PHY145 WORKSHOP PHYSICS
Catalog Description
PHY145/146 Workshop Physics is a two semester sequence covering
most of the standard introductory physics topics needed for a science
major or for those needing a lab science. Workshop Physics is
presented primarily in a laboratory setting. Rather than lectures
and demonstrations, almost all concept development is achieved by
hands-on activities and many mini-investigations with an emphasis on
student inquiry, peer interaction, and small group activities.
Workshop Physics' slower rate of concept development results in the
coverage of somewhat fewer topics, but in more depth than does
PHY131/132 General Physics.
The first semester emphasizes mechanics and heat while the
second semester explores electricity, magnetism, light, and
optics. Students may not take both PHY 131 and 145, or both
132 and 146 for credit. Workshop Physics students must arrange to
spend an additional hour per week in the laboratory, so that the actual
in-class time is the same as for General Physics.
Inspiration
We borrow the name Workshop Physics from the program
established at Dickinson College by Priscilla Laws, as the format was
inspired by their approach, and we have occasionally used some of their
activities. Other activities have been written by or derived from
work done by Ron Thornton at Tufts University, Roy Unruh and Tim Cooney
of the PRISMS Project, as well as by this faculty member and his
colleagues at the University of Northern Iowa and at B-W. Any
successes are due to the inspiration of these distinguished colleagues;
any failures are entirely our responsibility.
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Baldwin-Wallace College
275 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
Mail to instructor:
Peter Hoekje
