Learning objectives
Discover the specificity of the teaching of physics. Use the curiosity to teach physics. Integration between spontaneous observation, guided observation, experimentation and theory. Physics as formalized observation of nature.
Prerequisites
Fundaments of kinematics and dynamics.
Course unit content
During the course, some theoretical lectures (laws-models-theories) will be used as a main trace that will be related to specificities of the teaching of physics.
From curiosity to laws: observing the 'inexplicable' everyday life in order to enunciate the physical laws involved. Possible training paths and educational obstacles are indicated.
Most of the course will be devoted to the design and execution of didactic experiments in order to build model experiments for the teaching of physics. During laboratory experiments, some concepts of measurement error theory and data analysis will be introduced.
The experiments will be designed together with students and they will focus on topics of mechanics, electromagnetism and optics. Finally, some didactic experiences concerning topics of modern physics (wave-particle dualism, energy discretization, expansion of the Universe) will be discussed.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Notes of the teacher. Essential bibliography of each topic will be provided.
Teaching methods
Laboratory experiments: from design, through execution to the verification. Between experiences, theoretical lectures will be present.
Assessment methods and criteria
Mostly oral examination (weight 70%). Evaluation of the laboratory work during the course (30%).
Other information
Compulsory weekly frequency at least 70% of lessons.
