Education

A central principle of Physics Forums regarding homework help is not to provide solutions on demand but to guide students along a path to the answer. The…

Mathematics Fields & Applications: A Structured Guide

October 25, 2022

Introduction I often read questions about our classification scheme that we use on physicsforums.com to sort posts by science fields and subjects, what…

10 Math Things We All Learnt Wrong At School

April 21, 2021

10 Comments

Some of these could even lead to heavy debates within the scientific community, so maybe I should say: from my point of view. So before you get excited…

Why Bother Teaching Mechanical Energy Conservation?

September 18, 2020

7 Comments

Note: It is assumed that the reader has read part I and part II of the series. Earlier partsIs Mechanical Energy Conservation Free of Ambiguity? …

ASOE Physics Past Exams: Yearly Issues & Corrections

September 1, 2020

3 Comments

ASOE Physics — Review of Past Exam Issues ref: http://asi.edu.au/programs/past-exams/physics-olympiad-past-exams/Classification of issues: [1*]…

AI and Learning: How It Impact Our Future

July 8, 2020

PF Advisors: How AI Will Affect STEM — Part 3We asked our PF Advisors, "How do you see the rise in AI affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry,…

How AI Is Changing STEM Labs, Classrooms & Industry

July 4, 2020

We asked our PF Advisors: “How do you see the rise in A.I. affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry, or in everyday society?” We received so…

How the Rise of AI Is Transforming STEM: Labs to Classrooms

July 1, 2020

We asked our Physics Forums (PF) Advisors: "How do you see the rise of AI affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry, and everyday society?" We received…

How to Ask ‘What If’ Physics Questions: Avoiding Pitfalls

August 2, 2019

Overview of "What If" Questions We receive many "what if" questions here on Physics Forums. This article explores three common types and offers suggestions…

Significant Figures: Rounding Rules & Examples for Science

June 4, 2019

Definition / Summary Significant figures (commonly called "sig figs") are the digits in a number that are considered when rounding a value to reflect…

How to Write a Math Proof and Their Structure

June 3, 2019

Proofs in mathematics are what mathematics is all about. They are subject to entire books, created entire theories like Fermat's last theorem, are hard…

Aiming High and Managing Distractions as Keys to Success for Science Majors

March 7, 2019

Overview Over the years, I've noticed some distinct trends among the physics and chemistry majors I've mentored and worked with. Those with GPAs in…

What Are Your Favorite Science or Math Blogs?

August 26, 2018

7 Comments

We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what their favorite science or math blog is (other than PF Insights).We also have a physics blog list here.Here…

What Academic Advice Would You Tell Your 18 Year Old Self?

May 27, 2018

27 Comments

We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what academic advice would you tell your 18 year old self. Here are their responses… PF Advisors' Academic AdviceThanks…

What’s Your Most Memorable Textbook?

April 20, 2018

13 Comments

We asked our PF Advisors to tell us their most memorable or influential textbook and why. Here are their responses... PF Advisors' Favorite TextbooksThanks…

3 Tips for Calmer, Civil Debate and Better Conversations

December 30, 2017

20 Comments

Introduction Civil discussion and debate are critical to Physics Forums. But it is also important in everyday life. When arguments get overheated, people…

The Birth of a Physics Textbook: An Author’s Journey

December 22, 2017

73 Comments

It is said that you should accomplish three things in life:Plant a tree. Have a child. Write a book.Out of the three, I have…

Why Work Ethic Is a Key to Success for Science Majors

December 15, 2017

25 Comments

Student Success and Key Factors After earning a 4.0 GPA in his first semester as a Physics major at an esteemed state university, our son (and homeschool…

How to Make Units of Measurement Work for You

December 1, 2017

13 Comments

How do we use units? You may see one of these speed limit signs, nearly every day. Even though neither of them displays units, drivers know they are implied.…

Exam Tips & Test Strategies: Practical Study Techniques

October 9, 2017

25 Comments

Managing Exam Stress Exam situations are always situations of stress. It comes with our endeavor to be as good as possible and our fear of failure. Some…

Finding Niches for Publishable Undergraduate Research

April 28, 2017

6 Comments

What 'Publishable' Means Undergraduate interest in research is a good thing; it's even better if they aspire to publish their work for review and consideration…

How to Ask Questions Effectively and Avoid Cold Questions

April 27, 2017

70 Comments

Common Questions We Receive We frequently get questions such as these:"What is energy?""What are Cooper Pairs?""What is conservation of momentum?"etc...etc. Why…

Revamping Undergraduate Introductory Physics Laboratory

April 8, 2017

19 Comments

Introduction This is a compilation of my blog entry on this singular "project" to change the way we conduct the introductory physics laboratory in most…

Learning to Learn: Key Skill for Aspiring Physicists

March 10, 2017

9 Comments

Context: The Question I Get Asked I mentioned in an earlier Insight what I think are the most important things you can learn by being on Physics Forums.…

Spotting Fake Science News: Wendelstein 7‑X & Media

December 13, 2016

107 Comments

Fake News, Data, and the Need to Check Sources During and even after the recent US election campaign, numerous reports of fake or misleading news were…

Real Research in Unexpected Places: Backyards, Barns, Bayous

December 2, 2016

Challenging the Myth of Institutional Labs 21st-century science labors under the myth that good experimental science requires expensive lab facilities…

Why Study Physics? A Bit Goes a Long Way!

November 9, 2016

6 Comments

Why Study Physics? If you don’t plan to become a scientist or an engineer, is there a good reason to study physics? I say, “Yes,” because knowing…

Fixing Scientific Integrity: Teachers, Editors, and Data

October 2, 2016

46 Comments

Introduction The article, "Governmental policy is wrecking science," makes some interesting points but is fundamentally in error, because government…

Why Quantum Mechanics Feels Difficult — Mathematical Bridge

August 24, 2016

253 Comments

[CONTENT] QM's formalism Overview of the formalism Strangely enough, quantum mechanics (QM)'s formalism isn't any more difficult than other areas of…

So I Am Your Intro Physics Instructor

August 23, 2016

14 Comments

I posted this elsewhere (on my blog), and someone mentioned that maybe it might also be useful here on PF. So I'm reproducing the entire entry here in…

Why Self-Studying Math Often Fails: 5 Common Pitfalls

May 27, 2016

49 Comments

My experience helping self-studiers For several years I have helped students who were self-studying mathematics. I did this free, without compensation,…

High School Physics: Courses, Resources, and Prep Guide

May 6, 2016

Why High School Physics Matters A year-long high school Physics course is important preparation for all college majors in science, engineering, and medicine…

Top High School College-Prep Math Options & Resources

April 22, 2016

13 Comments

The popularity of homeschooling and failures of the public schools often present the need for parents to teach or supplement college preparatory math courses…

Can You Succeed in Mathematics? Common Concerns Answered

April 11, 2016

22 Comments

Introduction We often see threads from new members asking whether they are cut out for mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical fields.…

College-Level Math Options for High School Students

April 7, 2016

21 Comments

This insight is written for high school students who don't feel very challenged by their high school courses or who want a taste of what university mathematics…

Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects & Mentoring

March 25, 2016

Abstract Over the past few years, the author and his wife have served as teachers, qualified scientists, mentors, and/or parents on dozens of science projects…

Thoughts on the Complexity of Modern Science

January 10, 2016

122 Comments

Science today is incredibly complex. Anyone who ever did scientific research knows that, but many in the general public seem to be completely unaware of…

Math Self-Study Roadmap: Topics & Book Recommendations

November 19, 2015

How to Study Mathematics How to Self-Study Basic High School Mathematics How to Self-Study CalculusIntroduction We often get questions…

How to Self-Study Calculus: Topics, Order & Book Guide

November 18, 2015

25 Comments

Click For Complete SeriesHow to Study Mathematics How to Self-Study Basic High School Mathematics How to Self-Study CalculusWe often get questions…

The Essential Guide to Self Study Mathematics

November 17, 2015

12 Comments

How to Study Mathematics How to Self-Study Basic High School Mathematics How to Self-Study CalculusHow to self-study mathematics? People self-study…

Overcome Procrastination: Practical Student Strategies

September 7, 2015

Introduction It's 6:30 in the morning. You've just woken up and feel so sleepy you think, "A few more minutes can't hurt," and drift back under your comforter. The…

Why Imagination Without Knowledge Is Ignorance Waiting to Happen

September 6, 2015

15 Comments

Introduction My feelings on people who think that imagination is more important than knowledge are well-known. These people simply are parroting Einstein's…

Why You Should Not Use Wikipedia As Your Primary Source

August 13, 2015

108 Comments

It is no secret to anyone who has read my posts in this forum for a while that I do not like Wikipedia. I think that there is a fundamental flaw with the…

The Most Important Thing You Can Learn from Physics Forums

August 8, 2015

15 Comments

Introduction It is a bit pompous of me to think that I can tell you the most important thing you can learn from Physics Forums (PF). After all, each…

Teaching Math as Obvious Thinking | Make Math Click

July 17, 2015

20 Comments

My goal when I teach math My #1 goal, when I teach a math class, is to convey a way of thinking about math. It's quite different from what most students…

Preparing for Your Physics PhD Thesis Defense Effectively

July 14, 2015

Overview: The Thesis Defense At this point you have completed writing your thesis, your adviser has approved it, and you have distributed it to all members…

Writing Your Doctoral Thesis: Guide for Physics Grad

July 8, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

How to Write a Master Degree Thesis As a Physics Major

June 23, 2015

Your First Scientific Paper Ought to be good! Structure and Contents of a Master's Degree Thesis This guide was written some years ago as a guideline for…

How to Publish Your PhD Research in Physics Journals

June 15, 2015

3 Comments

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Research Ethics for Physicists: Keep a Detailed Lab Notebook

June 13, 2015

20 Comments

Starting Your Research and Keeping Good Records Now, where were we? Oh yes — you have started your actual research work. You and your adviser have…

Initiating Physics PhD Research: Getting Started Effectively

June 10, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Choosing a Physics Research Advisor in Graduate School

June 9, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Pass Physics Grad Qualifying Exams: Strategies & Plan

June 3, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year of College …

Entering Physics Graduate School Without a Physics Degree

June 2, 2015

3 Comments

Can you enter physics graduate school without a physics degree? I decided to write about this because it is a very common question on many physics forums:…

Understanding the US Physics Graduate School System

May 21, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Physics Grad School: Senior-Year Application Guide

May 14, 2015

9 Comments

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year of College …

Frequently Made Errors: Equation Handling in Physics

May 13, 2015

15 Comments

1. Algebra versus Arithmetic When numerical values are provided as inputs in a question, it is tempting to plug these into the equations straight away.…

Physics Major Guide: Succeed in Years 3–4 and Research

May 12, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year of College …

Mathematical Prep for Physics Majors — Essential Guide

May 11, 2015

Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Essential Guide: Surviving Your First Year in Physics

May 8, 2015

Part II: Surviving the First Year of College This part covers survival tips for the first two undergraduate years. You’re now in college and intend…

Early Physics Education in High Schools For Physics Majors

May 7, 2015