Engaging Textbooks: Making Learning Interesting for Kids

In summary, the conversation discusses the lack of textbooks geared towards kids' interests in physics and the potential impact of incorporating popular characters like Batman and Spider-Man into lessons. The idea of making physics more relatable to students is also mentioned, with the suggestion of incorporating the "science of learning" into teacher training. The conversation also includes book recommendations, with titles such as "Physics of the superheroes" and "How to teach quantum physics to your dog" being mentioned.
  • #1
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What a great teaching opportunity! Why aren't more textbooks gears towards kids actual interests. Most problems are so dry. Include batman or Spider-Man and kids may actually be interested!
 

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  • #2
Haha, true say!
 
  • #4
Greg Bernhardt said:
What a great teaching opportunity! Why aren't more textbooks gears towards kids actual interests. Most problems are so dry. Include batman or Spider-Man and kids may actually be interested!

Kidding aside, this issue consistently generates huge amounts of discussion- presenting introductory physics to biology students is but one example- http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/magazine/physicstoday/article/66/7/10.1063/PT.3.2046

There are many books out there as well, for example https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592405088/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Reasonable people can disagree about how to incorporate 'actual interests' (and what that even means) into the introductory physics curriculum. On one hand, we are supposed to tailor the material to each student's abilities and interests; on the other, we have to teach a standardized content.

A good example is the cell phone- everyone has one, but how to discuss it within the framework of an introductory physics class? Either the reality of the device is discussed, which is too complex, or the abstracted principles are discussed, which removes the relevance.

Finally, until the 'science of learning' is formally incorporated into professional training, we will continue to generate 'faith-based' teachers who develop a teaching practice according to what they think is most effective.
 
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  • #6
I have mixed feelings about this sort of thing. For some people, it makes physics interesting. For other people, it just seems to reinforce the idea that physics isn't useful in "real life." (As in, why should I care about physics if it only let's me solve contrived situations in a made-up world?)
 
  • #7
Nice idea of actually creating interest in kids.
 
  • #9

What is the purpose of "Engaging Textbooks: Making Learning Interesting for Kids"?

The purpose of "Engaging Textbooks: Making Learning Interesting for Kids" is to create educational materials that are both informative and captivating for young learners. These textbooks aim to make learning more interesting and enjoyable for children, ultimately enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

How are these textbooks different from traditional textbooks?

These textbooks differ from traditional textbooks in that they focus on incorporating elements that are known to captivate and hold the attention of children. This may include colorful illustrations, interactive activities, and relatable examples that make the content more engaging for young learners.

Who would benefit from using these textbooks?

These textbooks would benefit teachers, parents, and students alike. Teachers can use these textbooks as a tool to make their lessons more engaging, while parents can use them to supplement their child's learning at home. Students would benefit from the more interesting and interactive approach to learning, which can help improve their academic performance.

Are these textbooks suitable for all subjects?

These textbooks can be adapted to suit a variety of subjects and grade levels. While they may be most commonly used in subjects such as language arts and social studies, they can also be used in science, math, and other subjects to make the material more interesting and accessible for young learners.

How can I incorporate these textbooks into my teaching methods?

There are many ways to incorporate these textbooks into teaching methods, such as using them as a supplemental resource, incorporating the interactive activities into lesson plans, or using them as a basis for project-based learning. Teachers can also use these textbooks to stimulate class discussions and encourage critical thinking among students.

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