Physics & Physical Science Demos, Labs, & Projects for High School Teachers

Am I the only one that really looks forward to getting back to the routine and yet has a huge pile of stress and anxiety over the workload?

I got hit with so much new stuff this year that I’m overwhelmed before even beginning.  We have a couple new science teachers, my Conceptual Physics class is being shifted to a new teacher.  I’m not sad about that, although I love teaching the “adapted” class, they are the kids that work the hardest and generally love the hands-on work I do.  I will miss that group.  I have three sections of Physics, and for the first time, juniors will be allowed to double up on science and take my class.  This means I can possibly have a second year physics course next year.  I think I’m going to ask my administrator to change the name of the course to Physics I, thus hinting at a Physics II.  Progress, definitely.

I also got asked to teach Calculus.  This will be the first time our school has the course, and I will have the best 14 math/science students in the senior class.  Like many of you, I haven’t touched the subject since college (specifically 1982 – my sophomore year).  Yes, I’m certified in math and physics, but Calculus is not Algebra.  These are great kids and I don’t want to let them down.

I also have a new elective this year; Robotics & Astronomy.  We are starting the year with the robots since I’ve also taken over the boy’s varsity soccer coaching position.  I’m hoping the workload for this class won’t be too bad, I have at least an idea of what we are doing with the robots.

I can’t even imagine what it is like coming back to no new courses or challenges?  It must be boring.