Unlocking Creativity: Practical Applications of Physics for A Level Students

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around practical applications of physics for A Level students, focusing on resources that can help enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills in physics. Participants share recommendations for books and websites, express concerns about university interviews, and discuss their A Level experiences and university applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for books and websites that encourage thinking "outside the box" in physics.
  • Another suggests Edward De Bono's "Lateral Thinking" as a valuable resource for creative problem-solving.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential difficulty of university interviews and the need for practical applications of physics knowledge.
  • A participant questions the necessity of purchasing books when online resources may be available for free.
  • Discussion includes a humorous suggestion to watch the Canadian comedy show "Red Green" for unconventional problem-solving insights.
  • Several participants share their A Level predictions and university application plans, with varying levels of confidence regarding their chances of acceptance.
  • There is uncertainty expressed about the mathematical demands of theoretical physics compared to standard physics programs.
  • One participant offers to share revision notes for A Level physics, indicating a collaborative spirit among students.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the importance of creative thinking in physics, but there are differing opinions on the best resources and approaches to achieve this. The discussion about university applications reveals varying levels of confidence and differing experiences, indicating no consensus on the challenges faced.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific universities and their application processes, highlighting the competitive nature of physics programs in the UK. There is also mention of differing opinions on the value of certain A Level subjects and their impact on university admissions.

Who May Find This Useful

A Level students interested in pursuing physics at university, educators looking for resources to recommend, and individuals seeking to enhance their creative problem-solving skills in STEM fields.

Davio
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Thinking "out of the box"

Hey guys, I'm currently doing A levels (UK EXAMS) and I've decided I want to do physics at Uni... I was wondering if anyone could recommend me any books or websites to help me think "outside the box", ie. applying current knowledge to new situations.. I can do it in my other subjects, but due to a lack of teachers.. I've had to teach myself the physics course up till last year!.. I just need stuff like practical uses of physics, mixed with theory etc...
 
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Think Laterally.
A god-send book for you would be
Edward De Bono's Lateral Thinking.
This book, has been too famous for me to introduce it to you.
www.amazon.com[/URL] is where you want to be right now, ordering it.
 
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hmm that looks interesting.. will be ordering that! Any other books / sites you could recommend? Any which specifically deal with physics? I'm just afraid that at the uni interviews, they'll ask me something completely impossible!
Edit! I;ve found two versions.. one on amazon.com and on on amazon.com... I live in the UK so amazon.com would be more helpful.. which one is the correct one?
 
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Davio said:
Edit! I;ve found two versions.. one on amazon.com and on on amazon.com... I live in the UK so amazon.com would be more helpful.. which one is the correct one?
Right here, this is a bad sign. Are you serious? It sounds like you have difficulty thinking 'inside the box' at the moment. Are you seriously asking people here whether, given both options, you aught to buy a book locally or buy it from the other side of the world ??

I would suggest that mastering 'in the box' thinking might be a good start.

Creative thinking consists of taking the 'data' from two different 'perspectives' and combining them in a new way. First, one needs the 'data', ordinarily found IN the box.

There is a 'price' to thought 'outside the box'... You might find something relevant here, The Psychology of Alternative Thinking

Perhaps the interviewers at the university might be more impressed in finding a 'clear' mind ready and willing to learn and to apply 'thought' to what is learned. A 'teacher' is generally unimpressed with a potential student who tries to impress him with all his knowledge and skill. On the other hand, if you are well read in your field and show interest by demonstrating that you are serious enough to have independently studied the subject and are now ready to 'seriously' do some learning at university level, perhaps this might be the way to go?

Good luck!
 
argh! I didn't mean that.. :smile: I meant, which edition of the book is the correct one, if it was a different edition than the one on amazon.com, I could have ordered it from a bookshop :P :smile: Sorry, I must have worded that really badly!
Thanks for the advice though :).. I'm applying for the top 10 in the UK, so I'll need the luck !
 
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Why buy books when it is all on the net?

I'm not sure if I agree with everyhting but who am I.

edit: not that's free.
 
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If you have the chance to watch 'Red Green' over there, do it. The 'Handyman Corner' segments will not only teach you how to look at mechanical problems in a totally new way, but also graphically demonstrate why your solutions probably won't work. :biggrin:
 
I'll look out for it! Though I haven't actually heard of it :rolleyes: !
 
It's a Canuk comedy show staring Steve Smith & Patrick McKenna. Although it's also quite popular on some US specialty channels, I don't know if it's been exported overseas.
 
  • #10
Right... I'll look out for it! :P
 
  • #11
help with books

For people who can't afford to buy some of these books because of price consider googling your states interlibrary loans, if a library in your state has it, you can have the book sent to your local library.
 
  • #12
Davio said:
argh! I didn't mean that.. :smile: I meant, which edition of the book is the correct one, if it was a different edition than the one on amazon.com, I could have ordered it from a bookshop :P :smile: Sorry, I must have worded that really badly!
Thanks for the advice though :).. I'm applying for the top 10 in the UK, so I'll need the luck !


I wouldn't worry about getting offers from British universities for physics (except oxbridge) under 3000 people applied for physics last year in the UK. Most uni's don't interview either (before they offer a place) except oxbridge and Imperial. Where are you applying?, I'm applying this year too for physics (Post A-level results).
 
  • #13
Applying to imperial, leeds, nottingham, warwick, durham and UCL, though if my grades are better, (I was predicted AABB) I will apply post A level, for oxbridge!
 
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  • #14
Davio said:
Applying to imperial, leeds, nottingham, warwick, durham and UCL, though if my grades are better, (I was predicted AAAB) I will apply post A level, for oxbridge!

What are you predicted now?
 
  • #15
AABB... but my grades last year weren't too good due to lack of work.
 
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  • #16
i'm appying for physics! too this year I am predicted AAB for a levels. i seem to be doing better at maths this year than physics. I am appying to cardiff uni and swansea and others not so interested in. i think i might appy for theoretical physics in one university, is there a lot more maths in theoretical physics than in ordinary 3 year phys?
 
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  • #17
I've heard that theorectical has a lot of maths.. I don't know if that's true though!... urgh. maths this year is a bit too hard for my liking!
 
  • #18
I took my A-levels a year early and am applying post results for physics. I got AAA in triple maths, A in physics and C in chemistry. I think the C in chemistry has ruined my chance of getting into cambridge but I'm applying there for Natural science anyway, and physics at Imperial, UCL (medical physics), Warwick, York and Durham. If anyone needs any revision notes for physics (AQA B) I have some I could send you.
 
  • #19
wow triple AAA in maths wow
 
  • #20
alias25 said:
wow triple AAA in maths wow

Well the third A is not really worth much, some of universities won't even accept further maths as an A-level let alone additional further maths, i only did it because I was going to apply to maths at cambridge but I have now changed my mind and want to do physics.
 

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