It’s no secret that science is a difficult subject. It doesn’t come easily to everyone, and whether the topic is biology, chemistry, or physics, there will be challenges. But every challenge is just an opportunity to teach the subject in a different way—especially when it comes to physics. Look over these exciting ways to help your students learn physics for inspiration.
Break It Down
Students can’t learn the most complicated aspects of physics immediately. This subject requires simplicity. Try to plan smaller lessons that lead to the big picture. Understanding one lesson at a time makes the entire subject more manageable and less overwhelming.
Start by teaching your students simple formulas like S = d/t. The average speed formula calculates the average speed of a moving object for the distance covered and time duration. Once students master smaller formulas, they will have a better foundation for approaching the rest of physics.
Make Life Connections
Teachers can find science in everyday life, and physics is no exception to that rule. There are endless events that take place in everyday life related to physics. It may shock students to learn physics plays an essential part in the functionality of seatbelts, ballpoint pens, and even headphones.
Making these connections for students could help intrigue them about the subject. These connections to real life also make it easier for teachers to break down the topics. Students will find physics more interesting when they see how it directly affects them.
Do a Big Project
You’re not offering students the classic physics course experience if you don’t plan a big project during the school year at some point. All science subjects should include at least one experiment, but physics allows for some of the most exciting and accessible experiments.
This subject is all about movement, force, and cause and effect. Consider building a model rocket to help your students learn physics. While this experiment is brimming with learning opportunities, it’s also fun! Depending on the type of rocket you choose, there are a variety of concepts you can center this project around.
Encourage Curiosity
What is science without curiosity? It can’t exist without the question of “Why?” The scientific method starts with a question and then a prediction. Encourage your students to adopt that same interrogative nature. They should always ask questions.
It’s easy for one lesson to go over anyone’s head. Don’t move forward to another lesson without ensuring your students understand the previous one. Encourage questions and ask a few of your own. Have them break down to you what they just learned to see if they fully grasped the lesson.
If there are any confused faces, brainstorm how to teach the subject differently. Maybe a visual representation would work better for some students, while lectures will benefit others.
Your students may not think so now, but learning physics is exciting—especially when you take the time to go above and beyond.
Categories: Science Talk Stuff
