Have you been encouraged to unplug a cord to “save energy?” Do you sometimes wonder if Tony Stark’s scientific explanations of the mechanics behind his suits are accurate, or if space travel in Guardians of the Galaxy is realistic? These questions need not remain abstract enigmas. Professor Darcy Barron shows that you only need to apply some of the basic rules and laws of physics. “With this great power,” you might say, you will be able to prove or disprove the myths you’ve heard all your life, or explain why the stunts and technology in your favorite Marvel movies are nonsense or spot-on.
These fun applications of physics enrich student engagement in Professor Darcy Barron’s Introduction to Physics (PHYS 1115) class. Barron focuses a basic understanding of physics on student lives outside of school. Here, even the physics beginner can uncover and explain the seeming impenetrability of the movements and actions of the universe.
Physics courses often have intimidating reputations, accompanied by tables, formulas, and elusive technical vocabulary. Barron’s course, though, provides more hands-on and active learning opportunities.
Students choose their own areas of investigation and conduct their own research. They use and apply tools learned in class to their own fields of interest, places of work, or everyday tasks and chores. Dr. Barron places priority on students connecting course content to their own lives and future experiences. Once students select their research topics, they work with Dr. Barron to explain and demystify the phenomena they encounter.
For instance, Dr. Barron shares how one student used the physics she learned in her course to settle debates with her mother regarding closing doors to reduce energy costs. Other students have applied physics to the accessories or options auto dealers might talk you into purchasing to “improve” your car (does nitrogen in your tires really help?). Another student applied what he learned to his field in the Navy, debunking flat earth conspiracy theories.
In Physics 1115, students also learn about more about research processes. They learn how to find credible and reliable sources of information, how to review technical articles and mass media stories, how to debunk media claims that are unsupported by research, and how to frame their own questions within a research framework. Students learn how to use physics to become more informed citizens and independent thinkers.
Physics 1115 does not have any prerequisites, nor is any prior knowledge in math, science, or physics needed. Dr. Barron understands that the math can be intimidating, but once students gain a basic understanding, “you can use math to perfectly calculate how to get to the moon.” In fact, many students enroll not having taken a math class in quite some time. Professor Barron explains that the course is meant to complement numerous majors and fields of specialization.
Professor Barron frames her course as “appreciating physics.” She explains the importance of basic physics as offering an explanation of the phenomena we encounter in our everyday lives.
Through her course, she illustrates how physics adds real-life everyday value, and encourages students to consider how they can use physics to support their own research projects, both in and outside of physics disciplines.
The development of Dr. Barron’s Physics 1115 was supported by the UNM ECURE program, funded by the National Science Foundation.