conceptual physics and physics olympics

Conceptual Physics and Conceptual Physics and the Integration of Physics the Integration of Physics

OlympicsOlympics

3030thth PPS National Convention-Workshop PPS National Convention-WorkshopSiquijor State UniversitySiquijor State University

Larena, SiquijorLarena, SiquijorApril 2-5, 2008April 2-5, 2008

Engr. Philip P. CarpinaBacolod Tay Tung High School

To fully appreciate Nature To fully appreciate Nature you need to know its you need to know its Rules!Rules!

Physics holds some of the Nature’s Basic Rules

Comprehension of Concepts before Calculation is the Key

to Understanding.

Focus on the WHY, not so much on the HOW.

REASONS COMPUTATIONSOnly those who areGood in Math excel.

Everybody will have the chance to excel.

We all want our students to enjoy the “Killer Course”.

Why Physics become a Killer Course?

1. Too much focus on computations!2. Too little hands-on activities or experiments!3. We give an impression that Physics is just another

Mathematics.

Some Objective Difficulties

1. Teachers are afraid to try new things. We are contented with what we were taught.

2. Students have the pre-conceived idea that Physics is difficult.

Is teaching Conceptual Physics really Advantageous?

We will cover more topics.

We will have more student interaction and participation.

What about its Disadvantages?

Teachers need to be more creative (to see connections easily) and more patient (for personal study).

- A typical textbook has 20-23 Chapters. The challenge is cover all of them. HOW?

- Students will be standing on a level ground since there are LESS intimidating computations.

Conceptual Physics with Physics Olympics

Learning by Doing.

Teaching our students responsibility.

1. An alternative to the Students Project (Output).2. They apply the concepts learned and foster their

creativity.3. Encourages teamwork and Cooperative Learning.

1. Leaders will be assigned for each event.2. Students themselves will be the judges.

Physics Olympics

The Syllabus or Course Outline should be clear

Instructions should be clear to ALL.

1. The students should know exactly what topics are included for the grading period.

2. The schedule could be one week before the periodic exam. It could take several periods depending on the number of events.

3. The mechanics should be explained clearly.4. The events could include the following:

a. Quizzics (Quiz Bee involving topics covered)b. Events (doable in one-period).c. Major event

1. All instructions should be given to the groups ahead of time to allow them to clarify matters.

Physics Olympics

Suggested Steps:

Grading and Scoring:

1. Divide the Class into a group of 6-8 persons.2. Give them the list of events and the rules for each

event.3. Let them assign the leader and the judge for each

event.4. Let the judges (by event) meet and discuss the rules.5. Let the judges confer with the leader of the same

event in their group.6. If there are questions, only the leader or the judge

should approach the teacher.

1. Their score in these events will be their project grade.

Everybody participates… Everybody Enjoys…

Sample Physics Olympics

Topics:

Events:

1. Linear Motion.2. Inertia3. Newton’s Third Law - Interaction4. Impulse and Momentum

1. Quizzics (serves as a review for the upcoming quarterly exam).

2. Coin in a Cup3. Egg drop (there are so many variations to choose

from)4. Water Rocket (Major Event)

For More Resources

You may email me at pcarpina@gmail.com

1)Sample Test Questions and Item bank.2)Exercises and Problem Sets.

Thank You Very Much…

Photo Gallery

Steam Boat

Photo GallerySumma Cubes

Tumbling Chips

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Egg Drop Entry(Sputnik)

Egg Drop Entry(Inverted Rocket)

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Water Transfer

Cantilever

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Quizzics

Cantilever

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BLOCK TOWER

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BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION