Professor Debora M. Katz
Physics Department
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis MD, 21402
410-293-6656
dkatz@usna.edu
Current Classes
I am currently teaching SP211 (Physics I). The following documents were handed out on the first day of class:
Term project instructions and grading rubric
The Crossword puzzles are due at the beginning of class on the day indicated on the syllabus:
HOMEWORK: Homework problems are not graded for credit, but you may receive extra credit. Homework problems may be completed using WileyPlus. To receive extra credit for completing homework, however, you must turn in a hardcopy of your work by the date listed in the syllabus.
Extra credit: You can earn extra credit by studying physics with your group. Just complete this form.
TERM PROJECT: The term project is an individual project that counts the same as an in class, one-hour test. No group grade is given on the term project. You may consult with any living or nonliving source, but all sources must be listed in your references. You must describe the contribution living sources made to your work. Term projects completed by former students may be found in Ch 256. You are welcome to read these terms projects in the room, but do not remove them from the room. A few sample projects are linked here.
I am also teaching SP310 Astronomy. The following documents were handed out on the first day of class:
Here are pages you should read before class on Wednesday
Class participation: The course structure is a flipped classroom. Each student must be an active participate. Bring your textbook and calculator to each class. You are expected to read the textbook before class. Take notes on your reading. Come to class prepared to discuss the most important points. Bring your questions. We will discuss the reading and work on problems in pairs or teams in class. You will be graded on your class participation and readiness.
Review Questions: To ensure you are ready for the classroom discussion, you will be assigned review questions from the reading assignment. These are due at the beginning of each class. Your answers must be typed. Although you may hand draw figures and hand write equations.
Projects:
The Centennial Bulb has been illuminated for over 110 years. My students and I have run some tests on its sister bulbs.
My Work on Case Studies in Physics Education:
I gave a webinar on using case studies in introductory physics entitled Motivating Students in Introductory Physics
I also gave a talk at AAPT in Portland, OR in July, 2013 on Using Historical Case Studies in Introductory Physics
External Links and References to Case Studies and Project-based Learning:
Roger Schank advocates completely rethinking education. He proposes entirely project-based curricula.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science has a collection of cases.
Colorado State University has a nice one-page introduction to using case studies in education. From the main page, click on the site index, and find “case studies (writing guide)”.
