Welcome to PHY1103

General Physics is an introductory course for students to become familiar with basic physical phenomena using algebra-level math.  In the lecture section of the course that I am responsible for, students will be taught using the Modeling Instruction (MI) approach.  In education-speech, Modeling is a constructivist approach that uses inquiry to help students build on their experiences in a social setting.  In “English,” all this means is that we will all use what we know, as a group, to “do” science in the classroom and to learn what we can from the experiences.

We will spend a lot of time in the classroom “playing” with toys and equipment to explore physical phenomena.  And, we’ll spend time discussing the results as a class to develop a “model” of the phenomena that we can use in new ways.  When a particular model no longer works, we’ll either modify it or start a new one.

So, get ready to explore the world in a new way.  Just remember, you’re not in this alone.  You will have your classmates, the instructors, and online resources.  These resources can be found via ASULearn under General Physics.  Make sure to check ASULearn often as new resources will be added often during each week. If you need to contact your instructor, the best way is to email me at allenpe@appstate.edu.  And, take time to get to know your classmates so you find others to work with both in and out of class.

Along the way to learning physics, make sure to have fun!