Re: A Query

[Sidney Rudolph <sid@PHYSICS.UTAH.EDU>]

Thank you for the quick reply.  Sid Rudolph

Date sent:              Wed, 27 Mar 2002 12:27:00 -0400
From:                   Chris Horton <ChrisAHorton2@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:                Re: A Query
To:                     PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
Send reply to:          "phys-l@lists.nau.edu: Forum for Physics
Educators"
        <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>

> 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