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My recent teaching has been introductory calculus-based
physics. At ISU this has been Phys 222
(link to webCT for registered students). The goals for these courses are
- Students should have the perspective or attitude that they can analyze
physical, engineering, and biological systems by using general principles
and systematic logic. Such an “attitude” may be demonstrated
by
a. Knowing which principles apply to different situations
b. Applying physics principles to story problems
c. Building model systems as justifiable approximations to real systems
- Students should have an enduring understanding of several big-ideas
a. Newtonian mechanics
b. Conservation laws of energy, momentum
c. Fields as a way of solving action-at-a-distance physics
d. Microscopic/macroscopic views of matter
e. Modern physics worldview, quantum, and four forces.
- Students should develop strong problem-solving skills
a. Use of problem solving heuristics, e.g. diagrams, analysis, ongoing
review, checking.
b. Should be able to communicate their solution in written and oral
form
c. Be able to solve problems using the resources of a team
- Students should develop skills in experimental science
a. Design/perform investigative labs
b. Make predictions and test these with experiments
c. Make conclusions based on measurements and their uncertainties
d. Be comfortable with manipulating equipment
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