Re: physics final project

[Herbert H Gottlieb <herbgottlieb@JUNO.COM>]

I cannot agtee that high school courses should always be "fun".
Real enjoyment comes when a student is able to overcome
obstacles and succeed in mastering something that may
seem to be difficult, or almost impossible, at first.

Students who go through high school having nothing
but fun are in for a rude awakening when they encounter their
first rigorous course in college or the demands of their
first meaningful job afterwards.

Herb Gottlieb from New York City
(Where fun and projects on display do not substitute for mastery
learning)


On Mon, 09 Jun 2003 00:12:34 -0400 "J. Green" <green320@RCN.COM> writes:
> > My suggestion is not novel but I believe that it is much more
> > effective than any of those that others may mention. It not only
> > covers the all of a semester's main concepts in one meaningful,
> > tied-together multiple-part theme, but it is highly motivating as
> > well.
> > Please don't laugh or think that my suggestion is insincere but
> > I am sure that it will work and meet all of your expectations
> > in full.  My idea is to give the students a three-hour final
> > exam.
> >
> > Herb Gottlieb from New York City
> > (Where our true and tried techniques are called "novel" now)
>
> A four hour exam for a 10th grade "Physics Phirst" class?  Do you
> want them to hate the subject or enjoy it and want to study furthur?
They
> don't give 4 hour exams in college.  Why not help them see how physics
is a
> part of everyday life.  I like the idea of helping future students.  A
> project that could be put on display that would capture the attention
of younger
> students would be perfect.  I'm sorry I don't have an idea to offer,
but I
> think it would be a shame to just give a killer test at the end of
their
> first experience with physics and have them all hate you and the
subject.
> I'm sure others would dissagree, but that's my opinion.  J. Green