Have you ever wondered how much physics you really know? As the President of the United States, a nation with a rich history in nuclear technology, computing, and telecommunications, you might assume you have a solid grasp of these subjects. However, if your education was like that of most American high school students, you might not be familiar with the physics behind these innovations. No offense intended, but the standard physics curriculum in the U.S. often stops at discoveries made before 1865.
Think about it: 1865 was the year the Civil War ended, and it was more than a decade before Albert Einstein was even born. In the 150 years since then, we’ve seen incredible advancements in physics. Yet, many of these aren’t covered in high school courses. Here are just a few concepts that are often left out:
These are some of the most significant developments in physics, yet they are missing from the standard curriculum. Imagine if history classes skipped over major events like the abolition of slavery or the world wars. Or if biology classes ignored DNA and modern germ theory. It would be unthinkable!
Why am I addressing this to you, Mr. President? Because you have the power to influence education policy. The Secretary of Education, whom you appoint, plays a crucial role in shaping what students learn. Some might argue that modern physics is too complex for high school students, but that’s simply not true. Great educators like Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, and Neil deGrasse Tyson have shown that the wonders of the universe can be made accessible and engaging for everyone.
To inspire the next generation of innovators and explorers, we must teach them about the groundbreaking discoveries of the past century. Math is a beautiful tool that helps us understand these concepts, and it should be celebrated in education.
In the last 150 years, our understanding of the universe has transformed dramatically. These new ideas and problem-solving techniques should be at the heart of physics education. If we don’t make these changes, the next great physicists might come from countries with more forward-thinking educational systems—or even from the vast resources of the Internet.
Let’s work together to make physics education in the U.S. as awesome as it can be. If you’re interested in learning more about physics education from a different perspective, I recommend checking out Brady’s channel, Sixty Symbols, for insights from the UK. You might find it enlightening.
Sincerely,
A collection of atoms known as Henry
Choose one of the modern physics concepts mentioned in the article, such as antimatter or the Higgs Boson. Conduct research to understand its significance and applications. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting why this concept is important in today’s world.
Use online simulation tools like PhET Interactive Simulations to explore concepts such as the structure of atoms or the bending of light by gravity. Engage with the simulations to see these phenomena in action, and write a brief report on what you learned and how it relates to real-world applications.
Participate in a class debate on whether modern physics should be included in the high school curriculum. Prepare arguments for or against the inclusion of these topics, considering their complexity and relevance to current technological advancements.
Create an art project that represents a modern physics concept, such as black holes or the expanding universe. Use any medium you prefer, such as drawing, painting, or digital art. Present your artwork to the class and explain the physics concept it represents.
Conduct an interview with a physics teacher or a professional physicist to gain insights into the importance of modern physics. Prepare a set of questions about how these concepts are applied in their field and what changes they would like to see in physics education. Share your findings with the class.
Physics – The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. – In our physics class, we learned about the fundamental forces that govern the universe.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. – Education in physics helps students understand the principles that explain natural phenomena.
Curriculum – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college. – The physics curriculum this year includes topics like electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.
Photons – Elementary particles that are the quantum of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation. – In physics, we study how photons interact with matter to produce phenomena like reflection and refraction.
Antimatter – Substance composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as particles of ordinary matter but opposite charges. – The concept of antimatter is crucial in understanding the symmetry and balance in the universe.
Lasers – Devices that emit light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. – Lasers are used in physics experiments to measure distances with high precision.
Chaos Theory – A branch of mathematics focusing on the behavior of dynamical systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions. – Chaos theory helps physicists understand complex systems like weather patterns and fluid dynamics.
Black Holes – Regions of spacetime exhibiting gravitational acceleration so strong that nothing can escape from them. – The study of black holes is a fascinating topic in astrophysics, revealing the extreme conditions of the universe.
Universe – All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. – Physics seeks to explain the origins and structure of the universe through theories like the Big Bang.
Innovation – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices. – Innovation in physics education can lead to more engaging and effective teaching methods.
