(and what those say who are opposed to it)
Some thoughts for justification of inclusion of physics in the school curriculum.
Physics 310
READINGS FOR TEACHING HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS
Illinois State University Physics Teacher
Education
Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator
Spring Semester 2006
The key reasons for the study of physics is that physics helps us to:
1. control and exploit the forces of nature (proves a sense of empowerment)
2. satisfy human curiosity
3. understand the body of knowledge we call science so that we may choose between good and bad applications
4. become aware of nature and its limitations
5. avoid alienation from the technological world
6. understand our world because science is a prerequisite for a thorough understanding
7. distinguish between fact and fiction
8. lead healthier and safer lives
9. promote a scientific attitude
10. provide ourselves with a competent work force to maintain economic growth
11. build problem-solving skills
12. understand the greatest of human accomplishment
13. generate openness to new ideas
14. provide the simplest of systems to study (in contrast with complex systems encountered in biology and chemistry)
15. provide content relevant to other fields of study
16. understand the role that physics has had in shaping history
17. with the development of a liberal education
18. provides a common basis for discussion and understandings
19. understand our own limitations and capabilities
20. maintain our stewardship of planet earth
21. gain insight into how people have explained the physical world
22. become better consumers - we won't get ripped off by outlandish claims
23. see that nature is inherently comprehensible
24. federal and state law call for higher accountability among students, and part of the accountability framework is physics
25. physics is a "central" subject, essential to the understanding of such disciplines as biology and chemistry; check out "Physics First" websites to see some of the argumentation in this area.
26. physics heavily used in various military careers and these students won't have an opportunity to take physics in the military
27. physics heavily used in the professions and trades such as doctor, nurse, aviator, plumber, and electrician
28. physics promotes careers in physical science and engineering, without which the US can not do
29. physics central to understanding much of the technology we encounter on a daily basis in our vocations
30. physics provides intellectual challenges in the way that many other courses of study do not
When attempting to justify physics in a high school curriculum, be certain to focus on those things that make Physics unique. Many other disciplines can make many of the same claims above.
Extra Items:
The Intuitor web page http://www.intuitor.com/ has some interesting statements about the benefits of studying physics.
The American Institute of Physics' "Physics First" webpage http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2002/034.html also has excellent information about why to study physics.
AAPT Statement of Physics First. American Association of Physics Teachers (13 April 2003)
Why Physics? Center for State Scholars (click on "physics" for link to downloadable PDF)
The Business - Higher Education Forum in an February 16, 2005 report (http://www.bhef.com/media/feb1605.cfm) noted that the US is suffering a de facto brain drain of an unusual type and proportions. Foreign nationals who have come to learn in the US for an education are now returning home in greater proportions. This leaves the US without the required scientists the need for which was previously filled by foreign nationals who came and then remained in the US. Check out the report.
Why NOT teach physics?
Here are some reasons (not all good) why a school administration might argue against keeping a physics course during budget short falls, etc.: