Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics

1. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics

2. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics This is a topic that would be best discussed informally. With a cold beverage in your hands. Unfortunately, this is not an option is it? So we might as well get started.

3. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 11

4. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 11 The PLO’s for Physics 11 are not that difficult for students. Teachers tend to “beef up” the course, and it is these enriched/advanced topics that cause some difficulties.

5. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 11 In the actual PLO’s, the two topics that I believe can be the most challenging are: Momentum/Impulse Relativity

6. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 11 Other possible areas could include: … … …

7. Physics 11Momentum/Impulse Demonstrations: Various objects to get a “feel” for momentum. Rubber ball and plastercine

8. Physics 11Relativity ?

9. Physics 11Relativity Discussion seems to work best. Students enjoy going beyond the principles and formulae.

10. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 12 Here is a list of what I believe provide the greatest challenges. Impulse Circular Motion Non-uniform fields Gravitational Electric Lenz’s Law Graphical Analysis (creating a straight line graph)

11. Top 5 Challenges of Teaching Senior Physics Physics 12 Other possible areas could include: … … …

12. Physics 12Impulse Analyze Impulse using a Force-displacement graph. Possible demo Force sensor and computer interface

13. Physics 12Circular Motion As with the rest of the mechanics section… Stress Free Body Diagrams

14. Physics 12Circular Motion As with the rest of the mechanics section… Stress Free Body Diagrams As well, here are a couple of easy demos. Rotating platform Conical pendulum (toy plane)

15. Physics 12Non-Uniform Fields Gravitational Fields Stress the work energy theorem Students will want to “gravitate” towards W=Fd They have to understand that this equation is only for constant force (uniform fields).

16. Physics 12Non-Uniform Fields Gravitational Fields Universal Gravitational Potential Energy Ep = -GMM/r Conceptually discuss the reason two objects have a negative potential energy with respect to infinity (work energy theorem). Must use Calculus to derive this equation, not W=Fd

17. Physics 12Non-Uniform Fields Electric Fields Potential energy between two point charges Ep = kQ1Q2/r Conceptually discuss the reason two charged objects may possess positive or negative potential energy with respect to infinity (work energy theorem).

18. Physics 12Non-Uniform Fields Electric Fields Electric Potential vs Potential Difference Use analogy of a gravitational field. Demo Van de Graaff generator and voltmeter

19. Physics 12Lenz’s Law Most students find the concept of “oppose the change” difficult. For some students, it is easier if analyzed from a conservation of energy approach.

20. Physics 12Graphical Analysis How do you manipulate the x and y axis variables to obtain a linear function? Hints: Start with the concept. Choose the equation(s) that express that concept. Manipulate the equation, such that all the constants are on one side. Interpret the relationship between the variables.

21. Physics 12Graphical Analysis Ex. A 1.0 kg ball, connected to a string, travels in horizontal circle of radius 1.5 m. The experimenter measures the period of rotation for various string tensions. How should the axes be labelled to produce a linear graph?

22. Physics 12Graphical Analysis Solution: The concept is circular motion. Students would draw a free body diagram to determine that the centripetal force is provided by the string tension. Therefore: Centripetal Force = Tension

23. Physics 12Graphical Analysis Solution: Fc = FT mac = FT m4π2r = FT T2 m4π2r = FT(T2) m4π2r = FT 1/T2

24. Physics 12Graphical Analysis Solution: The y-axis should beFT The x-axis should be 1/T2