PHYS 101 Spring 2014

Workshop Physical Science

TIME: MW 8:00 10:10 am; F 8:00 9:00 am.
ROOM: HS 363
Dr. R.Jambunathan (Dr.J)
Email:jambuna@uwosh.edu
Office Hours: TBA

PHONE: (920) 424-4430

OFFICE: HS 349

Course Objectives:
This course is a general education course for prospective elementary school and other
non-science majors. In this course we will emphasize the nature of science, activitybased learning, and communication skills. Rather than rapidly covering material
through lectures, WPS focuses on just a few concepts through hands-on activities.
Primarily, you will be learning through these hands-on activities, but there will also be
some lecturing involved. In this class you will learn how physics experiments are
structured and how to think critically about various physics concepts. Workshop
Physical Science is regarded as one of the most demanding 100-level courses on campus.
About This Course
The basic strategy of this course is to help you learn science by actually doing science.
By covering fewer topics, in more depth, you will develop a deep gutlevel understanding of scientific concepts. Often times, questions will be asked to deal
with known student learning difficulties. (If these questions seem too easy, you may
want to ask what your group partner thinks!)
In addition to covering lots of fun and interesting topics, youll also learn about the nature
of science: its basis, limits, and validity. Toward this end, well confront such questions
as, How do we know?, Why do we believe?, What counts as evidence?, and What
counts as science?
Guided Discovery
During class time, youll work in small 3-4 person groups. If you ask a question, and do
not get a direct answer the first time, do not be discouraged! Often the instructor will
answer a question with another questionat firstto make you think more deeply and
try some things on your own. This instructional style is sometimes referred to as the
guided discovery method. If you havent had a science course like this before, it may
take a few class sessions to adjust.
Remember: The instructor is not there to frustrate you, but to help you discover science
on your own! Years of science-education research and experience show this approach to
be effective to improve learning, and more rewarding for you, the student.

Learning by guided discovery can be difficult! The temptation to complain may be

irresistible at times. Do not give in! When you are faced with a road block, take a
deep breath, talk to your group members again, and try one more thing on your own.
This is the way of science. Then, if you are still stuck, flag down the instructor and say
something like, Hey, weve done this, this, and this, and still cant figure it out! At this
point the instructor will step in, and make sure you continue to make progress.
Course Outline:
We will be covering a number of topics through a variety of activities. The general
outline for the course will be studying measurements, motion, optics and astronomy (if
we have time). A typical week will have students working on activities during the first
two class periods of the week with Fridays reserved for discussions and quizzes. Given
the nature of the course, this is not set in stone. If topics of interest come up, we will
adjust the schedule.
Additional Supplies:
You should bring the following to each class period.
Clear plastic ruler
Calculator
Pencils (colored)
Student Requirements and Attendance:
Students are required to attend class as per University policy. The majority of the
projects you are working on will be done in groups. Hence your absence will not only
affect you, but your group. Tardiness will not be tolerated either! Much of the material
we will be covering does not come from the textbook. If you miss a class period, it will
not only be detrimental to your learning the material, but it will likely affect your
performance on exams and quizzes.
Excuses are given for University-sponsored events, medical problems, and funerals.
Each unexcused absence beyond two results in the loss of one letter grade for the
course. Written verification in the form of a doctors note, funeral program etc. is
required. Please hand me a hard copy of this documentation during class (do not send
email).
Students and faculty will be respectful and supportive of each other. Students will take
responsibility for their own learning. Students will be on time and keep workspaces
clean. All assignments will be on time.
Please be careful with the computers and laboratory equipment. At the end of each class
session remove any debris from your table and leave the lab equipment the way you
found it. When turning off a computer always use the proper shutdown procedure.

Grading (may be adjusted):

Participation
Activities
Quizzes/ Exams
Group Project (If assigned,
otherwise added to activities)
Grading Scale:

15%
15%
60%
10%

Grades will be determined on the following scale (which may change):

A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF

=85-100%
=82-84%
=79-81%
=75-78%
=72-74%
= 69-71%
=65-68%
=62-64%
=59-61%
=55-58%%
=52-54%
<52%

Activities:
You will be required to hand in worksheets for each lesson you are working on. Often
your group will hand in only one report for the whole group. Be sure that everyone in the
group is satisfied with it before handing it in as it represents the groups work.

Exams and Quizzes:

There will be three or four exams during the semester. These will be given
approximately one per 3 to 4 weeks. Each exam will cover only the material discussed
prior to that exam. As mentioned above, quizzes may also be given on Fridays,
but not on every Friday. These quizzes will consist of short answer questions and
some problem solving to test your knowledge of the material we have covered.
Group Project (if assigned)t:
Two full weeks of the course may be devoted to student-directed projects if we decide to
have them. This will be a small-group research experience intended to reflect real
science research, including: the submission of an original research plan, design and
construction of a simple experimental apparatus, data collection and analysis (using

methods learned in the course), a poster presentation, and oral presentation, and a final
research paper.
During the project period, attendance is not required, though many students find that
meeting during regular class time is convenient. Project grades are based on a final paper
and final presentations (poster and oral report). Each student receives also a group grade.
You will also evaluate the other groups, as well as the members within your group. The
instructor will supply more information about student projects at a later date.
Note to the Petrified and the Lazy:
If you are taking this course for an easy ride, better get off now! My aim is to help hardworking students learn. If you are petrified of science and math, I am here to help you.
You do not need to be a science whiz to do well in the course.
Additional Notes:
This schedule is tentative. Depending on the flow of the course we will spend more time
on some topics and less on others. Finally, I reserve all rights to change any of this as I
please.