| This
science course is for the student who wants to understand physical phenomena in the areas of
physics, chemistry, earth science and astronomy. Questions such as "Why is the sky blue?", "What
causes a solar eclipse?", are explained without a rigorous mathematical treatment. Students explore
some of the great achievements in physical science including the work of Copernicus, Galileo,
Newton, and scientists of this century including Einstein, Bohr, Rutherford, Heisenberg and others.
The course is activity-based approach rather than the standard lecture method of teaching. Students
learn to develop simulations and models of physical systems including falling objects, circular
motion, collisions, and projectile motion using software such as "Interactive
Physics ". The section on astronomy uses the popular "Starry Night" software to explore the solar system
and beyond. The course makes extensive use of microcomputer based lab equipment (MBL) such as the
PASCO 750 interface and DataStudio software. Data analysis includes the use of spreadsheets. Students
learn to take measurements of position, velocity, acceleration, temperature, voltage, sound, and
light intensity using various sensors which are connected to computers through special
interfaces.
There are numerous demonstrations. Multimedia is used extensively in the course including laser
videodisc, CD-ROM, and digitized video. |
