Physics

I. Knowing the Content

The professional education program provides evidence that Physics certification candidates complete a program of Physics studies the same as the academic content area courses and required electives of a major in a bachelor's degree. The program shall require the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of and competencies in teaching the fundamental concepts, inquiry based laboratory experiences and relevant applications of the science of physics to mathematics and the other sciences content areas necessary for a teaching at the secondary level (7-12) including:

Note: Students majoring in Astrophysics will also be eligible for certification in Physics, as

they are required to complete the same sequence of courses as Physics majors, with additional

requirements in Astronomy, Astronomy 16: Modern Astrophysics and two seminars in Astronomy. All Physics majors are required to take two Physics seminars.

I.A. Major concepts common to physics and chemistry:

• nature of matter, evidence for the structure of matter,

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law,14) Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 133: Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy)

• interaction of matter and energy

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics. )

• conservation of matter and energy

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics,14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics)

• heat and thermodynamics

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 4: General Physics II, 7 Introductory Mechanics,14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, ll4: Statistical Physics)

I.B. Mechanics

• kinematics and dynamics

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 111: Analytical Dynamics)

• conservation of momentum, conservation of energy

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 111: Analytical Dynamics)

• gravitational forces and fields

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 111: Analytical Dynamics, and 130: General Relativity)

• relativity theory

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 112: Electrodynamics)

I.C. Electricity and magnetic fields:

• electric circuits and electronics,

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 63: Procedures in Experimental Physics, 112: Electrodynamics, Engineering 72A: Electronic Circuit Applications)

• technological applications of electricity and electronics

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 112: Electrodynamics, Engineering 72A: Electronic Circuit Applications, 138: Plasma Physics)

• electric and magnetic forces and fields

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 112: Electrodynamics)

I.D. Wave properties

• models and phenomena,

Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 50: Mathematical Methods of Physics, 111: Analytical Dynamics, 115: Quantum Applications)

• sound,

(Physics 3: General Physics I)

• electromagnetic radiation, including spectroscopy, light and color, geometric and

physical optics

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves, 14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 21: Light and Color, 116: Modern Optics)

• waves on stretched strings, standing waves and resonance

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 111: Analytical Dynamics)

I.E. Atomic and nuclear theory, including:

• Nuclear physics, radioactivity, fission and fusion (Physics 4: General Physics II, 14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 115: Quantum Applications)

• fundamental particles

(Physics 6: The Character of Physical Law, 14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 131: Particle Physics)

• quantum mechanics

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law,14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics,113: Quantum theory, 115: Quantum Applications,134: Advanced Quantum Mechanics)

• wave/particle duality

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law,14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics,113: Quantum theory, 115: Quantum Applications,134: Advanced Quantum Mechanics)

I.F. Ethical, human, and environmental implications of contemporary physics

(Physics 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law, 20: Principles of the Earth Sciences, 29: Seminar on Gender and (Physical) Science)

I.G. Laboratory instruction and experimental techniques:

• design of experiments

(Physics 3: General Physics I, 4: General Physics II, 6: The Character of Physical Law, 7: Introductory Mechanics, 8: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves,14: Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 82A: Advanced Laboratory)

• data analysis and presentation

• preparation of laboratory reports

• operation of physics laboratory equipment, e.g., motion measuring devices, simple

electronics equipment, optics equipment

I.H. Current research and practices on Physics pedagogy.

(Physics 29: Seminar on Gender and (Physical) Science, Special Methods Workshop in Physics)

II. Performances

The professional education program provides evidence of the candidates participation in sequential and developmental field experiences and student teaching, under supervision of college personnel and cooperating teachers who are well trained, have interpersonal skills and demonstrated competence in teaching physics. The program also provides evidence that the criteria and competencies for exit from the Physics certification program are assessed and require the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of and competence in fostering student learning through:

II.A. Managing the instructional environment including:

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar, Ed 21: Educational Psychology)

• creating a climate that promotes fairness,

• establishing and maintaining rapport with students,

• communicating clear, challenging expectations to each student,

• establishing and maintaining consistent standards of classroom behavior,

• creating a safe environment conducive to learning,

• using instructional time effectively.

II.B. Planning instruction which promotes problem analysis, critical thinking, creativity, leadership development and decision-making

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar, Ed. 21: Educational Psychology, Special Methods Workshop in Physics)

• subject matter, organization and integration of content and its relationship to

education, career and life goals,

• students and their learning, motivation, supervision and guidance with emphasis on

human behavior and development, individual differences, diversity and the special

needs of students,

• professional organization guidelines,

• Pennsylvania Academic Standards.

II.C. Selecting, analyzing, modifying and incorporating instructional materials to meet the learning needs and reading level of diverse learners

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar, Ed. 21; Educational Psychology, Special Methods Workshops in Physics)

• curriculum resources and technology,

• hands on laboratory experiences.

II.D. Monitor student progress and performance and adjust instructional strategies through a variety of assessment tools in order to strengthen the effectiveness and quality of instruction for improved student learning

(Ed. 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods Seminar, Ed 21: Educational

Psychology)

III. Professionalism

The professional education program provides evidence that Physics certification candidates demonstrate knowledge and competencies that foster professionalism in school and community including:

III.A. Professional organizations and associations, professional publications and journals, materials, and resources

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar, Special Methods workshops in Physics).

III.B. Integrity and ethical behavior, professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania's Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations

(Education 14: Introduction to Education, 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar).

III.C. Cultivating professional relationships and collaborating with school colleagues, organizations and other community agencies to improve student learning

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar).

III.D. Communicating effectively with parents/guardians, business and industry, and other agencies, and the community at large to support learning by all students

(Education 16: Practice Teaching, Ed. 17: Curriculum and Methods seminar).