Introductory Physics Class

[Bob & Kathie Yeend <ryeend@EARTHLINK.NET>]

Tim,

Please keep it simple. These will probably be bright, caring teachers but
many of them will not have strong math or science backgrounds and at least a
few may be quite apprehensive about "physics." Better to teach a few things
that they understand well than to expose them to a broad spectrum, but leave
them confused.

Other members of the list may disagree, but I think simple machines are well
worth investigation at the grade school level. The concepts are
straightforward, and there are many examples of direct application in "real
life." It is a good example of how physics can help to understand how things
work. If you choose to do this, a video tape called "Eureka" has some great
5-10 minute mini lessons on simple machines.

good luck,
bob
 --
Bob Yeend <ryeend@earthlink.net>

> On
> Mon, 5 Feb 2001, Tim O'Donnell wrote:
>
> > I have been asked to teach a introductory college physics
> > class to propective elementary school teachers who have
> > never had a physics course before. This will in all
> > likelyhood be the only physics class they ever take.
> > Any suggestions to what topics should be "covered."
> > Thanks for the suggestions and help.
> >
> >
> > 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