Freshman Physics

Freshman Physics

Jennifer Adams(314) 854-6760Jennifer Adams(314) 854-6760

Me• 8th year at CHS

• Physics BS from UMR and finishing MSEd at Webster this year

• 2 children in the district

Why Physics First?• Concrete Experiences to

Abstract Thought

This Physics Class

• Teaching Science Using Physics as a Context

• Presentation Skills

• Students Direct the Learning

• Modeling Curriculum

Modeling Physics

• Created by David Hestenes in the ’80s

• Recognized by US Dept of Education as:

One of the top 7 best K-12 educational technology programs

One of two Exemplary K-12 science programs

• The Modeling Cycle:

Observe, question, predict, design and carry-out experiment, collect and analyze data, report data with multiple representations, and repeat.

First Unit

• Uniform Motion

• Bag of Cars Activity

• Blinky Car

• BB Lab

Multiple Representations:Graphs

Multiple Representations:Words (First)

The BB on the high incline was faster than the one on the low incline. Both BBs rolled at a constant speed.

The BB on the high incline was faster than the one on the low incline. Both BBs rolled at a constant speed.

Multiple Representations:Words (refined)

Both BBs rolled down a tube starting at position 0. On the low incline, it moved in the positive direction with a constant velocity of 6.3 cm/beat for 18 beats. The BB on the high incline rolled in the positive direction with a constant velocity of 11.4 cm/beat for 10 beats.

Both BBs rolled down a tube starting at position 0. On the low incline, it moved in the positive direction with a constant velocity of 6.3 cm/beat for 18 beats. The BB on the high incline rolled in the positive direction with a constant velocity of 11.4 cm/beat for 10 beats.

Multiple Representations:Diagrams

0+

Multiple Representations:Mathematical Models

€

rx : position

t : clock reading

Δr x : displacement or change in position

Δt : time interval, elapsed time, or change in timer v ≡

Δr x

Δt definition of average velocity

v =d

Δt where v : average speed and d : distance traveled

r x f =

r v Δt +

r x i general mathematical model

Future Units

• Uniform Acceleration

• Forces

• Electric Circuits

• Electrostatics

• Energy

• Mechanical Waves

To Ensure Success• Engage and invest

• Turn in assignments on time (20% penalty)

• Make corrections in and out of class

• Get help immediately

• Find a common time to work with

teacher(s), lab partner(s), friends:

after lab, during lunch, before or after school

Please email me at: adams@clayton.k12.mo.us

class website: claytonphysics.net.