Science Department
Physics A-Level
The Modeling Method of Physics Instruction
The Physics 1 A-Level course employs the Modeling
Methodology of Physics Teaching. This methodology emphasizes the basic
models of physics instead of the equations of physics. Through group
presentations of laboratory results as well as problem solving, students
articulate the basic models of physics and how they are applied to various
situations. Whiteboard-assisted oral presentations by the students are the
focal point of the class. Led by Socratic dialogue, students are guided by
the instructor towards a deep understanding of the concepts. Computers are
used extensively throughout the course as a tool for data collection as well as
data analysis. The instructor is not a dispenser of knowledge, but a guide
to assist the students as they internalize the concepts in the form of mental
models. Paradigm laboratory investigations are followed up with carefully
selected problems that are designed to deploy the basic model's representations
to new situations. By cutting the contextual strings to the lab
investigations, the students see the models as the key component of
understanding, not the compartmentalized algorithms of a particular
solution. Process is therefore emphasized over final answers. For
more information about the Modeling Method of Physics Instruction, click here
to go to Arizona State's Modeling Web Page.
Physics 1 and 2 A-Level Units:
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Graphical Analysis
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Constant Velocity
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Constant Acceleration
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The Free Particle
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The Driven Particle
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Two-Dimensional Motion
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Energy
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Momentum
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Electrostatics
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Electric Forces
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Electric Circuits
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Capacitors
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Magnetism
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Geometric Optics
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Waves
Click here to see a sample
modeling cycle unit.
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