Forming Fundamental Phylosophies with Physics by Corrine

Forming Fundamental Phylosophies with Physics by Corrine - October 2016 Scholarship Essay

Every day we are faced with challenges. Every moment is a new decision,  and in that moment we need the skills to decide how to face each challenge. We live in a world where common sense is becoming scarce and problem solving unnatural. So how could I as a teacher help instill these skills in my students and inspire creative thinking? In order to answer the question, “...Which academic subject would you teach and why?” I must first answer the following questions: What is of great interest to me, and what does the world need to know more about? The answers to those questions are actually one in the same, and that is: critical thinking. That is why as a teacher I would choose Physics as my medium to deliver such skills.
Out of all the subjects in High School, it seems that Physics is among the most hated and disliked. That is another reason as to why I would choose to teach it. Helping students work through frustrating Physics problems might give them a sense of self control, and the belief that they can do hard things.  To quote Robert Frost, “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”  Whenever I persevere through  challenges (that I would rather quit), the rewards are priceless, my confidence is built, I have a sense of accomplishment and my attitude changes (attitude is everything). I think teaching Physics would broaden students interests and to stretch their understanding, in ways they may not like, which will make them better well rounded people.
Physics can be the source of much angst, and growth. One prime example would be lab assignments. Labs provide an interesting unique opportunity to apply knowledge and work together with fellow group members. When completing a lab, I have observed that some kids are distraught, others excited, and still more are arguing.  In one particular kinematics lab, the students must launch a nerf dart at a target through a series of six hula hoops placed one meter apart by predicting (and proving) where it will hit the target mathematically. But the catch is that the whole class must work together, and they may not use any known values (such as gravity). The students must discover everything on their own. Listening to all group members and not just forcing one's own ideas is one of the biggest challenges of group labs. Group labs also utilize a wide range of thinking such as mathematical application, creative solving, communication, spacial reasoning, and observations. A wide demand of skills is required in a lab to solve the given problem, and success will come only through working together. Each concept in Physics is testable and observable, thus making employing labs and asset to the class. The fact that Physics provides an opportunity to develop brain power through labs is another reason why I would choose to teach Physics if roles were reversed and I were a teacher.
Role reversal has fascinated the minds of humans for centuries. It involves learning something about someone and their position that you would never have known otherwise. Perhaps it would give teachers new ways of approaching their students, and give students a new respect for the effort their teacher puts into a lesson. Common sense can be developed through observation, and critical thinking for finding solutions to a tough problem, the challenge here for students and teachers alike is keeping an open mind.