Category Archives: Modeling.

A Physics Teacher’s Strongman Trick

Posted on July 9, 2017 by marcreif

Strongman tricks often involve seemingly impossible tasks like bending iron bars, lifting gigantic weights, or pulling trains with your teeth. This “teacher trick” doesn’t take great strength to impress. Using a clever arrangement of a mirror and a laser, students … Continue reading →

Posted in about teaching and learning, AP Physics 1 and 2, Modeling., Teaching Ideas | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

WHITEBOARDING TECHNIQUES (To promote a good classroom environment and possibly, inquiry)

Posted on June 14, 2017 by marcreif

A brief description of the ways I have used whiteboards to promote discussions in the modeling physics classroom. Continue reading →

Posted in Labs, Modeling., Teaching Ideas, Uncategorized, Whiteboarding | 2 Comments

The First Day of School: Marshmallows and Spaghetti

Posted on July 28, 2016 by marcreif

I have used this as a first-day activity for several years. Students walk in, and sit in groups of three or four assigned for them. The groups are given a large marshmallow, 20 sticks of spaghetti, about a meter of masking … Continue reading →

Posted in about teaching and learning, Modeling., Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment