Welcome to San Miguel High School!
Conceptual Physics
The foundation for all lab sciences
Welcome Scientist!
Conceptual Physics is the study of the interactions of matter and energy in our wondrous universe.
The class uses the modeling method which allows you to become real scientists. Humans are naturally curious; you will investigate the world around you using and growing your observation skills, collaborative skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking skills.
Rather than memorizing equations and solving math problems, this class focuses on real-world messy problems that don't have a single solution, and which physics may help solve. How can wind generated electrical energy be used in urban Tucson? What can we do to make our lives and community better through physics? There will be problems to solve, labs to complete, and tests to take, but you will be on your own journey of discovery and understanding that will provide a deeper connection than any traditional lecture could possibly provide.
Flippin' Amazing!
Conceptual Physics is a Hybrid Classroom which means that it clearly defines what are called the individual space and group space. Instead of the basic learning happening in the classroom (the group space) where different students learn at different rates, the learning happens on the student's own time (the individual space). This allows for a much more relaxed atmosphere in the classroom as students work on the harder work (traditionally assigned as "homework") during the group space where a teacher, and, more importantly, other students are available for help. Class time will be devoted to applying physics (and trying to figure it out)!
Hybrid Classroom
Students will be required to interact with learning objects on their own time to keep up with the lesson objectives and in class discussions.
Learning Objects
Readings, Instructional Videos, and Interactive Tutorials are just a few of the learning objects done in the individual space.
Google Classroom will contain all of the assignments, links to assignments, deadlines, and calendars for Conceptual Physics
EdPuzzle is a website that allows teachers to curate video content and tailor it specifically for the classroom - allowing teachers to add interactivity and accountability
Perusall is an online tool that automatically checks for student-engagement with assigned readings. Students get feedback almost immediately from each other and the AI about how their comments are connecting the material.
MasteringPhysics is a large resource that can assess students' mastery of content. Students will assess their problem-solving skills and conceptual knowledge with this exclusive tool. This is also the electronic textbook for the course.
And many many more!
Why Flipped?
Traditionally, class time is spent on introducing concepts which is the beginning of the learning cycle according to Bloom's Revised Taxonomy...
... then homework would be assigned where students would attempt to apply and analyze using their new knowledge.
Unfortunately, this higher order of thinking is much harder to do on your own without a guide to ask the right questions, or someone else to at least be able to work with. The flipped classroom puts the easier "remembering and understanding" into the individual space so that the harder applying and analyzing parts can be done in class with the aid of other learners and your teacher. This also frees up time for more in-class hands-on minds-on activities to enhance the learning!