My philosophy of teaching, at least as it currently stands.
Introduction to Physics (PHYS 1010)
This one semester course is a survey of conceptual physics. This fills a
general education requirement and has no prerequisite.
Elementary Astronomy (PHYS 1040)
This one semester course is a survey of conceptual astronomy/astrophysics.
This fills a general education requirement and has no prerequisite.
Physics of Contemporary Issues (HNRS 1500)
In this course we use the New York Times as our text, keeping us up-to-date with important societal issues and giving us an outline of the physics concepts the class will investigate deeply.
Physics of the Mundane (HNRS 1500)
I first designed this curriculum in 1998-99. This one semester honors
course is aimed at showing students how physics (and science in general) works,
and how it applies to everyday pursuits.
College Physics (PHYS 2010/2020)
This yearlong course covers a wealth of topics in physics at the problem-solving
level (algebra & trigonometry, no calculus). Many students in
pre-professional programs take this course. See also
the general physics labs.
Physics for Scientists and Engineers (PHYS 2210/2220)
This yearlong course covers a wealth of topics in physics at the problem-solving level, utilizing algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Many students majoring in the sciences, especially physics, chemistry, and engineering, in addition to others, take this course. See also the general physics labs.
Foundations of Science Education (BTNY/CHEM/GEO/MICR/PHYS/ZOOL 3570)
This new course focuses on the nature of science and scientific inquiry, science learning, and current research efforts in science education. It is a program requirement for all science teaching majors, but it's useful to others with interests in science education as well.
Secondary School Science Teaching Methods (BTNY/CHEM/GEO/MICR/PHYS/ZOOL 4570)
This course is an active inquiry into how and why we teach science, including how to model authentic science in the classroom, how to teach for understanding, and how to assess student understanding.
First Course in Algebra (MATH 0960)
This course looks at the nuts and bolts of relationships and how to express them mathematically.
The construction of truth: A user's
guide to knowledge (HNRS 3900)
Co-taught with Carl Porter as an
upper division honors
offering. It compares the ways of knowing of science, writing, and cultural/belief systems.
Advanced Physics for
Teachers (MEduc 6670)
An intensive one week workshop, most recently offered in the summer of
2006. Meets requirements for state endorsement in physics teaching.
The Nature of Science and Science Education (TL 6733)
This graduate level course in education (Teaching & Learning) is taught at
the University of Utah, most recently during the summer of 2007.