Here is my philosophy of teaching, at least as it stands right now.
Current and recent courses:
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.
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.
Physics Seminar (PHYS 4990)
Senior physics majors (including teaching majors) take this course. They present their own research, as well as attend other presentations. The department updates the schedule of presentations on its web page.
Introduction to Honors: The construction of knowledge (HNRS 1110)
Co-taught with Carl Porter (English), this course compares the ways of knowing of science, writing, and cultural/belief systems. This was previously offered as an upper division seminar in honors, but we're now developing it as a more foundational course for the program.
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.
Understanding Science (MED 6650)
This graduate level course in education is about the nature of science, how it is learned, and how we teach it. I'm currently teaching it at Weber State, but previously taught a course for the Department of Teaching & Learning at
the University of Utah.
Other courses taught:
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 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.
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.
History and Philosophy of Science (HIST 3350)
I get to team teach this course with Eric Swedin. We look at how science, technolgy, and culture all interact with one another and what science is and what it produces.
Advanced Physics for
Teachers (MED 6670)
An intensive one week workshop, most recently offered in the summer of
2009. Meets requirements towards a state endorsement in physics teaching.