Catalog Data
Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Topics are those normally covered in second semester high school physics. Equal emphasis on theory, problems, demonstrations, and laboratory.
Prerequisites By Topic
At least two semesters of introductory college physics.
Objectives
This course is designed to help future and in-service physics teachers by improving their basic knowledge of physics and by providing them with ideas for laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Each class will include some review of key ideas and problem solving techniques from introductory physics. It will also provide some laboratory practice. Some time will be allotted for preparing and practicing inexpensive hands-on activities and demonstrations of important concepts.
Topics Covered
- Thermal Energy, Thermodynamics, Pressure, and Buoyancy
- Static Electricity, Electric Field, Potential Difference
- Electric Circuits, Current, Voltage, Resistance, Power, Electric Energy
- Electric Circuit Analysis, Parallel and Series Circuits, Meters
- Magnetism and Electricity
- Waves, Interference, Standing Waves, Sound
- Light, Color
- Reflection, Refraction, Total Internal Reflection
- Image Formation, Mirrors, Lenses, Optical Instruments
- Interference and Diffraction of Light
