PHYS PHYS 33300 : Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics IDevelopment of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics I Development of Knowledge in Physics IDevelopment of Knowledge in Physics I
“You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird... So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing — that's what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.”
– Richard Feynam
“Whoever in discussion adduces authority uses not intellect but rather memory.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
Instructor: Prof. Richard Steinberg MR 413; NAC 5/205B 650-5617 / 5698
steinberg@ccny.cuny.edu
Class schedule: Tues 4:50 – 7:20, Room MR 411 Attendance and participation at all sessions are required! If you must be absent or late at any time, please contact me BEFORE class. Make-up sessions will be arranged on an as needed basis.
Office hours: Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:30, MR 411; or by arrangement.
Course description: In this course, we will explore the development of knowledge in physics, particularly in the contexts of force, motion, and the behavior of the sun, moon and stars. Class time will include physics activities, in-depth analysis of the process of science, and justifying how we know what we know. For most of the activities, you will work in groups.
Books and notes: The book for this course is Physics by Inquiry, Volume 1. You should have a 3-ring notebook in which to keep your notes and course materials. You are expected to keep a complete and organized record of your experimental findings and/or data in your notebook.
Blackboard: You must use the CUNY electronic Blackboard throughout the class. All announcements and documents posted at this site must be read within 3 days. Homework will usually be assigned through Blackboard within 1-2 days of the previous class session along with instructions on how to submit it.
Exams: There will be a midterm (tentatively set for March 19) and a final (tentatively set for May 14). Exams may be open book and open notes. No make-ups will be given without prior arrangement.
syllabus Spring 2019
City College of New York
Homework: Homework assignments will include problems, essays, and readings. Late homework will receive no more than half credit. (If you must be absent the day homework is due, you should submit the assignment electronically beforehand.) You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with your classmates, but you are required to turn in your own work. Unsatisfactory homework will be returned with a resubmission required. All homework must be completed in order to pass the course.
Course grade: Your final grade for the course will be based on the following:
Midterm exam 15% Final exam 30%
Class attendance/participation 25% Homework 30%
Successful completion of ALL of these is required in order to pass the course.
Academic Integrity: See https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/about/integrity
Disabilities and Accommodations: See https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/accessability
Tentative Schedule:
Class Date
Class
Jan. 29
Overview of semester; Go through handouts; Discussion of how we know what we know
Feb. 5
Nature of scientific knowledge; relative motion of the sun and the earth
Feb. 19
Operational Definitions; Analysis of shadow plots, Building a model for daily motion of the sun
Feb. 26
Experimental measurements of size and shape of the earth
Mar. 5
Model building: Multiple perspectives of daily motion of the sun
Mar. 12
Phases of the moon
Mar. 19
Midterm Exam
Mar. 26
Modeling in science; daily motion of the stars
April. 2
Modeling in science; annual motion of the stars
Apr. 9
Force and motion
Apr. 16
Understanding of Newton’s laws of motion
Apr. 30
Historical / conceptual development of scientific concepts
May 7
Scientific evidence; geo- and heliocentric model of the universe
May 14
Final Exam
Last Updated: 01/29/2019 13:33