Transcript PHY160-1 - Physics and Astronomy

Physics-160
SECTION 001
Physics and Astronomy for
Elementary School Teachers
3 credit hours
MWF 9am - 10:50am
Dr. Robert Fersch (instructor)
Prof. Joseph Straley (developer of curriculum;
observer)
Brian Ray (lab/teaching assistant)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is this course?
This course is a survey of the concepts
of physics through hands-on activities
and guided group discussion
What exactly is physics?
Physics consists of “laws” and
“theories” that describe and predict
the behavior of the universe around us
TOPICS: ELECTRICITY
How does
electricity travel?
Series and Parallel Circuits
Voltage, Current
and Power
TOPICS: MOTION (MECHANICS)
Velocity and acceleration
Weight and mass
Force, work, energy, power
Friction
Gravity
Potential and
kinetic energy
TOPICS: LIGHT AND WAVES
Wavelength and
frequency
Reflection and
refraction
Lenses and mirrors
Shadows
Image
formation
TOPICS:TEMPERATURE (THERMAL ENERGY)
Heat and
temperature
How does
heat travel?
Heat as a form of energy
TOPICS: MAGNETISM
Magnetic fields
Magnetic forces
Relationship
between
electricity and
magnetism
TOPICS: THE SUN AND MOON
*(throughout semester)
Causes of seasons
Phases of the moon
Rotation
Gravity and Orbits
Your group will be
assigned segments
of 2-3 days to observe
the moon, record
data and report back
to the class
Visit to MacAdam
Student
Observatory ??
(may be required)
WHY IS THIS CLASS IMPORTANT?
One day (soon!) you will be in a
classroom teaching physical science you need the knowledge!
You need ideas and activities to
make physics interesting to future
students (you might inspire a future
scientist or engineer or electrician or
architect or astronomer or ....)
SCIENTIFIC LITERACY - elementary &
middle school teachers need to be wellrounded (your students’ future interests
are not known yet!)
ATTENDANCE:
- Attendance is mandatory (your group
depends on you!)
- ALL missed class sessions MUST be
made up
- READ ATTENDANCE POLICY IN
SYLLABUS
LABORATORY:
- Lab groups of 4 (where possible);
shifted after each exam
- CHECKS (✓) required occasionally
- Last (yellow) lab page handed in (1 per
group)
- SAFETY IS ESSENTIAL (please read)
COURSE MATERIAL:
- 3-ring Notebook
- Simple calculator
- Your ENTHUSIASTIC MIND!
GRADING:
10% : CLOSED BOOK quizzes each Wed.
30% : Lab discussion questions, homework,
moon observations, etc.
40% : OPEN BOOK tests (4 total)
20% : OPEN BOOK final exam
COURSE EVALUATION:
mandatory, worth 1 lab discussion grade
(see syllabus)
OTHER CONCERNS & DETAILS:
- Disability Resource Center available
- Academic Integrity (be aware of your
rights and responsibilities)
- TENTATIVE schedule is on the last
page of syllabus; this is subject to
change
class presentation materials will be available at
http://www.pa.uky.edu/~fersch/
NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!
Concepts of Physics can be VERY
difficult - be PATIENT
Never say “I’m too dumb to do this”, even in
jest
Don’t rush through lab exercises; use the full
class period!
Answer all lab questions in complete
sentences, show your work, and express
your answers clearly.
TODAY’S OUTCOMES:
- Review Syllabus and Course
Objectives ✓
- Observation of the Sun and drawing of
a sun diagram (SUN AND MOON)
- Familiarity with elements of basic
circuits and understanding of what is
needed to make an electric current
(ELECTRICITY)