Physics 312 -- Teaching Physics from the Historical
Perspective
Illinois State University Physics Teacher Education Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator
Spring Semester 2002
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Course Objective Assessed: (5c) The student will cite and explain at least one significant scientific contribution by a non-traditional physicist (e.g., non-white, non-male, or non-western). |
It is often said that the study of science in general, and physics in particular, is a study in the work of "dead white males." This is often the case, but it not need be so. Many non-western, non-white, non-males have contributed to the advancement of science. Immediately springing to mind is the work of Babbage (African-American mathematician who invented the mechanical computer), George Washington Carver (African-American chemist who found hundreds of applications for the peanut), and Madame Curie (a female physicist whose work in radioactivity is well known).
In this essay you will investigate and document the contributions to physics by one non-traditional physicist. You may start your search for non-traditional physicists by reviewing "A Century of Physics" found in the eleven framed pictures on the second floor of Moulton Hall outside room 208. Select one non-traditional physicist from among those represented on these wall charts, review that person's history using several resources, and document that person's contributions to physics in your essay. Alternatively, you may choose another non-traditional physicist from another century who made significant contributions. In your essay, you will want to provide answers to the following and similar questions:
Each essay must satisfy the following general criteria: