What is "Hands-On Physics"?

What is Physics 123 Honors, “Hands-On Physics”? This course introduces mechanics, wave motion, heat, and sound treated with use of calculus and employing advanced techniques. It is especially recommended for potential physics majors and minors, and is a good choice for any student seeking an in-depth study of first year physics.

Extensive physics education research shows that interactive engagement makes the most effective use of class time. This class is optimized for interactive activities. This class is recommended for students planning on majoring in physics, but is

First let's talk about the logistics of my class. In the registration system, it looks like a Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 – 9:59 class and Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 - 10:50 lab. In fact, we use both times for both activities. It is an integrated class and lab that meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 - 10:50. Therefore, you will need to register for both of the following:

• PHY 123  A  General Physics I Honors   TR 9:00 - 10:50 am  Olin 105
• PHY 123L  A  General Physics I Honors Lab R 9:00 - 10:50 am Olin 105

Nearly all lectures are by short videos, typically totaling 12 minutes, that you will watch before each class. After watching the video, you will work a few relatively easy problems on the topic. When you get to class, our time is spent in interactive activities, small group problem solving, lab activities, etc.  The idea is to help you discover your misunderstandings while we are together and can address them. In your homework following class, you will tackle more difficult problems in homework to reinforce the topics you just worked on. You may have heard this approach described as a "flipped class."

Your total time commitment is about the same as for 113 sections. You must watch several videos each week, which the113 sections do not, but that video time is offset by our section having 40 minutes less total time in class and lab.

Fall 2013 was the first time I taught in the flipped format. The great majority of students preferred it heavily over traditional instruction, and I have a very clear perception they learned more than in any class I ever taught.  They certainly had more fun doing it. But this is a pretty radical shift from most science classes.  Here is an article on that class: http://news.wfu.edu/2015/01/23/flipping-for-physics/.

The topic coverage is traditional for General Physics I, going deeper on some topics. It is a different way of studying the same concepts that is focused on interactive engagement.