Honors Physics Essentials Only $12.95!

Happy Holidays!

clip_image002I am thrilled to announce the release of Honors Physics Essentials, an algebra-based physics book designed to assist beginning physics students in their high school and introductory college physics courses as an invaluable supplemental resource in class as well as a review guide for standardized physics assessments such as the SAT Subject Test in Physics, PRAXIS Physics, and CST Physics exams.  You can find it online at Amazon.com for only $12.95.

Honors Physics Essentials is an easy-to-read guide to algebra-based introductory physics, featuring more than 500 worked-out problems with full solutions and covering topics such as: kinematics, dynamics, momentum, impulse, gravity, uniform circular motion, rotational kinematics, work, energy, power, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, microelectronics, waves, sound, optics, thermal physics, fluids, and modern physics.

The 384-page 6”x9” paperback book is integrated with the APlusPhysics.com website, which includes online question and answer forums, videos, animations, and supplemental problems to help students master Honors Physics Essentials.  You can find more information at http://www.aplusphysics.com/honors.  Volume discounts and e-book versions are available, as are class and site licenses for electronic versions starting as low as $3 per student.

I have so many people to thank for their contributions to this endeavor that I hardly know where to begin.  First, I’d like to thank all the fans of the first book, Regents Physics Essentials (RPE), and fans of the APlusPhysics website.  It was your requests, feedback, and encouragement that prompted the writing of this book.  Following the release of RPE, reader response was tremendous, and your requests for a similar book extending beyond the scope of the NY Regents Curriculum that could be used in physics classrooms across the country as well as for standardized test preparation made the development of this book a personal necessity.

Second, I must thank my two outstanding editors, Jeff Guercio and Joe Kunz, who graciously took many hours out of their busy lives to help make this book (and Regents Physics Essentials) clear, concise, and readable.  I’d also like to thank my student Emily, who first proposed turning our course notes into a review book, and Andrew, who reinforced that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.  I’d also like to thank Muse, whose enthusiasm for this book has been contagious.

Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank all the teachers and professors who contributed to this endeavor.  In attempting to write a physics book that would serve the needs of Honors Physics students across the country (and beyond), the input of these teachers and professors has been instrumental in tailoring this book to the needs of a majority of students, while at the same time keeping the length (and cost) low enough to remain attractive to its intended audience.

I’ve enjoyed working on this project throughout the past two years, but as in any extended project, I’m breathing a sigh of relief to have reached the finish line (at least for now).  I hope you find the APlusPhysics website and family of resources a useful tool in your study / instruction of physics, and I look forward to growing our online learning community in the coming years.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best wishes on an amazing 2012!

The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics

New book release by our friend Jim Kakalios, author of The Physics of Superheroes and first guest on our Physics In Action podcast:

 

amazing_b1 As a young science fiction fan, physicist James Kakalios marveled at the future predicted in the pulp magazines, comics, and films of the ’50s and ’60s. By 2010, he was sure we’d have flying cars and jetpacks. But what we ended up with—laptop computers, MRI machines, Blu-ray players, and dozens of other real-life marvels—are even more fantastic. In The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics, he explains why the development of quantum mechanics enabled our amazing present day.

In his trademark style, Kakalios uses pop culture examples—everything from the graphic novel Watchmen to schlock horror movies of the ’50s—to elucidate some of the most complex science there is. And he brings to life the groundbreaking scientists whose discoveries made our present life possible. Along the way, he dispels the misconception that quantum mechanics is unknowable by mere mortals.

PIA Podcast Episode 23: Star Wars, Newton’s Laws, and Springs!

lady_news_anchor_hg_wht Students have published the first Physics in Action podcast episode of season 3, featuring a look at physics in the Star Wars universe, a retro-styled look at Newton’s Laws of Motion, and an investigation into springs.  You can subscribe for free through iTunes, or download directly from the APlusPhysics.com website.  Great start to a new season, guys!

 

Subscribe for free through iTunes by clicking here.

Metric System

Metric System / Paperclip Lab                                                               9/6/11

Agenda:

  • Student Letters
  • Scientific Notation
  • Metric System

Due Today:
   Watch "What is Physics" video on APlusPhysics.com

Homework:
   1) Return Expectation Sheets by 9/7
   2) APlusPhysics.com Introductory Forum Post/Response by 9/9
             Looking great so far!!!
   3) Watch "Regents Video 2B&2C Sig Figs & Scientific Notation" on APlusPhysics.com

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Intro to Regents Physics

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Classroom Expectations

My expectations for the year are simple yet far-reaching:

  1. Come prepared to class each and every day.
  2. Give me your best effort each and every day.
  3. Be respectful – to yourself, to your classmates, and to the instructor.
  4. Conduct yourself in a professional manner.

The following classroom rules should also be observed:

  1. Giving less than your best at any time will not be tolerated. If you put the effort in, I will MORE than meet you halfway this year. We will embrace a goal of EVERY STUDENT succeeding in physics at the beginning of the year, and we will achieve that goal by the end of the year through effort, dedication, discipline, and teamwork.
  2. No electronic entertainment devices, non-educational websites, or cell phones are to be used during class time unless authorized as part of the classroom activity and used appropriately. Inappropriate use of technology will result in confiscation of the device and/or loss of computer privileges. If an emergency arises, please seek the instructor’s permission in advance.
  3. No pants are to be worn below the waist line. A belt will be provided to you should you choose not to comply.

Materials needed for this class:

  1. Notebook
  2. Calculator (scientific)
  3. Binder
  4. Pen/Pencil
  5. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

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APlusPhysics Regents Course Tutorials Completed!

Whew!  It’s been a long and challenging project, but I am thrilled to announce that the APlusPhysics.com Regents Physics course tutorial has been completed (well, at least the first revision). I’ve been done with the tutorial less than 20 minutes, and already I’m making notes on additions, modifications, and enhancements, but I think it’s worth taking a moment to step back and look at everything that’s been accomplished.image

A year ago I had never created a web page, and didn’t know the difference between HTML and ELMO. But, with a vision to create a resource specific to the needs of the students I see every day, and with the support of friends and family, I started picking up books, reading web articles, and making many, many designs on paper to script out what I wanted to build.

As of this morning, with the upload of a question bank of more than 500 Regents Physics questions from past years, I’m amazed at how much has been created. The APlusPhysics Regents Tutorials include objectives, explanations, sample problems, FLASH animations, integrated quizzes, videos… just about everything you could ask for in an online resource tailored to a specific course.

So what comes next? I’d like to continue my work to pre-record video lessons of all the major topics in the Regents Physics course, with the ultimate goal of spending in-class time working on hands-on lab activities, as well as supporting students individually and in small groups, and minimizing the less-effective entire-class-instruction time. Second, several students have inquired as to whether I might take the course content material on APlusPhysics and expand it into a written mini-book / synopsis for the Regents Physics course. Though initially hesitant, the more I think about it, the more I find value in creation of the written “APlusPhysics’s Guide to Regents Physics.” And oh, by the way, did I mention the list of website enhancements I’ve already started on?

The question, then, is where to start. As much as I try to deny it, I know I’ll be working on website revisions by tonight, in tandem with my next project.  So which to tackle next, the video mini-lessons, or the printed guidebook?  Or both? Would love to hear your feedback and thoughts!

And, as with any endeavor of such scale, allow me to again thank all my supporters, students, colleagues, family members and contributors. This is a huge milestone for APlusPhysics and the culmination of hundreds of hours of frustration and effort, which has already paid for itself in personal learning and confidence. I’ve come out all the better for it, and I hope this resource helps others say the same.