] Semester length and course structure



If you're teaching a physical science sequence, the approach to take is to choose a central theme or topic and cram in physics principles. E.g., "The Sun"

You can talk about mass, gravity, energy, thermo, light, spectral analysis, rotational motion, nuclear and atomic phenomena, speed of light, tides, conservation laws. If you need more, you could probably find information about surface vibrations.

Or "Music"
Waves, energy, force, harmonic motion, mass, feedback mechanisms, spectral analysis, ideal gas law, thermo, human physiology (ears, larynx, lungs), human psychology and physics

-----Original Message-----
From: Phys-l [mailto:phys-l-bounces@mail.phys-l.org] On Behalf Of Donald Smith
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2018 8:01 PM
To: Phys-L@phys-l.org
Subject: [Phys-L] Semester length and course structure

Good evening,

This is perhaps a bit different from the usual type of question asked here, but my college is about to switch from a 15 week semester to a
12 week semester combined with a 3 week mini-term in which students take one, intensive, 3-credit class at a time. Does anyone here teach at a school that has such a schedule? I would be interested to hear stories about how you made it work for better physics instruction, or if you have any horror stories that suggest what to avoid trying. I have some ideas about short lab classes and computational physics projects, but I would love to hear about what others have tried. If this forum isn't the right venue for that conversation, I would welcome emails sent directly to me.

Thank you in advance,
--
Donald Smith
Guilford College Physics Department
http://class.guilford.edu/physics/dasmith
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