Introducing engineering concepts into the high school physics classroom can help students grasp the relevance of scientific knowledge to the real world. I love to do this through project-based assignments in which students have to apply their knowledge through design-based activities. And what better way to keep students engaged and on their toes than toContinue reading “Lasagne or Spaghetti? The Pasta Cantilever Challenge”
Tag Archives: physics labs
The Mu of the Shoe
Going out to a holiday party? You will probably want to wear your fanciest shoes. Getting ready for a basketball game? To show off your best moves you’ll need to have a lot of friction out on the court. But which shoes will serve you best? To answer this question, you need to know….“the muContinue reading “The Mu of the Shoe”
Educational Evolution in the Sciences
More than 20 years ago I stepped into my first classroom. Before me sat rows and columns of students patiently waiting for me to teach them something. Today when I go to school things look pretty much the same. The science curriculum has changed little over the years and I still need to cover everythingContinue reading “Educational Evolution in the Sciences”
Light Up Your Classroom With The Flame Test Lab
As this year comes to an end and those of us in the Northern Hemisphere approach the darkest time of our endless journey around our humble central star, what better way to light up your classroom than with the brilliant colors of the flame test lab. This activity combines everything that students love: lab work,Continue reading “Light Up Your Classroom With The Flame Test Lab”
Why I Switched to PhET Interactive Simulation Labs
Picture this: It’s Friday afternoon and you have just finished a great week of teaching. Everyone is getting ready to leave, but you are already thinking about Monday. You don’t want to spend the weekend preparing for next week’s classes so you stay until you have the first day of the week planned. Double whammy,Continue reading “Why I Switched to PhET Interactive Simulation Labs”
Step by Step Science 