Physics-160SECTION 001

Physics and Astronomy forElementary School Teachers

3 credit hoursMWF 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 predictthe behavior of the universe around us

TOPICS: ELECTRICITY

Voltage, Currentand Power

Series and Parallel Circuits

How does electricity travel?

TOPICS: MOTION (MECHANICS)

Force, work, energy, power

Velocity and acceleration

Weight and mass

GravityFriction

Potential and kinetic energy

TOPICS: LIGHT AND WAVESWavelength and frequency

Reflection and refraction

Lenses and mirrors

ShadowsImage 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 betweenelectricity andmagnetism

TOPICS: THE SUN AND MOON

Causes of seasons

Phases of the moon

RotationGravity and OrbitsYour group will beassigned segmentsof 2-3 days to observethe moon, recorddata and report back to the class

*(throughout semester)

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 tomake physics interesting to futurestudents (you might inspire a future scientist or engineer or electrician or architect or astronomer or ....)SCIENTIFIC LITERACY - elementary & middle school teachers need to be well-rounded (your students’ future interests are not known yet!)

ATTENDANCE:- Attendance is mandatory (your group depends on you!)- ALL missed class sessions MUST bemade 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 examCOURSE 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 lastpage 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)