HS Physics Teacher looking for support

[lomak]

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Hi all,

I've been in the world of physics for about 4 years. I teach physics only and want to continue doing so. Teaching high school physics wasn't my first career choice but has been one that feels like it could potentially lead into many other opportunities, but I still exploring those opportunities currently. Hope to be able to gain more insight from like-minded people. I don't often join community groups/forums, so this is also a first in many ways. I hope I can join in on some conversation and also receive support and guidance.

Thank you!

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF!

 

[jedishrfu]

Welcome to PF!

What level of Physics do you teach? Precalculus physics? Calculus physics? AP? IB?

What book do you use? How are the kids holding up?

Often in HS Physics, there are those who like it and those who don't like it or understand it.

What is your favorite field of interest?.

 

[lomak]

Welcome to PF!

What level of Physics do you teach? Precalculus physics? Calculus physics? AP? IB?

What book do you use? How are the kids holding up?

Often in HS Physics, there are those who like it and those who don't like it or understand it.

What is your favorite field of interest?.

I taught AP physics 1 my first year and now I teach all College prep algebra based physics.

Currently, the curriculum built isn’t from a textbook per se. I use positive physics which has been a help in the world of tech based curriculum.

Kids struggle with the math of course.

I really don’t have a favorite field. Although anything within the universe is always a favorite to teach but not a lot of time to teach it.

 

[jedishrfu]

There are some interesting pop sci books where you can use physics to solve a math problem. Kids might like that reverse view. The book shows that nature is always computing.

The Mathematical Mechanic: Using Physical Reasoning to Solve Problems​

by Mark Levi

https://www.amazon.com/Mathematical...ing-Problems/dp/0691140200/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Some examples included
- using a balance scale to solve an algebra problem
- using Billiards to solve reflection problems
- soap bubbles, minimum surface solving a calculus of variations problem
- using motion to solve a calculus problem ie launching a ball via a catapult at different angles

Nature enforces constraints
- balance = equality
- reflection = shortest path
- energy minimization = optimal solution

There's also the Tsokos book for IB but it seems to explain things very simply

https://www.amazon.com/Physics-Diploma-Coursebook-Digital-Access/dp/1009071882/?tag=pfamazon01-20

and lastly, the Schaum's Outline book Physics for Engineering and Science by Michael Browne. It seemed a cut above the usual cryptic Schaum's books.

https://www.amazon.com/Schaums-Outline-Physics-Engineering-Outlines/dp/1260453839/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Anyway, you probably have one or more of these already, but the others may have some interesting takes on problems.

One last thing, some folks have shown that classical doubling a cube or squaring a circle or trisecting an angle can be solved by Origami folding. People sometimes use it to compute refraction through lens combos too.

https://veritasjournal.org/2019/04/03/origami-neusis-and-angle-trisection/

https://www.amazon.com/Origametry-M...olding-ebook/dp/B08GGB1RJN/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Origami is also being used in many engineering projects too.