Out of my league

[jsadler]

Last year we did a redesign of the 9th grade Physics curriculum. I took the lead on it (with input from my fellow teachers) and while it improved, it still has a ways to go to do what we really want it to do

Comments

[notjenschiz]

But of course, everyone learns differently. I ended up getting a PhD in physics, and I never particularly liked lab. I liked seeing equations on the chalkboard and derivations.

[jsadler]

This is 9th grade physics, it's quite light on equations, and when we do use them, we'll be sure they get lots of practice with them both on whiteboards AND in lab situations.

I wonder if you'd have liked lab more if it were structured differently, there are lots of different ways to do lab.

[dustchick]

I'm sure that you and the students will enjoy this method and y'all will learn lots!

In trying this with college students, I've found that the students are hesitant to "create their own learning" because few (if any) of their other classes are structured that way. You might need to give a lot more guidance at the beginning of the semester. Also, since they so often are concerned with getting things right from the start, you may need to encourage them to play!

Your students may be different, as I often deal with high-strung pre-meds. ;)

Have fun!

[jsadler]

Yeah, there's definitely a focus on getting things right. We had a speaker this past week who does brain research and she said that more learning takes place when the wrong happens first.

Our opening day is the factors that affect a pendulum lab, we'll see how it goes. The SECOND day will be discussing the data etc...

I'll try to have fun, thanks.

[dustchick]

We've found it helpful with the college kids to tell them about that brain research. It eases their minds a bit.

I love the pendulum lab and watching the students go into a Zen-state as they count the oscillations. :)

[dark_of_night]

I know exactly what you mean about the stress of giving up control--it's something I have problems with myself both as a teacher and a student. (As a teacher, I prefer to be in control of how they spend their time, and as a student I prefer the teacher to be running things.) That said the physics labs I remember are hardly free-form activities. I think if they understand that their work will be graded, they will try to do well.

[jsadler]

That is exactly how we were taught. But there is a fair amount of evidence that shows that it's not how students learn BEST. :)

[astrogeek01]

I just borrowed a book, crud, I must have left it at home. Oh, here, I think it's this one: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Easy-Lessons-Strategies-Successful/dp/0805387021/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283179722&sr=1-1 since I'm teaching lab-integrated physics without math for the first time. It may be more basic on the theory (and how to overcome the problems) than you need but it's been helpful for me.

[jsadler]

Thanks, I know of the book and should probably pick it up. :)

[karteblanche]

Our 9th grade physics class is taught in much the same way. Would you like me to put you in touch with our physics team?