A presentation I made during the 30th PPS National Convention at Siquijor State College in 2008. This presentation suggests an approach in teaching high school Physics.

1. Conceptual Physics andConceptual Physics and
the Integration of Physicsthe Integration of Physics
OlympicsOlympics
3030thth
PPS National Convention-WorkshopPPS National Convention-Workshop
Siquijor State UniversitySiquijor State University
Larena, SiquijorLarena, Siquijor
April 2-5, 2008April 2-5, 2008
Engr. Philip P. Carpina
Bacolod Tay Tung High School

2. To fully appreciate NatureTo fully appreciate Nature
you need to know itsyou need to know its
Rules!Rules!
Physics holds some
of the Nature’s Basic
Rules

3. Comprehension of Concepts
before Calculation is the Key
to Understanding.
Focus on the WHY, not so much on the HOW.
REASONS COMPUTATIONS
Only those who are
Good in Math excel.
Everybody will have
the chance to excel.

4. We all want our students to enjoy the
“Killer Course”.
Why Physics become a Killer Course?
1. Too much focus on computations!
2. Too little hands-on activities or experiments!
3. We give an impression that Physics is just another
Mathematics.
Some Objective Difficulties
1. Teachers are afraid to try new things. We are
contented with what we were taught.
2. Students have the pre-conceived idea that
Physics is difficult.

5. Is teaching Conceptual Physics really Advantageous?
We will cover more topics.
We will have more student
interaction and participation.
What about its Disadvantages?
Teachers need to be more creative (to see connections
easily) and more patient (for personal study).
- A typical textbook has 20-23 Chapters.
The challenge is cover all of them. HOW?
- Students will be standing on a level ground
since there are LESS intimidating computations.

6. Conceptual Physics with Physics Olympics
Learning by Doing.
Teaching our students responsibility.
1. An alternative to the Students Project (Output).
2. They apply the concepts learned and foster their
creativity.
3. Encourages teamwork and Cooperative Learning.
1. Leaders will be assigned for each event.
2. Students themselves will be the judges.

7. Physics Olympics
The Syllabus or Course Outline should be clear
Instructions should be clear to ALL.
1. The students should know exactly what topics are
included for the grading period.
2. The schedule could be one week before the periodic
exam. It could take several periods depending on the
number of events.
3. The mechanics should be explained clearly.
4. The events could include the following:
a. Quizzics (Quiz Bee involving topics covered)
b. Events (doable in one-period).
c. Major event
1. All instructions should be given to the groups
ahead of time to allow them to clarify
matters.

8. Physics Olympics
Suggested Steps:
Grading and Scoring:
1. Divide the Class into a group of 6-8 persons.
2. Give them the list of events and the rules for each
event.
3. Let them assign the leader and the judge for each
event.
4. Let the judges (by event) meet and discuss the rules.
5. Let the judges confer with the leader of the same
event in their group.
6. If there are questions, only the leader or the judge
should approach the teacher.
1. Their score in these events will be their project grade.
Everybody participates… Everybody Enjoys…

9. Sample Physics Olympics
Topics:
Events:
1. Linear Motion.
2. Inertia
3. Newton’s Third Law - Interaction
4. Impulse and Momentum
1. Quizzics (serves as a review for the upcoming
quarterly exam).
2. Coin in a Cup
3. Egg drop (there are so many variations to choose
from)
4. Water Rocket (Major Event)

10. For More Resources
You may email me at pcarpina@gmail.com
1)Sample Test Questions and Item bank.
2)Exercises and Problem Sets.
Thank You Very Much…

11. Photo Gallery
Steam Boat

12. Photo Gallery
Summa Cubes
Tumbling Chips

13. Photo Gallery
Egg Drop Entry
(Sputnik)
Egg Drop Entry
(Inverted Rocket)

14. Photo Gallery
Water Transfer
Cantilever

15. Photo Gallery
Quizzics
Cantilever

16. Photo Gallery
BLOCK TOWER

17. Photo Gallery
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION