TheFlippedScientist

Physics is a fascinating subject that reveals the secrets of nature and the principles of motion. To describe the physical phenomena and the relationships between different quantities, physics uses a lot of formulae. However, learning physics is not just about memorizing these formulae and plugging in numbers. It is also about internalizing these formulae, which means understanding their origin, derivation, and interpretation. Internalizing formulae can help you to apply them more effectively, solve problems more creatively, and appreciate the beauty of physics more deeply. In this blog post, I will show you how to internalize physics formulae better, using the example of simple harmonic motion. What is simple harmonic motion? Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a type of motion that happens when something moves back and forth around a fixed point, and the force that makes it move is always pointing towards that point, so the displacement from that point is always in the opposite direction...

As a physics teacher in New Zealand, I have recently used the level 3 NCEA physics standard 3.2: Demonstrate an understanding of the application of physics to a selected context as a way to assess my students’ learning of physics concepts involved in electronic circuits. Generally, this standard requires students to research a particular physics context by applying the ideas previously taught for the external assessments in the Level 3 physics course. This is a challenging task that involves not only understanding the physics concepts, but also applying them to a real-world situation, synthesising information from various sources, and communicating it effectively. However, I have also noticed from conversations with my colleagues, that some students are tempted to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as large language models like Chat GPT to generate their responses and paste them into their assignments. This is a serious issue that undermines the integrity and validity of the a...

In a recent post , Brian Host shares his heartfelt story of teacher wellbeing and discusses the importance, challenges, and strategies of promoting it. He draws on various sources and models, such as the work of Amy Green, the Sanctuary model, and the SELF framework, to inform and inspire his discussion. He also acknowledges the complexity and diversity of teacher wellbeing, and the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach that addresses the root causes of stress and burnout. While I appreciate his insights and experiences, I would like to offer another perspective on teacher well-being from a Hauora viewpoint. Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing that encompasses four dimensions: taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), and taha whānau (family wellbeing). These dimensions are interrelated and interdependent, and they form the basis of a holistic and balanced approach to health and well-being. This c...

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of each and every learner. UDL is based on three principles that provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. In this blogpost, I will share how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support and enhance UDL in the physics classroom, as well as some of the ethical and social implications of using AI in education. I will also discuss how AI can be used for developing creative assessment. The examples I will use are from the perspective of a senior physics teacher who is teaching NCEA Physics in New Zealand. AI and multiple means of engagement Engagement is the affective aspect of learning that involves motivation, interest, and emotional regulation. AI can help provide multiple means of engagement by offering personalized and adaptive learning experiences, gamified and interactive elements, and feedback and scaffolding. ...