Physics
One of the unavoidable shortcomings of an introductory physics course is the lack of time to explore the most exciting topics in physics. Another limitation is that the fascinating human stories behind the science are rarely part of the discussion. As a partial remedy, write a report on a topic of your choice (see below).
Genre: Wikipedia is an internet treasure. Write your report as if you were composing a Wikipedia entry. Use figures and diagrams as necessary. Be sure to cite all your sources.
Target Audience: Your target audience is a reader of Wikipedia who is interested in physics but has never taken a college course in the subject. You could even keep in mind someone close to you who has not taken a college level physics course, such as a family member or a friend. Write for this person, aiming to convey the key ideas accurately, without relying on technical jargon. Don’t shy away from using physics terms (that’s neither possible nor desirable while writing about physics) but explain these in language that this person can understand.One of the unavoidable shortcomings of an introductory physics course is the lack of time to explore the most exciting topics in physics. Another limitation is that the fascinating human stories behind the science are rarely part of the discussion. As a partial remedy, write a report on a topic of your choice (see below).
Genre: Wikipedia is an internet treasure. Write your report as if you were composing a Wikipedia entry. Use figures and diagrams as necessary. Be sure to cite all your sources.
Target Audience: Your target audience is a reader of Wikipedia who is interested in physics but has never taken a college course in the subject. You could even keep in mind someone close to you who has not taken a college level physics course, such as a family member or a friend. Write for this person, aiming to convey the key ideas accurately, without relying on technical jargon. Don’t shy away from using physics terms (that’s neither possible nor desirable while writing about physics) but explain these in language that this person can understand.
Topic: The Physics of (topic/discovery/invention of your choice).
Examples: climate, nuclear energy, rockets, airplanes, lasers, radar, optical equipment (cameras, telescopes, binoculars), biomedical imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, PET, or ultrasound), your favorite sport etc. There are lots of choices. Include the following:
• The reason for your choice of topic (10 points) • The relevant physics principles described accurately in language that your target
audience can understand (60 points) • The people and history behind the discovery/invention (30 points)Topic: The Physics of (topic/discovery/invention of your choice).
Examples: climate, nuclear energy, rockets, airplanes, lasers, radar, optical equipment (cameras, telescopes, binoculars), biomedical imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, PET, or ultrasound), your favorite sport etc. There are lots of choices. Include the following:
• The reason for your choice of topic (10 points) • The relevant physics principles described accurately in language that your target
audience can understand (60 points) • The people and history behind the discovery/invention (30 points)
Grading will consider the content as well as the clarity of the writing. Pick a topic that you are excited to learn more about!
• Reports should be in 11-point font and double-spaced with standard 1-inch margins.Grading will consider the content as well as the clarity of the writing. Pick a topic that you are excited to learn more about!
• Reports should be in 11-point font and double-spaced with standard 1-inch margins.
