My students and friends sometimes laugh at me and say "I see Physics in everything". I think they are quite right about that. I guess it's because as a physics teacher, I have always tried to make Physics as simple as possible (but not simpler, I think that was Einstein's quote!!!). Seeing Physics in everything helps me make Physics relevant and contextual to my students. Over the years I have seen some concepts in Physics being gradually "blurred" by what was written in books, teacher's notes, exam questions and marking schemes etc. Correct concepts have become misconceptions. Just a quick example. Is electrical resistance equal to voltage/current or is it (change in voltage)/(change in current)??? Will discuss this later. c-ya

Thinking Allowed said...

Well, Koay, we used to discuss and argue on how to present a scientific concept in the best way to be understood by students while partnering each other in various physics books we wrote. We used to share the exciting moments when we told each other stories of how we contextualise abstract contents to make physics more palatable. Since the end of our collaboration and my transfer to an administrative post, such mental sparing has been rare and difficult. Further more we are at the opposing end of the peninsular Malaysia. I really miss the fun thought it was during the high-pressured time when we have to beat the deadline to submitting our manuscripts. However, through the new medium--blogging, physics distance is no more a factor. Let's hope that our other partners will also join us and perhaps in become sort of an 'e-IFM' one day. As for now, I am glad that there is one more blog to help physics teacher, especially in Malaysia.

May 1, 2008 11:16 AM