🚀 go-pugleaf

In a recent posting, John Dilsaver wrote (among other things:
  2.-- Conceptual Physics--.  Sounds like a good idea,
but I need help.  I'm curious about how many
PHYSHARE'ers are teaching a conceptual physics class
now, or are developing one for the near future.  I'm
developing one for next year. I see this class aimed at
about sophomore level, filled with good discussion of
physics topics, but not very much math.  LOTS of labs/
data collection/ graphs etc. And, it should cover LOTS
of topics, move around pretty quickly; a good basic
intro to everything<well, we can hope>, and which might
sell the student on enrolling for more math and science
classes.


I, too, will be introducing Conceptual Physics in the
fall, and I'd like to start talking about it.  We have a
student body of about 580 (9-12).  I currently have 2
small sections (29 students total) of "conventional"
physics.  The course is offered to any student who has
completed Algebra II and is usually about evenly mixed
with 10th and 11th grade students, and a few seniors.  I
have taught this for 24 years, using "Modern Physics"
(Williams, et.al.), "Physics: Principles and Problems"
(Murphy), and currently "Physics: Its Methods and
Meanings" (Taffel)  My enrollment goes up and down, from
as few as 12 to as high as 65.  I also offer a 2nd year
"Physics II" course as an independent study option.

Until now we have offered a Physical Science course a
stopping off point for students who aren't prepared for
the rigors of a regular chemistry or physics course.
Next fall we are replacing that course with Conceptual
Physics, and Practical Chemistry.  Both courses are
aimed at the college-bound, but less science/math
oriented.

My main concern at the moment is what I need to include
in the upcoming budget.  I'm reasonably well stocked
with basic equipment.  Nothing real sophisticated, but I
can meet the needs of my Rtraditional" course.  I do
have one or two new computers and related MBL materials
coming in September.  Are there any essentials that
might be needed for Conceptual Physics that I'm not
likely to have?

In a related note -- Paul Hewitt recently checked in on
America Online offering to participate in discussions
and to provide assistance.  His address there is
PGHewitt@aol.com.  I am going to drop him a line and
suggest that he subscribe to Physhare.

Hank Deemer, Pequea Valley High School, Kinzers,PA
<HH_Deemer@Acad.FandM.edu>