Re: [Phys-l] corrupting the youth

["Anthony Lapinski" <Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org>]

True, reading and writing are basic. However, kids are given way more math
than they'll ever need in life. I teach high school physics and astronomy.
All I need are "basic" algebra/trig skills. All the "advanced" math I
learned has been useless/forgotten.

Some of my goals for my students are:

To think abstractly and logically.
To appreciate and understand the physical world.
To solve real life problems using a systematic approach.
To realize that a knowledge of physics is useful in everyday life.

You never know when a knowledge of physics will help you -- or even save
your life (e.g., being stuck outside during a thunderstorm). A physics
course should be the most exciting class a student ever takes. I tell my
students that physics should be the highlight of their day. It often is
for them...


Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> I can't say I share that bleak assessment. Yes, science has a  
> diminished role in schools, but it's still there (though not  
> necessarily done effectively). In principle, I agree that science  
> should get less attention than reading and math. Someone who doesn't  
> understand a lick of science can be successful in life, but someone  
> with nonexistent math and language skills is relegated to the lower  
> rung of society. Of course, in reality way too many students graduate  
> with inadequate math and language skills despite the time spent on them!
>
> Bill
>
>
>
> On Dec 15, 2010, at 1:12 PM, John Clement wrote:
>
> > And now in elementary
> > science has been almost removed from the curriculum in favor of  
> > reading &
> > math noodling.
>
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